Question about 1911s

[jeffesonm]

I am just beginning my gun collection and I figure everyone should own at least one Garand and one 1911. My local FFL/collector has a nice stash of each and is looking to thin out the flock, so I'm thinking of picking up a 1911 from him. He has several different ones from WWI and WWII, from various manufacturers. My questions are as follows...

-Around how much should one of these cost? I understand variability with respect to condition, matching numbers, etc, but some ballpark would be helpful...

-Can I shoot these? I don't plan to shoot them much because I have a few .22's I shoot for fun, but can I at least put a few mags through every now and then?

-Anything to consider or stuff to watch out for with respect to WWI vs WWII models?

 

[jakk280rem]

A member who knows a whole lot more than I do willl be along shortly to straighten both of us out. But, heres my take on it anyway.

a functioning, but ugly, wartime colt 1911 aught to fetch about $1000. add 10-15% for correct parts, another 15-20% for matching numbers, add more depending on condition. subtract, but not much, a little if its been refinished.

Colt was by far the most prodigious supplier of wartime 1911's, but others are out there. Smith Corona, Remington, US&S, and others I'm sure. Some can bring double, even triple the colt depending on condition and rarity.

As far as shooting it goes, the usual caveats apply. disassemble and inspect first. some parts may be needed to make it safe. fresh springs mostly, a new firing pin maybe. Also, i have heard, and this is not gospel by any means, that some late wartime guns were rushed into production and may not have recieved a thorough heat treatment.

so, if it were me, i would take a look at what he has, find a couple that caught my eye, and seek advise about those specic guns.

good luck. and make sure to post a couple pics when you get one home.

 

[wditto]

just a little high.....if it has matching ### , maybe 700; if it's an company-armor put together, maybe 600 , and YES, shoot it, forever

 

[Slamfire]

several different ones from WWI

I have no idea of the value of an all original WW1 M1911. One of those, or one of those early commerical models would be extremely valuble.

 

[jeffesonm]

thanks for the info

 

[TCOV]

Remington Rand 1911A1 from late WWII are good shooters and run from $900 to $1200 in good condition. At $1200 it should be very nice and original. Colts are more but don't pay too much for a modified or poor condition pistol. These are not rare.