Posted: 1/25/2010 8:07:41 PM EDT
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I recently got a pretty good deal on this M1911. As far as I can tell, the slide does not match the frame (no "Model of 1911" markings on right side of slide). The previous owner said the gun functioned properly the last time he tried it.
Since I'm really not into safe queens, I really don't know what to do. Should I throw it in the safe for 20 years? Should I sell it and buy a newer 1911? Should I get restored? (Don't think I can afford this.) What would you do? 
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I'm an ass and I would probably receive an ass-whooping from most for saying this...but I'd fix it up. Since it's not a perfect specimen I'd send it off and have someone really go over it, replace junk parts with quality units, get the frame/slide tightened up, and have someone re-finish the gun in a high gloss blue. Basically, I'd turn it into a nice BBQ gun, and I'd shoot with it.
My dad has lots of old guns that are worth between $2k-$4k each that are well over 130 years old...and we still use them. I think the most respectable thing you can do to a piece of history is use it as it was intended, not let it rest in some oily rag for the next 30 years. |
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Quoted:
I'm an ass and I would probably receive an ass-whooping from most for saying this...but I'd fix it up. Since it's not a perfect specimen I'd send it off and have someone really go over it, replace junk parts with quality units, get the frame/slide tightened up, and have someone re-finish the gun in a high gloss blue. Basically, I'd turn it into a nice BBQ gun, and I'd shoot with it. My dad has lots of old guns that are worth between $2k-$4k each that are well over 130 years old...and we still use them. I think the most respectable thing you can do to a piece of history is use it as it was intended, not let it rest in some oily rag for the next 30 years. This what is the point of having a gun if you do not shot it. Do you want to have a pistol you can only show people when they come to your house and you unvault it from the safe or do you want people at the gun range to be like what is that? Yes it is a piece of history but start it on a new piece of history so your kids kids can say this use to be and now is. Lots of gunsmiths out their would have a field day restoring or upgrading this. |
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What kind of condition is the frame in? It's kind of hard to tell..pitting or just surface rust? It's just a light surface rust, no pitting. It's not as bad as it looks in the pics. Can anyone recommend a gunsmith that could clean it up and re-finish it? I found Doug Turnbull's site online, his restoration packages start at $1800. |
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Looks like the correct grip safety for that frame, but I believe the hammer is from a 1911A1. No idea on the slide.
The most I'd do is have it bead blasted and reblued, but be aware that this will remove any historical value and place it firmly in the "shooter" value bracket. |
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I'm no expert but thats a wwII 1911a1 slide on a 1911 frame. most likely a arsenal rebuild. sometimes rearsonaled guns are stamped to denote which depot did the work - like "AA" for anniston arsonal. go to the military portion of the 1911forum.com and you can get a lot of info about it.
not being all original make it a possible candidate for a rebuild /refinnish. but some folks like the look of a well used firearm. it has that "seen the elephant" look. |