What shuld I be looking for in a WWII era 1911A1?

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    Reptile

    Ultimate Member
    Sep 29, 2014
    7,282
    Columbia MD
    I got hooked on "US government property" 1911s when I acquired a 1918 produced Colt M1911 that was arsenal refurbished in 1942. Now I'm looking for a representative M1911A1. I'm not trying to find an "as issued" or "correct" pistol. An arsenal refurbished one that probably saw wartime action is what I'm after. I plan to shoot it at least occasionally, so its collectibility is not an issue. Any suggestions on what to look for, what to avoid, and a price point or range?
     
    fred333

    fred333

    Banned
    BANNED!!!
    Dec 20, 2013
    12,340
    JMintzer said:
    There's a guy at the Dulles Expo Gun Show, along the left wall, who always has a nice selection. He's not exactly cheap, but he will work with you on price...
    Click to expand...

    Ditto.

    I've got a parts-matching early '45 Remington Rand (i.e., one of RR's third/final series of the 'A1, which Colt apparently copied), which I love. But, unlike you, I was seeking this very gun and very interested in collectibility.

    If you just want a genuine, used-in-action 1911A1, you probably can't go wrong with any working gun. However, to reduce the likelihood of buyer's remorse (once you know a bit more about the 'A1), I'd recommend getting a good 1911 book (I prefer Joe Poyer's The Model 1911 and Model 1911A1 Military and Commercial Pistols) before you buy. I nearly bought two guns prior to the one I ended up with (one was from the guy mentioned above), both of which were really nice, but, unfortunately, at the time, I didn't know enough about the model to know what to ask or what's available. So, with hindsight, I'd recommend reading Poyer's book before beginning your search.
     
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