AR Sponsor
Posted: 6/12/2005 2:08:22 PM EDT
|
If it’s an original WWII U.S. Military 1911 in decent condition, then it’s certainly collectable. If so, it would be an absolute crying shame to modify it. And yes, refinishing it as you describe would pretty much destroy its collector value. Plus quite frankly you’d be damaging something of historical value – which to me is almost sacrilegious. If you’re really unhappy with your 1911, consider selling it to a collector and using the proceeds to buy yourself a Kimber or such. That way you’d wind up with a new, nicely made shooter made of better steel, and your 1911 would (hopefully) remain preserved for later generations. Admittedly, if you do anything other than hold on to it in its current condition (again assuming it’s in decent shape), I guarantee you that at some point in your life you will regret it. Still, it’s yours to do with as you please. Just my 2 cents. |
|
I just have to agree that refinishing the gun is the same as killing all memory of your grandfather and his contribution to history. Leave it alone. What the gun has is a century of patina, history, memories. All of which will be totally gone when you refinish this gun. If you just want a 45 to shoot there are plenty of them for $300 to $400 that will serve just fine. Please, let this one go to your son with all of its history intact. |
|
Soon as you refinish it you will have a shooter worth 25%-50% of it's original value. If it's a 1911 the going rate around here at auction houses is $1800-$2000 plus, depending on a few factors. If it's a 1911A1, they bring about $1200 plus. These are in original configuration. Soon as you have it refinished or refinish the metal yourself, you'll have a $500-$750 shooter. Can get a GI repro's from a number of companies for around $500. That, and it'll never be like granpa had it and left to you again. All depends if it has any sentimetal value to you or you just want a refinished shooter. |
AR Sponsor