Posted: 3/16/2014 7:47:18 PM EDT
| I have owned a lot of different handguns, but I have decided I "need" a 1911. I don't know that much about them so I was hoping for some tips on what to look for if I buy one used. I'm thinking I can get a good used one to use and abuse to learn with. Excessive wear on areas, damaged parts, how to tell if springs are bad, that sort of things. Any help would be appreciated. |
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I am convinced that a $400 Rock Island Armory is the best way into the 1911 platform. They are cheap and just plain work. Any that don't are fixed right from the importer. They are from the Philippines, but the history of them in WW2 seems to minimize the "aint US made" thing a little for me. Nothing wrong with picking up a beater, but they are a little more difficult to fix than say a Glock, so buying someone else's problem gun might be a frustrating experience. After you have had one for a bit, then step up to a Springfield, Colt, or Sig. and modify to your heart's content. Look at Centerfire Systems for a feel for a good pricepoint. http://centerfiresystems.com/firearms_handguns.aspx |
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The biggest pitfall to used 1911s is 1911 owners. Learn how to
1) recognize factory parts config and any deviations from it 2) know what a factory feedramp should look like 3) identify any other possible indicators of Bubba-hancement, such as mangled-up screws, idiot scratch, etc. |
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Check the barrel lockup.
Check the bushing fit. Check safety features: make sure hammer can't fall without grip safety being depressed, hammer can't fall without thumb safety being off. Check for general signs of bubba'ing: mangled grip screws can be a sign. Check slide to frame fit. Check extractor fit. |
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function tests
http://www.coolgunsite.com/funcheck/function.htm |
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Quoted:
Golden post.  Quoted:
Quoted:
Barrel lock up if you can push the hood down with your thumb pass. fit of barrel bushing to barrel this can be replaced and fixed for under 40.00 Saftey checks check to see all safteies are working. Used Look at Colt and Springfield Armory. Agreed....1911's are like Harley Davidson motorcycles.....as soon as someone gets one they want to start messing with it and changing shit....they post here and it usually goes something like this "I have a Dan Wesson valor inbound what upgrades should look at first"  ..ok back to the Op's question...I honestly try to determine what has been messed with and how much work will it be to fix it....if the parts have been changed always ask for the original parts back....I look for big stuff...frame issues...feed ramp dremel...and as pointed out barrel lock up.....the major stuff
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Quoted:
Barrel lock up if you can push the hood down with your thumb pass. fit of barrel bushing to barrel this can be replaced and fixed for under 40.00 Saftey checks check to see all safteies are working. Used Look at Colt and Springfield Armory. what is the offending part if it does push down a bit and what is the fix. |
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depends on the damage
you may be able to weld up the barrel feet and recut or you will need to have a new barrel fitted, worst case new slide and barrel if there is damage to the locking lugs on the slide and barrel. installing a longer link is not a good idea, but a quick fix to sell a shitty gun. |