Just Inherited a full size 1911...

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Just Inherited a full size 1911...

Posted: 12/13/2010 3:55:28 AM EDT

I inherited a 1911 from my Step Father who passed away earlier this year. Unfortunately I know nothing about it. I had been planning on purchasing (and still plan on) a 1911 early next year and this one is definitely kickstarting my addiction. Anyway, I will not have this 1911 in my possession until this coming Wednesday, when my Mom comes out to visit my wife and me for Christmas. I was hoping that you guys can help me out with a few questions I have. I know the picture below is a pretty crappy one since it was taken on a cell phone, but I was hoping you guys might be able to identify as much info as you can about it. Unfortunately I have no serial number or make right now. Also, I was hoping that you guys could suggest a good holster for a full size 1911. I am looking at something I can use for carry as well as shooting IDPA/USPSA which I am hoping to get into next year. Thanks for the help guys.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd429/z28wanted/imagejpeg_2_2.jpg

Posted: 12/13/2010 4:33:30 AM EDT

[#1]

All I can tell you from that picture is it's a 1911, probably an A1, with the small hump style safety, and it's got Bianchi grips on it.

Specific brand will help a lot when you get it. Bianchi grips were very popular in the 80's, but there were a lot of junky 1911's produced back then too.

EDIT: Forgot to add, the rear sight isn't stock either, but from what I can see it doesn't look like the front was changed to make up the height difference.

Posted: 12/13/2010 4:50:39 AM EDT

[#2]

Need better pics for sure.

Posted: 12/13/2010 4:54:49 AM EDT

[#3]

assuming it is a factory gun since it is sitting in a styrofoam box;

there is an aftermarket rear sight on it

there is an aftermarket grip safety on it

based on the slide it could either be a springfield mil-spec (or the earlier standard model) or an auto ordnance

if the trigger is a factory part, you are most likely looking at an Auto Ordnance

ETA: looks like there is a replacement flat MSH if it is fact an AO or springfield

Posted: 12/13/2010 4:57:48 AM EDT

[#4]

My Mom sent me a text a few minutes ago after I messaged her trying to get some more information and she doesn't have access to it right now, but she said that she thought it was a Rossi Model M69 or something to that extent. I couldn't find anything in my quick google of it but it's there for what it's worth.

Posted: 12/13/2010 5:24:08 AM EDT

[#5]

Looks like a colt 1991a1 with some mods but i dont think they came in styrofoam packageing.

Posted: 12/13/2010 3:01:41 PM EDT

[#6]

Might be a bubba'd up Norinco.

I'm pretty sure they used Styrofoam like that.

Posted: 12/13/2010 3:20:18 PM EDT

[#7]

Well it ain't a Rossi...

Posted: 12/13/2010 4:13:35 PM EDT

[#8]

My first thought is a Norinco

Posted: 12/13/2010 4:15:48 PM EDT

[#9]

+1 on a possible Norinco; nice base gun for a custom piece.

Posted: 12/13/2010 5:18:05 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
+1 on a possible Norinco; nice base gun for a custom piece.

Well... Good to know if that's the case... Like I said I will know more Wednesday and I will post more pics for you guys then. I will also be doing some research that evening to find out what I can. Thanks for all the insight guys...

Posted: 12/14/2010 5:18:06 AM EDT

[#11]

Maybe a Norinco. Mine came in the same style syrofoam box. Trigger is longer than stock.

Posted: 12/14/2010 5:22:26 AM EDT

[#12]

Your mom lives in CA also, right? Only one right answer to this.

Posted: 12/14/2010 6:51:43 AM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:

Looks like a colt 1991a1 with some mods but i dont think they came in styrofoam packageing.

No Colt 1991 ever came with forward raked cocking serrations.
Nor have I ever seen a GI style Norinco with them.
Lightening up the photo a bit, its obvious the ejection port is the non-lowered GI spec. I'd guess it's built with at least an Essex slide. The highly polished grip safety, as well as the apparent lack of a front sight lead me to believe its a parts gun.

Posted: 12/14/2010 5:22:21 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
Your mom lives in CA also, right? Only one right answer to this.

No, I am originally from Virginia. I joined the Air Force and have been stationed in California for almost 4 years now. I will have new pics to add to this thread tomorrow evening and will hopefully be able to shed some more light on it then.

Posted: 12/15/2010 10:04:04 PM EDT

[#15]

Ok, so I now have the 1911 in my possession. It is an Auto Ordnance 1911 .45. I was hoping someone on this site could point me in the right direction for finding out more information about the pistol itself. I am not sure about what model it is. On the left side it has the "Thompson" logo and the standard Auto Ordnance stamp on the slide. it has a five digit serial number, 04XXX which is preceded by a capital "E." Above the serial is Auto-Ordnance Corp, West Hurley, NY. It does have an after market grip safety which my Step Father installed. It also has an after market rear night sight with Bianchi grips. Some pictures are inclued below for your viewing pleasure.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd429/z28wanted/DSCN0227.jpg

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd429/z28wanted/DSCN0233.jpg

Posted: 12/16/2010 9:08:12 AM EDT

[#16]

there is an auto ordnance section here

http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?f=8

the majority of the info you find posted on most boards is the west hurley AOs are they are not known for quality and can be problematic.

that is not to say they are all junk.

since your step father has replaced many parts it is possible the pistol may run like a top, it is also possible it may not.

I suggest taking it out and finding out for yourself how well it shoots

however your range experience goes, you may have a nice project gun to work on

Posted: 12/16/2010 10:00:11 AM EDT

[#17]

Shoot it and enjoy it. You may have some problems with the sights, as the front sight post was not raised, unless the rear sight notch was cut deeper, the pistol will probably shoot a couple of inches high with the sights aligned.

The grip safety looks like one of the "non-gunsmithing" add-on's. But I'm not familiar with the actual profile of that one, so I can't tell you who made it.

Edit: Went back and looked again, the safety and slide stop were also changed out, as they are both of the extended variety.

Posted: 12/16/2010 11:59:36 AM EDT

[#18]

I am planning on taking it out this weekend to test it out. I stripped and cleaned it last night and did not find any rust and everything checked out visually checked out. I will post a range report when I go. My step dad shot some amature pistol comps and I am pretty sure this is the one he used, hence the mods. I think I can compensate for the front sight sjnce the rear sight is cut pretty deep. Depending on how it shoots I am probably going to replace the grip safety because it feels loose. The slide release and safety are definitely extended. I will post more after i put about 50-100 rounds through it Saturday.

Posted: 12/16/2010 5:37:53 PM EDT

[#19]

Well, give it a try, maybe it'll work.

Posted: 12/16/2010 6:50:24 PM EDT

[#20]

For a holster, try a Milt Sparks Summer Special, Executive Companion or SS2. That is, if you can stand to wait six months for it.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Just Inherited a full size 1911...

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