National Match Question

[eaglevii]

I just bought a colt national match 1911-A1, serial # 86XX-NM. Why is it that all of the lists I find on the web of colt serial #s do not have have any of the national match serials? Does anyone have a reference that gives the year this gun was manufactured (I was told 1961 by the store) and any other interesting facts? Thanks!

[Joni Lynn]

I looked in the Colt's Dates of Manufacture by R L Wilsn, he shows that as a 1961 NM. They are listed as Gold Cups. I have several of these. The original recoil spring plug looks different from the current ones. It should not have an Elliason sight on it, but one a bit more like the older Accro. Note, the Barrel bushing and recoil spring plug are a set, they fit each other by shape, a but different than newer. That was also an anniversary year for those guns, new they came with a smalll key chain style medallion.

[Joni Lynn]

I forgot, the underside of the slide is cut out more so than the newer Series 70/80/etc. It will be sort of hollow on both sides of the firing pin area. 1957 was the first year for production of this gun.

[eaglevii]

Thanks, both of you. Now I know why the store manager where I picked it up suggested I shoot 185 wadcutter and avoid the 230gr ammo.

[John]

Guys,

I moved this thread to the Colt's forum, since the Collectors Corner is dedicated to pre-WWII pistols and USGI pistols.

Please use the appropriate forum for your posts. No warnings this time, as the original poster didn't know the date of manufacture, but it's a good policy to use the proper forum.

Rgds