[spada]

I have the chance to pick up an old 45auto. The gun has property of Us. army stamped on it. Is it legal to own a pistol like this? How can I check if the gun was obtained legally? Thanks

[Brian Williams]

Yes many were sold thru the NRA years ago. go ahead and buy it then get some pics here.

[oops!]

I've owned dozens of U.S. marked weapons, none was a problem. U.S. weapons have been sold thru several venues.

[dfariswheel]

When the guns were surplussed out by the government, they didn't remove the US Property mark.

At this late date, I wonder if the government even has records of missing 1911 pistols.

To check to see if the gun has been stolen from a civilian owner, ask any local law enforcement agency to run a check with NCIC, which is a computer data base of guns reported stolen.

If they have no record, it's clean.
If it's stolen.....you loose it.

[jehu]

Generally speaking, if the "Property of US Army" is on the frame it's a WW2 era gun. If it has "Model of 1911 US Army" on the slide it's a WW1 era gun or pre 1924 or 26'. If it's a WW2 gun there are alot of factors that could determine value such as who made it, arsenal reworks, original finish, mixmaster parts. Do some homework before dishing out alot of money!