Which 1911 for the discerning historian?

[dovedescending]

My older brother is graduating with a Masters in Military History in about a week. Now, budgets are tight this time of year, but his birthday is in July, and I hope to coerce friends and family into contributing to a 1911 fund for a birthday/Masters present.

As an aside, he has Asperger's Syndrome, and historical accuracy is of tantamount importance. Now, I can't afford an original, but I would like to find him a 1911 that is as close to the original government models as possible, either the 1911 or 1911A1. In addition, I would like to get him some historically proper accessories, ie magazines, a holster or two, cleaning supplies, etc.

What recommendations do you gentlemen have?

 

[Dr.Mall Ninja]

When you say tight budget, how tight is it?

 

[rcmodel]

Has to be a Colt.

http://www.coltsmfg.com/Catalog/ColtPistols/ColtSeries70.aspx

It is the Only 1911 close to being historically accurate, because historically, nobody else is still in business that made 1911 GI issue pistols.

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=82939

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_141/products_id/36291

Spend your money on the real deal and get him the other stuff later for his birthday or something.

You, and he will not be sorry later on down the road.

rc

 

[cyclopsshooter]

Like RC said, has to be a Colt- Sometimes you can get lucky and find a used 80 series for around 500

 

[9mmepiphany]

historical accuracy is of tantamount importance.
... a 1911 that is as close to the original government models as possible, either the 1911 or 1911A1.

USFA Model 1911 is the most accurate reproduction of the original US Army M1911

 

[Loosedhorse]

USFA Model 1911 is the most accurate reproduction of the original US Army M1911

I disagree. Cylinder and Slide's is:



However, your answer is probably the better one, as the price on this one is "estimated" at $5k--they'll let you know if they run over.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I must say that Cylinder & Slide is very proud of the product they put out...they value it very dearly

 

[Old Fuff]

I have no idea how much money you are going to have to spend, and probably you don't either. However it is easier to find something along the lines of a 1911A1 then the earlier 1911. For example the World War Two era 1911A1's were Parkerized - a finishing process that still in use. On the other hand the original 1911's were mostly finished with Colt's "military blue," that no longer can be exactly duplicated.

Anyway you have a great idea, and I wish you luck.

 

[BeerSleeper]

If historical accuracy is the most important factor, I'd look for an original like this: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=263650936

I've seen them go for $800-$1200.

Rock Island's 1911 GI is in the lower $400 range, but on the historical accuracy part, you'd have to call that one "almost there". The magazine is different, there's no holster included at all, it's got some MIM parts, which a purist is going to object to.

 

[lobo9er]

Auto ordance 1911 a1 I heard was supposed to pretty much gov't issue copy and is a little easier on the wallet. And is also made in America. I heard good things about them. i dont own one but handled one a few times at LGS.

 

[lobo9er]

New I wanna say between $500-$600

 

[cyclopsshooter]

At that price you will probably end up with a Remington R1 and telling him that it IS a decedent of the WWII Remington Rand

 

[rcmodel]

In otherwords, lie to him?

Remington Rand was a typewriter & adding machine company before WWII, and had no connection to the Remington Arms company.

rc

 

[dovedescending]

You lot are such a helpful bunch. To be honest, I have no idea what our budget is going to be. It entirely depends on how generous friends and family end up being. I know quite a few folks who would think this was a stellar idea, but I'm not sure I can count on more than $50-60 per person.

I do remember my brother mentioning at one point that he liked the Springfield Mil-Spec, even though it isn't accurate to the originals in the details (enlarged ejection port, bigger sights, etc.). If he likes THAT, then he;d probably be pleased with something that was only 90% accurate.

What about holsters, cleaning supplies, that kind of thing? Any thoughts on the gear? I'd like to present him with a complete package.

 

[paintballdude902]

for the holsters check out ima-usa. they sell lots of good reproduction parts

 

[bannockburn]

El Paso Saddlery makes a nice Model 1940 holster which would go well with a M1911 pistol. WWII era web gear, like belts and magazine pouches, are available and still relatively inexpensive.

 

[Rail Driver]

If you're looking for a GI holster, there's a guy on here (I think his handle is robbt or something like that) from New York that has genuine GI holsters from time to time listed here (I'd have some of them if I had the spare cash) and his prices are very reasonable. Get your brother a piece of history to go with his gun!

 

[hso]

What about holsters, cleaning supplies, that kind of thing? Any thoughts on the gear? I'd like to present him with a complete package.

Save your money for the firearm. Piss it away on gear and folks will opt for that instead of ponying up to pay for the gun.

 

[Skylerbone]

Not meaning to derail things here but have you checked on the legality of him owning a firearm? The question is moot if he cannot and, depending on your State's background check they may find him to be judged (I'm paraphrasing) mentally incompetant, especially if he is receiving any form of govt. support for his Aspergers. Great sentiment, but I'd advise checking.

If you choose the real deal it is advisable to have someone on hand to validate things for you. Markings, small parts and finish will be important and determine price.

I would pass on the RIA and Auto Ordinance. If the budget is that tight neither of you will be happy with what it will buy and another gift might be in order. It's an off-suggestion but I just received a Case/Colt Bowie ordered as a birthday present for my father that comemorates the 100th year of the 1911. Not as collectable as the real deal but cheaper by far. http://www.smkw.com/webapp/eCommerce/products/Case%26reg%3B+(W.R.+Case%26reg%3B%26+Sons)/Case%C2%AE+Colt%C2%AE+Model+1911+100th+Anniversary+Commemorative+Bowie/CA47469.html

 

[dovedescending]

Good point on the mental competency, Skyler, but I think you may have missed the part where he's completing a master's degree

He's good to go. Already owns several firearms, including an SMLE and a Pennsylvania rifle he built himself (with the exception of the barrel).

 

[ku4hx]

Being a fellow Georgian, I'd advise to to check with a lawyer. As I'm sure you know, one of the things a buyer has to attest to is not having a mental disorder that would preclude gun ownership. There are professionals who consider Asperger's Syndrome a mental disorder. Is there cause for concern in your brother's case? Man I got no idea, but you owe it to yourself to get the facts since the disorder does occur in varying degrees.

As to his Master's Degree completion, mental disorders do not just occur in the dull and dim witted. You can possess super intellect and still fall into the realm of "mental disorder".

We all need to be mindful of who actually owns a gun given as a gift. State laws may vary, but unless you do a legal bill of sale, the original purchaser is the person who is responsible for the weapon until such time as that weapon is legally transferred. Your group may contribute to the purchase of the weapon, but the individual who signs the requisite state, federal and local forms is the owner of the gun when the law comes looking.

 

[lobo9er]

Being a fellow Georgian, I'd advise to to check with a lawyer. As I'm sure you know, one of the things a buyer has to attest to is not having a mental disorder that would preclude gun ownership. There are professionals who consider Asperger's Syndrome a mental disorder.

The OP isn't asking if can, hes asking which one. Dont muddy the conversation.

 

[lobo9er]

I think the turnbull's are spot on also, of course the Turnbull 1911 are expensive

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

USFA Model 1911 is the most accurate reproduction of the original US Army M1911

Other than the 1911A1 short trigger, frame finger cutouts and the top of the upper grip diamond missing ...

 

[doc540]

Other than the 1911A1 short trigger, frame finger cutouts and the top of the upper grip diamond missing ...

Now, that right there's one reason I love the internets and gun forums!