I think by definition all of the 1911's released by CMP are arsenal rebuilt/refinished (even the "special" ones like the Rem UMC that was featured in the American Rifleman article). At least they still exist and haven't been destroyed. For the price point and the apparent nice condition, they are a good deal I think. They really don't do anything for me either but if someone offered me a nice one like this for Mawkie pricing(TM), it would be hard to turn down.
For those lucky folks that got one with all correct parts, I salute you
I believe that was Machodoc, who hasn't been on here in a long time.There is a book Springfield Research Service (there is a thread here somewhere with a member who will look things up for you).
Pics of the one in our shop
Have a Remington Rand M1911A1 coming in tomorrow and possibly an Ithaca M1911A1 as well.
CMP / reworks or originals?
1943 Remington Rand, looks mostly correct. Obviously refinished but looks good.
That's a beauty! Are you selling that one or is it for your personal collection?
My guess is it has some ww ii era rebuild parts in it. Look at the hammer, doesn't match. Probably has a arsenal rebuild barrel, hammer, grip safety, grips but that doesn't detract from the niceness at all.I went with the field grade on the advice of the rep when I called in after I was picked. Am pretty pleased with what I got. Especially the age. I didn't want a refinished gun. To me, that reduced the originality. It has definitely seen use. Doesn't appear to have ever been re-armored/re-finished but I'm no expert. Has a number 4 in paint and stamped and all parts colt. By SN this was a run of 33,814 manufactured in 1917.
My guess is it has some ww ii era rebuild parts in it. Look at the hammer, doesn't match. Probably has a arsenal rebuild barrel, hammer, grip safety, grips but that doesn't detract from the niceness at all.
Mine (not CMP) is pretty much the same. I'm not a 1911 expert but I think the RIA is Rock island arsenal rebuild stamp. All those darker parts will likely be ww ii era arsenal rebuild parts. Most likely the barrel too.Funny how I didn't even see the hammer color. Slide release darker as well. Added some more pics. Any idea about the stampings?
I went with the field grade on the advice of the rep when I called in after I was picked. Am pretty pleased with what I got. Especially the age. I didn't want a refinished gun. To me, that reduced the originality. It has definitely seen use. Doesn't appear to have ever been re-armored/re-finished but I'm no expert. Has a number 4 in paint and stamped and all parts colt. By SN this was a run of 33,814 manufactured in 1917.
Mine (not CMP) is pretty much the same. I'm not a 1911 expert but I think the RIA is Rock island arsenal rebuild stamp. All those darker parts will likely be ww ii era arsenal rebuild parts. Most likely the barrel too.
Lots of them are like that, got some of the improved parts and those that wear out.
Nice pistol though and congrats.
You are correct
The parkerized finish is a giveaway too that it has been rebuilt, all WW1 1911's were blued originally.
The FK is the inspector initials at RIA, which also yields a time frame of this overhaul:
"FK: Frank Krack was Assistant Foreman of the Inspection Division at Rock Island Arsenal from September 17, 1941 until he retired on July 19th, 1946. During that period all small arms inspected under his supervision would be stamped with his initials "FK" as well as those of the Rock Island Arsenal "RIA"."