Well, I bought it -- my first 1911A1 -- how did I do?

[FiringPinStop]

After reading this forum for quite some time now, I decided it was about time for me to step forward and get myself a WWII USGI 1911A1. So, without giving it my usual 'wait and see if there's something better or for less money down the line', I had a gunsmith order me this Remington Rand using his GunBroker account. He charged me just $20.00 for the service, which I thought was decent since he did all the work, including the transfer.

I would appreciate an honest assessment of what I bought and if I paid too much for the 1911A1 -- as a footnote, this gun will be with me until I'm planted in old Mother Earth so I don't consider it an investment.

Questions: Should I shoot this or just fondle it? Anything I should do with it as far as parts, etc.? Was $1100 + shipping and transfer over the top?

Thanks, and here are the photos that my gunsmith emailed me after we talked last night and I told him to buy it. He also was the gentleman who pointed me to this excellent forum:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t78/JWDeadmarsh/DSCF7696.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t78/JWDeadmarsh/DSCF7695.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t78/JWDeadmarsh/DSCF7701.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t78/JWDeadmarsh/DSCF7698.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t78/JWDeadmarsh/DSCF7697-1.jpg



FPS

[larry starling]

Nice pistol, I'm wondering though has it been refinished???? :)

[exitwounds]

The pistol is refinished, and the barrel is a replacement. The magazine is interesting, in the photo it appears parkerized at the bottom end, some sort of transition in the middle, and blued at the top end, refinished in a very unique way. Does it have any markings on the toe? The price is about $300 - $400 over what I would expect to see around my area for a pistol in similar condition.

[OD*]

Question, who's your gunsmith?

[Joni Lynn]

I'll say what I usually say............I'd shoot it. It's very possible to shoot a gun without doing it any true harm. Use decent ammo and clean it after use. Keep it properly lubricated and enjoy it!

[larry starling]

Question, who's your gunsmith?
Not you is it OD? :confused:

[OD*]

No sir, I'm honest in my dealings. ;)

[larry starling]

No sir, I'm honest in my dealings. ;)
I wasn't implying anything my friend. Sorry if you took it that way.... :(

[OD*]

No apologies necessary Larry, I never took it that way my friend.

[GR8GIFT]

I learned to shoot a 45 and totally strip one done to the frame on a RR. My uncle had through the DCM. He had to return it in 1968 or buy it. The DCM club he was in had the chance to buy all 10 they had for $35 each. I tried to talk my father into letting me buy them all but he wouldn't go for it. Sure wish I'd just given the money to my uncle and had him buy them all and hold them for me until I was on my own. The RR 1911A1 my uncle had a greenish gray parkerizing. Wouldn't have known at that time whether it was refinished or correct. All I know is I like greenish 1911A1's they just look better to me. I don't know if I would have paid $1100 for it but it looks great to me.

[FiringPinStop]

I'm sure it's refinished as it has the AA markings left side receiver above the trigger guard.

Learned that from this website and a little guidance from OD.


FPS