USGI 1911s

[BigBill]

Nib auto ordnance US Army 1911a1 $389 cast frame forged slide 4140
Nib Springfield Armory GI Mil Spec 1911a1 $424 all forged

Bought two and saved $$

I can't see spending what our parents taxes already paid for again when it's been refurbed how many times and might be a mix of different manufacturers parts. In the surplus military guns mixing up parts is unacceptable so why change now? Paying for over priced 1911 when it's not all matching isn't considered a collectible.

 

[VaTom]

The best reference that I have found is a web site...
www.CoolGunsite.com
It has a lot of data to help find a descent 1911. Hope this helps.

Use the website to study up on all the small differences in the military contract WWII pistols. Changes were made throughout war. Special attention to barrels, triggers, slide release, mainspring housing, hammers. I was fortunate to obtain a 1943 Ithaca that is all original about 10 years ago for $1250 off GB. I assume it was a war bringback. Worth about double that now. Good luck and do your homework before purchasing.

 

[BigBill]

The most I ever spent on a 1911a1 was a colt government model series 80 45acp in nickel. $1,000. I replaced what I sold decades ago.

 

[Welder1]

Thank you all for your responses. It always amazes me no matter what area collecting this forum always produces the best knowledge. My biggest problem I'm coming across is where to find decent examples to acquire. I try and stay away from the auction sites. Most of the local shops have them sold before they hit the case

 

[BigBill]

Besides the clone Chinese norinco 1911a1 the auto ordnance us Army 1911a1 is a great choice.
Firearms - Auto Ordnance - Pistols - 1911 - Kahr Firearms Group

1911A1, GI Specs., Matte Black Finish, 45Cal w/ U.S. Logo Grip - Kahr Firearms Group

Purdy ain't they?

 

[walnutred]

I can't see spending what our parents taxes already paid for again when it's been refurbed how many times and might be a mix of different manufacturers parts. In the surplus military guns mixing up parts is unacceptable so why change now? Paying for over priced 1911 when it's not all matching isn't considered a collectible.

As a former 76Y20 I can tell you the mixing of parts was not just during arsenal rebuilds. After a unit came back from the field the closest we came to keeping parts separate was running the M60, M2HB and 1911A1 parts through separate parts washers. So you can also see mismatched finishes on honest military firearms. The one exception I ever made was when I was in a Headquarters Battery we had 5 Remington M1911A1s with consecutive serial numbers. I sorted through the other 1911s and tried to keep correct parts with those 5 pistols.