Colt 1911

[tiffin]

I have recently aquired a colt 1911 45acp. This 1911 has BB stamped after the serial number. Can anyone tell me what the BB means. I know this question has probably been asked before but im new to this forum ,, thanks

 

[Mad Magyar]

What model 1911 do you have? Normally, BB in gun terminology stands for Brass Backstrap...Hopefully, someone can answer your question...

 

[tiffin]

This is a blue steel Colt GOvernment model. Thats all that it says on the slide. the last 4 digits of the serial no are 5581-C and the BB stamp in under it

 

[bannockburn]

tiffin

I found a reference to the BB marking as being underneath the serial number, denoting that this pre Series 70 Government Model had a finger or collet type barrel bushing fitted to it at the factory. Later this type of bushing would be installed on Series 70 Government Models, starting with serial number 70G01001. I believe your BB marked pistol is somewhat rare and you may want to have this verified with a factory letter from Colt. Serial numbers for 1969 started at 324500C, while for the following year they began with 332650C and ran to 336169C, before being changed over to the 70G01001 serial number.