Sight Replacement Questions on an Older Gov't Model

[mbinky]

Hi all,
I am looking at a Gov't Model that dates to around 1947-48. It is a re-blue with some wear and some very slight pitting.

The sights have been changed out. It has a micro type rear, and a partridge type front. My question is, can a set or regular Gov't Model sights be installed without any crazy work? Do you have to alter the slide to install these type of sights? (the adjustables)

I'm not sure if the pistol is all original. It has a wide spur hammer, short trigger, standard grip safety, and a modern type thumb safty (not the short shelf, but one like on the new 1991's etc.)

They are asking $595. I am only really looking for a shooter, but would like something a little older like this. I would try to replace the sights, and maybe even get it re-blued again (already been done once, and I love the old rollmarks!) Any thoughts? Thanks!

[OD*]

My question is, can a set or regular Gov't Model sights be installed without any crazy work?
Depends on the sights and how they were installed, can you get pictures of it?

[mbinky]

I got a couple of pics, just don't know how to post them here...

[OD*]

I got a couple of pics, just don't know how to post them here...
This may help;
http://forum.m1911.org/faq.php?faq=a_few_words#faq_postingpictures

[mbinky]

Well, here goes...

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/7073/coltgovt1131641smallhp1.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6247/coltgovt1131642smallvr6.jpg

Sorry they are not the best. I inquired via email about the pistol, and they sent me these. I am away on travel for work, and I hope to get up there on Sunday to see it in person.

[OD*]

You shouldn't have any trouble replacing the rear sight, it doesn't look like any machining was done to the slide. Really can't say about the front sight, can't make out much in the picture. FWIW, the thumb safety and stocks have been replace also.

[mbinky]

I figured the thumb safety was wrong. Didn't Colt switch from the short shelf unit in 1950 or so? Wasn't sure about the grips. What should it have? Plastic? Good news about the rear sight. I figure a good 'smith will (hopefully) be able to work with the front sight, if I decide to go with her.

[OD*]

Didn't Colt switch from the short shelf unit in 1950 or so?
Yes Sir, 1950.


Wasn't sure about the grips. What should it have? Plastic?
Correct, it should have the "Coltwood" plastic stocks.

That would be a great candidate for restoration.

[mbinky]

Thanks for the info, again! This sight is full of so much stuff. I think I am going to have them hold it for me until I can check it out this weekend. I guess my series 70 reissue could wait...

I would love to have it re-blued and polished up. Although I love the look of an all original pistol, I also love to shoot them!

As I said, I love those older rollmarks, and especially how it just says "Government Model" above a very nice looking serial number.

[OD*]

You're welcome and good luck to you sir.

[wichaka]

The front appears to have had a flat milled on top of the sldie to get it to fit flush........not much you can do with that, but it's still a Colt!

[OD*]

He should be OK Steve, if it's not milled to large, I just checked some of my Colts, all the Series 80s I have, have a milled flat (of varying sizes). A set of Yo-Bo retros would look great on it, IMO of course. ;)

http://www.yost-bonitz.com/foto/products/retrosight/Retro_frontsight1.jpg
http://www.yost-bonitz.com/foto/products/retrosight/yobo_sight4.jpg

[daveohno]

I like the old Colt!

[OD*]

I like the old Colt!
You could have your very own, David! http://www.oprano.com/msgboard/images/smilies/evilbanana9.gif

[daveohno]

I will one day.......