What to do with older rough Colt 1911 US Army?

[FourTeeFive]

My girlfriend's dad has this nice old Colt 1911 which is marked "1911 US ARMY" and the serial number seems to put it at a 1913 production.

Functionally it seems fine but the finish is pretty well worn off of it.

What do you recommend doing with a gun like this? Have it professionally refinished?

Bad cellphone pic:

 

[rellascout]

Leave it alone. Keep it oiled so it does not rust further. Refinishing these type of guns is never a good idea IMHO.

 

[FourTeeFive]

So just give it a good cleaning and enjoy shooting it?

 

[rellascout]

Be careful shooting it. The slides were somewhat soft and only heat treated in stress areas IIRC.

If it seem sound fire a few rounds. Better pictures would help.

 

[FourTeeFive]

I'll strip it, give it a good cleaning, and take some pics in the process.

I'm very familiar with Colt .45's but always owned much newer ones. Good to know about the softer slides.

Thanks!

 

[nwilliams]

Don't refinish it, by doing that you are removing more than just the value you are removing history as well.

Clean it, be careful not to remove anymore of the original finish and enjoy it for what it is, an old 1911 with tons of character. At least as far as I can tell from the pic you posted, I think clearer images of this gun are a must.

 

[dewalt-2]

Clean it up and leave it as is. Any restoration will destroy it's value.
If it were mine, I'd put a couple of mags of WWB through it to make sure it functions- then only shoot it on special occasions. It may not be in collector condition, but it's a collector pistol and should be treated as such.

 

[rellascout]

then only shoot it on special occasions. It may not be in collector condition, but it's a collector pistol and should be treated as such

Well stated!!!!!!!

 

[FourTeeFive]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the input. Very helpful.