Sistema Colt 1911 1927

That looks pretty good to me.

If the price is right they can be a great buy. The Argentine Military struck a deal with Colt to build a factory and tool it to make 1911A1 pistols to mid/late 1930's standards. As a result they are 100% identical to Colt's of that era, but made of better steel.

Be aware though that some of them will have hammers and sears that were worked over by someone who didn't know what they were doing, and I have seen some that had bores that would make a sewer pipe look good.

"the seller claims that it does not appear to be refinished"

Well, it sure appears to me to be reblued, and not worth anywhere near $500. Even though finish doesn't matter much for a shooter, that is just too much money for a gun in that condition. I'd pass.

Jim

My gut says that is a refinish too... They are pretty good 1911s and with the current market it is probably worth the 500 but I wouldn't want to go any higher. The other consideration is that collectors are starting to notice them... who knows where the prices will go in the future...

The Sistema has probably been refinished, you don't know the condition of the barrel or internal parts, and the older guns did not have the quality of heating treating that new guns do.

For less than $500 you can get a new classic style 1911 from several foreign makers.

I would not give that second look. It's old pistol designed to handle fmjs with what appears to be light pitting. You can get brand new stainless Ruger 1911 for not that much more money. That is higher performance firearm with warranty from company that stands behind what it makes. It's your money so you have to make final decision.

The Sistema has probably been refinished, you don't know the condition of the barrel or internal parts, and the older guns did not have the quality of heating treating that new guns do.

For less than $500 you can get a new classic style 1911 from several foreign makers.

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yup, this pistol is more for a collector of military style arms... if you want a shooter, definitely look at newer production

The Sistema's have forged steel frames, slides, and barrels. The extractors were made from spring (not tool) steel. Many of the lockwork parts were also made from forgings. The trigger, including the bow, is made from one piece of steel. There are no investment cast or MIM components in it.

It depends on what you want, but if the slide said "Colt" on it would you buy it for $500?

But before you jump (if you do) ask for more information concerning the bore and lockwork. If there are issues suggest a price reduction reflecting whatever the condition is.

$500 for that one? I would have whipped out the cash in an instant. OK, actually, I would have haggled, starting at $400...but I'd have not batted an eye at having to pay the full price asked.

The problem with Sistemas is that everyone remembers when they cost about $299 as MILSURP imports over a decade ago. You could find them all day long in the $300-$350 range. No more.

Once upon a time you could also buy Lugers, P-38s, 1911A1s, and P-35s at the same low price point. Try it today.

I saw a very nice Sistema (90% original finish) priced at $900 at a recent gun show. It will sit a long time at that price, but eventually the owner will get $700+ for it.

Many of these were arsenel refinished or rebuled in Argentina right?

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Yes, they were. I'm going to go out on a limb however and say that the one depicted was re-done by a private individual...not an Argentine state arsenal.

For less than $500 you can get a new classic style 1911 from several foreign makers.

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True. But you'll be getting a cast frame and non mil-spec 1911 pattern pistol of lesser quality and materials. Good guns, affordable guns, practical guns, but really just 1911-like objects. The Sistema is an old school Colt with different roll-marks and a few minor variances in checkering and profiles of controls like the safety and hammer.

The Sistema provides a still affordable alternative to buying a now collectible ~ $2K GI issue 1911A1, a nearly as expensive Colt Pre-War Commercial, or a new/late model production Colt GM (that comes with a few plastic or MIM parts).

Sistemas continue to go up in value and the $500+ range is now normal for unmodified (but refinished) shooters in presentable cosmetic condition. Really nice (original condition) ones fetch more...but are rare. Well done project guns (using the Sistema as the base for a refinished and updated weapon) are starting to fetch as much as new Springfield or Kimber base guns ($650-$750).

In another decade, you'll wish you could find a Sistema for five bills.

I agree with the last two posters. I'd pay $500 for that pistol. Colt's from that era I find at gun shows are all over $1,000.

I've got nothing against RIA 1911's, but for $500, I'd take the Sistema. Not only should it probably shoot well, it is an interesting historical piece.

I'm not sure that the Argentine military "rearsenaled" Systemas. The one's I've seen or read about weren't reworked. Most were made surplus before they were used THAT much. When they're in bad shape, that's generally from misuse after coming to the USA.

There are a lot of stories about the STEEL used to make the guns -- but there's no question it was good quality. Whether it was better than US-made Colts is open to question.

If the gun is in good shape internally, it's probably worth the asking price. The problem with buying guns like this "from a distance" is that you can't examine or have it examined. Unless you have some "track record" about the seller it's probably a risky venture -- and if you choose to return it, it's going to be costly for someone.

Buy it. I bought one 20 years ago and I then used it as a base for a custom pistol. I wish I would have kept it in original configuration. They're great guns made under license to Colt and comparable to any Colt gun from the same period.

You may have to do a little light throating to make it reliable with hollowpoints, but other than that they're reliable shooters. They're not particularly tight, but that's the way Colt made them in those days - they'll run dirty and they're minute-of-chest accurate at fifty yards.

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Being arsenal refinished does nothing to devalue these "shooter" guns. Expect your pistol to probably have been refinished at least twice during its lifetime, at least once while it was Military issue and another time before it was exported to USA.

Rella - my Sistema is below, second from the top. Picture does not due it justice - a nice deep blue, all matching numbers (including numbered mag), excellent bore. I love this pistol - the Argentines added a few touches to the 1927 model that I really dig - the texture on the backstrap and the hammer spur. The one below is a Coast Guard model (maritime prefecture).

I can't really describe it, but this 1911 just "feels" different. It is a solid piece of steel.

I didn't see your post until after your pictures were taken down, so I can't guess as to the quality of that pistol, but inferring from the discussion above .... I would likely go for it at $500, plus or minus a few dollars depending on condition. My only regret is not getting another one or two, way back when the prices of these were silly cheap.

Let us know which way you went...

Sounds like you got it for a good price!

I paid $550 for my Sistema a few months back, all matching #'s except for mag of course. Great guns, I really enjoy shooting the Sistema.