1918 Colt

[bnoji]

Got this one today:

http://home.comcast.net/~bnoji/usgi1911/Colt03_small.jpg

Looks like commercial barrel, later stamped trigger, wrong mag, plastic grips, mag release is type 3. Other than that it looks good to me. I already checked function and dropped in a new 12# recoil spring. I have a box of 200gr lead Solo's a friend made for me to try it with.

More pics here:

http://home.comcast.net/~bnoji/usgi1911/

[Hunter]

Nice! I like them old Colts, I like all Colts. Why a 12 pound recoil spring? Are you planning light target loads with the 200gr lead? Full power .45 ACP loads fair better with a 16 pound recoil spring.

[bnoji]

Honestly, I dont plan on shooting it much. The target loads were just a light test load. Not sure what was in there before, but it couldn't have been more than a 9lb. It was nothing compared to the new 12. I'm ordering some Shok-Bufs and a heavier spring in the morning. The 12# was what was laying around (so was the ammo);

[bnoji]

After taking a closer look tonight I notied a few things:

1. The grips are the RR/US&S/Ithaca grips made by Keyes Fiber
2. The trigger is an A1 stamped, it looks specifically like a 43-45 Ithaca or 1943 US&S (more like the Ithaca)
3. Grip safety looks like a 45 Ithaca or RR
4. Hammer is 43 Ithaca 1911A1 or Colt Type 5 1911A1 narrow spur
5. Mag is Colt contracted by Risdon
6. Thumb safety looks like an Ithaca A1
7. Ithaca HS/P barrel not commercial.

From the parts on it it looks to be rebuilt by Ithaca or someone using quite a few of their parts as I don't see any arsenal markings anywhere. Is this possible?

Thanks.

[Doran]

Possibly refurbished at depot or lower level or possibly after it left military service. WWI slides in that range have MODEL OF 1911 US ARMY on the right side.

[bnoji]

Any idea on where/when that slide is from? The only other mark I can find is a "P" proof on top center of slide, immediately in front of rear site. Vertically aligned.

[Doran]

1938 - 1945 for original military slides. Look under the firing pin stop to see if there is a number stamped there.