Most authentic GI 1911

[herkyguy]

Ok, I want a 1911 that best mirrors the original design of the gun as it was intended for military. The gun will not be my primary defense gun, nor do I plan on shooting in competition. I do, however, want a reliable and fairly priced handgun. Hence, I don't want a non-firing replica. I want to shoot it from time to time, but I am mostly interested in owning a 1911 that catches the history of the gun.

Is the Springfield GI the best? Are there any others in that price range?

Thanks.

 

[Demitrios]

Well there's this guy if you're looking for something nice
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=143058683

And then there's THE original (almost)
http://www.coltsmfg.com/products-c5-q50-COLT_PISTOLS.aspx

And I believe they recently remade the original ORIGINAL 1911.

 

[Quack]

for once i'm gonna say Colt.

 

[gunnie]

the fjestad blue book lists a 60% "ARGENTINE CONTRACT MODEL 1916" for $600, and notes that most specimens have been refinished. [even less $]

for your stated uses, why get a repro?

gunnie

 

[Cards81fan]

+1 on the Colt M1911 WWI replica:

http://www.coltsmfg.com/products-c5-q50-COLT_PISTOLS.aspx

 

[herkyguy]

I didn't think any older models would be in my price range. The colt is nice as well.

 

[woad_yurt]

Here's a decent Remington Rand for $1225. They still have it.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=141737658

 

[foghornl]

If you want a current production make but very close to WWII pistol, Springfield "GI-45" is the way to go.

 

[BHP FAN]

I got a Rock Island Arsenal GI .45 for $400.00,and love it.With the $200.00 you save you can buy ammo.

 

[weisse52]

Colt!

 

[BlindJustice]

Actually, the Colt WWI, WWII, and 70 Series that Colt has labeld/named
as "Reissue' only approximate the finish and features that are external and like theorigianls. Internally, they are all identical to the 80 Series with it's
Firing Pin mechanism but the mechanimsm is simply not used in this way Colt
has common replacement parts for all of the 1911s.

Does anyone know if the WWI and WWII 'Reissues" have
"Property of the US Goverment" stamped into the RH side of the frame
above the trigger guard like the M1911 & M1911A1?

Randall

 

[JTQ]

BlindJustice wrote,

Actually, the Colt WWI, WWII, and 70 Series that Colt has labeld/named
as "Reissue' only approximate the finish and features that are external and like theorigianls. Internally, they are all identical to the 80 Series with it's
Firing Pin mechanism but the mechanimsm is simply not used in this way Colt
has common replacement parts for all of the 1911s.

I'm not sure I fully understand what you are saying here.

The WWI, and Series 70 Reproduction don't have the Series 80 firing pin safety. I'm not sure whether the WWII model has a firing pin safety, but it is no longer in production.

Auto Ordnance makes a pretty authentic looking parkerized 1911A1 (WW II issue look). However, it does have a firing pin safety if that matters to you.

 

[General Geoff]

Ok, I want a 1911 that best mirrors the original design of the gun as it was intended for military.

Rock Island Armory, or Springfield GI.45.

 

[Fremmer]

Colt series 70. It won't be an exact replica, but you'll have to buy a more expensive older Colt for that, anyway. It'll be pretty close, and at a reasonable price. And it'll be a Colt.

 

[stageman]

This is what my authentic RemRand looks like:

 

[w_houle]

USFA has a nice looking example.

 

[Jim Watson]

The USFA is an extremely expensive gun, accurately representing no actual period Colt pistol

On a budget, the RIA has a good reputation and is of 1911A1 configuration, barring markings. We did have a bit of a military presence in the Philippines at one time and they do remember what our weapons look like.

 

[kanook]

Does anyone know if the WWI and WWII 'Reissues" have
"Property of the US Goverment" stamped into the RH side of the frame
above the trigger guard like the M1911 & M1911A1?

The ones I have seen, Yes. It looked like a brand new 1918 issued sidearm

 

[rondog]

Actually, the Colt WWI, WWII, and 70 Series that Colt has labeld/named
as "Reissue' only approximate the finish and features that are external and like theorigianls. Internally, they are all identical to the 80 Series with it's
Firing Pin mechanism but the mechanimsm is simply not used in this way Colt
has common replacement parts for all of the 1911s.

This is TOTAL BS!!! I have one of each, do you??? They're NOT made like the Series 80's in any way, shape or form. Neither of mine have ANY extra parts in them. Sacrilege!

 

[w_houle]

If the USFA 1911 doesn't accurately depict anything of the period, then: What's their point, and why the cost?

 

[rondog]

If the USFA 1911 doesn't accurately depict anything of the period, then: What's their point, and why the cost?

You're buying their name, and the "prestige" it brings.

 

[BlindJustice]

I'll look for the source of what I posted.

Personally, I don't give a fig about the internals
as long as it works. I'd like one that looks like the
Ranington-Rand or Ithaca 1911A1 I carried in the USN
that were part of the small arms on board a couple of
Destroyers I served. Or just a 70 Series Gov. Model
is probably close enough

Good luck to the O.P. for finding what he wants.

Randall

 

[Girodin]

Maybe a Norinco it is a "model of the 1911A1"

It is the same price range as the RIA but probably a better made gun.

 

[mec]

The Colt WWI and 1918 are near identical to the originals. Some local 1911 collectors looked at my WWI and said that it is exact except for the direction of the surface polish texture.
there is a minor difference in the chamber "throat". Mine does not like sharp shouldered bullets but is reliable with ball. A friend has one that will work just fine with the needle-nosed swcs.



the Colt has a true half cock hammer notch instead of the shelf of the series. It has the original frame configuration and not the '10 mm cut."
The only series 80 part in mine is the extractor which has the half loop for the series 80 safety plunger. None of the passive safety parts are there but the series 80 type extractors will work in regular 1911s too.

the colt address line and the US property line are present on the wwI colt.

Mine has a 3.5 pound out of the box trigger pull which is considerably lighter than most original GIs or current commercial 1911s. It is a very accurate shooter.

I notice that the current issue of Combat Handgunner has a review of this modely by a master level bullseye shooter. He shot a 25 yard slow fire group that looked like a custom gun fired from a ransom rest.

 

[MachIVshooter]

If you want a current production make but very close to WWII pistol, Springfield "GI-45" is the way to go

The Armscor/RIA pistol is closer. Both are made out of country and have cast frames anyway, so I see no reason to pay the extra $200 for the less correct Springer.