Argentine Colt

[FPrice]

Went to my local dealer's store just now (always a dangerous proposition - dangerous to my wallet that is!). He had an Argentine Colt on his wall. Was marked,

EJERCITO ARGENTINO
SIST COLT CAL 11.25MM
MOD 1927 84xxx

Well worn but tight, no rattles, trigger is a bit heavy but good break. What can anyone tell me about these? Are most Colt parts interchangeable with this model?

Price is a bit high, but this IS Massachusetts and my dealer does his best to get the best price for his customers.

Looking for pros and cons. Thanks.

 

[Triad]

My brother has one. Excellent pistol. I believe all parts are interchangeable because these are licensed copies. I've heard they were actually made on original Colt tooling.

 

[Quartus]

Got one. All pro - no con.

What you are getting is a Colt. Pure pre-war Colt. Except for the markings. Built on Colt machinery and Colt steel, but in Argentina. Fit & Finish varies, an some need a barrel. (Corrosive ammo.) Mine was fine. A good shooter as I got it. I had a bit of work done - bobbed hammer, beavertail, sights. But it was a fine shooter "out of the box".




Enjoy!

 

[longeyes]

Recommended. I bought a Colt Sistema through JLD Enterprises back in September of '01. This was my first 1911. I did some tweaking at King's Gun Works: trigger, polish ramp, throat, sights. It's definitely become one of my favorite guns: in 2700 rounds I've had one malf--and that was from a 10-round mag. I don't know what they're asking for this pistol at your store but the Sistemas themselves are good guns and, I believe, a real bargain. Jldenter.com has them, I believe, for $300.

 

[FPrice]

I knew you guys...

would come through for me. I think I'm going to get it. You can never be too rich, too thin, or have too many .45's.

 

[Johnny Guest]

I like mine - - -

I ordered one of the refinished ones-- Brushed blue. Only problem with the finish it is that the old-style broad tail hammer came out a sort of plumb color. I understand this is common with the refinished 1927s,

The arched mainspring housing looks to be different from typical Colt type. The knurled diamonds are deeply impressed, rather than being raised. The checking on the trigger face, slide stop, safety, recoil spring plug, and mag catch button are all typically cut, though. Rear sight has a fairly shallow U notch.

You probably noticed that the serial number appears on frame, slide, barrel chamber. These all match on mine. The magazine is also numbered but does not match. Small, finely stamped importer marks on R front of slide and L frame behind mag catch: VAM Dist Co Woocester, Conn. (You really have to look hard for the latter.)

Bore shows clear indication of firing with corrosivbe ammo--Bladly frosted. But it shoots jacket ball ammo pretty well. EDoesn't handle LRN handloads nearly so well, and tends to lead up due to the roughness. I just happen to have a couple of extra military barrrels, though . . . .

Trigger pull is rather heavy and needs a little work.

I like mine--It is amenable to a lot of customizing, but I kinda like it as is-- Straight GI. Price is right. I think your money will be well spent, Frosty. Good luck.

Johnny

 

[FPrice]

Here it is!

Went back at 5:00pm and picked it up. This is a bad pic, I have to work on my technique and lighting.

 

[Quartus]

Looking good dude! Nice military touch - showing it on a topo map. I like that.

BTW, I finally learned how to post pictures inline. There's a thread here that explains how. PM me if you have questions.

Here's FPrice's new baby:

 

[StressPuppy]

I bought one too (used my C&R ). Very nice. I decided to play and put new sights on it, and replaced the trigger, sear, hammer with Chip McCormick parts. Has a VERY nice trigger pull and fun to play with. I don't shoot it much these days because I bought a Kimber Stainless Pro Carry, but it is still a great gun for the money!

Enjoy!

 

[CWL]

Do a search for "Sistema" this subject comes up oftentimes.

There used to be a couple of personal websites by people devoted to the Sistema and who detail their lengthy restoration and customization of these fine pistols.

BTW, don't shoot hot ammo thru it, the steel & barrel is much milder than current manufacture. FMJ and standard load JHPs.

 

[philupcolt]

Years ago I bought an Argentino colt, similar marking as yours, mine was in .45 cal. Apparently in the early days of mfg. the oistols were made in the Colt factory, because in addition to the other markings, mine had the Colt horse on it. wish I had it now.

 

[CWL]

I think that Colt sold it's factory to the Argentine Govt. in 1949. Any gun manufactured after that tme has Sistema on it instead of Colt logos.