I'm pretty sure I've got the basic model, but on one side it says MODEL 1911-A1 with CAL .45 under that. Is there any way to tell what year my gun was made in? Like with the serial number. Is there anything else I can look at that will give me any more info? Also, on the bottom side of the slide there is 942 cut into the metal.

Quoted: I'm pretty sure I've got the basic model, but on one side it says MODEL 1911-A1 with CAL .45 under that. Is there any way to tell what year my gun was made in? Like with the serial number. Is there anything else I can look at that will give me any more info? Also, on the bottom side of the slide there is 942 cut into the metal.

Well, look at the Springfield site for reference.  If you post a pic we can tell you what you have, but that slide marking is pretty generic.  It's most probably a Mil-Spec, going by the slide marking, but if you want the exact model number, you would have to provide the finish.  Also, there are no published references regarding SA serial numbers, but if you call SA, they might be able to tell you.  Finally, the 942 in the bottom of the slide is probably the last three of your gun's serial number, as it's common to see that on the disconnector lug in the slide.  You would be the best person to answer that one.