Inherited UMC Remington 1911

[Cairne]

I am new to gun ownership and have inherited my grandfathers UMC Remington 1911. I have been doing my research on it and have worked with a good local shop to find out how to take care of it and use it (on occasion). I have a couple of questions regarding some suggested repairs. It is a well used pistol he carried in WWII and Korea, however all parts except the barrel and grips seem to be original. The front pin of the plunger tube easily slips out and during target shooting fully slid out and cracked a plexi grip my grandfather put on. It was suggested that this part be replaced, but to me it seems that the original part could be secured. Also, a few of the pins walk out and again it suggested that they be replaced. I also would like to exchange the grips for a more original style, but have had trouble finding them.

I have no intention to ever sell the gun, but I do want to preserve it in a condition reflecting its history. I am leery to begin replacing parts and would appreciate any suggestions. I am particularly interested in any veterans’ thoughts on how they would like to see their weapons cared for once they have been passed to another generation.

[bgiven]

Original Remington UMC parts are hard to find from time to time. It has been quite some time since I have seen a 'P' proofed UMC barrel available. I do have a pair of correct, original, double diamond walnut grips for a UMC.

Contact me direct if you have an interest...... bgiven@rbauction.com

[Dave in FL]

If you have the capability to post pictures, it could help people here in identifying what you have and what looks original. There is a lot of collective knowledge on this board.

[Cairne]

If you have the capability to post pictures, it could help people here in identifying what you have and what looks original. There is a lot of collective knowledge on this board.

Let's see if this works:http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee252/Cairne125992/P1010019-1.jpg

[bigredc]

A set of correct grips would look much better.

[AKsRule]

Unfortunately , I don't think anyone is sitting on any quantity of
Original WW I era spare parts.......... :(

Any parts you find will be either "cannibalized" from original pistols ,
or manufactured post WWII.

There ARE some replica parts such as grips , etc.

I'm sure you will never sell it , and replacing a couple of parts with
"appropriate" replacements for functional reasons will not decrease
it's value to you. :)

[Cairne]

I'm sure you will never sell it , and replacing a couple of parts with
"appropriate" replacements for functional reasons will not decrease
it's value to you. :)[/QUOTE]

I appreciate the responses from the forum. Thanks for the above comment. Being new to this and meeting collectors outside of the forum I have recieved (appreciated) advice that missed my intention to maintain this gun as an heirloom not an investment. The folks at TexasGuns have been extremely helpful and kind offering good advice and instruction to a newbie. I am enjoying learning the collecting aspects and will continue to post to the forum as I get this 1911 up to speed. I will be in touch with those of you who have original parts. Thanks.

[bgiven]

Unfortunately , I don't think anyone is sitting on any quantity of
Original WW I era spare parts..........

Any parts you find will be either "cannibalized" from original pistols ,
or manufactured post WWII.


I'm afraid I have to disagree. After collecting military M1911s and A1s for several years.... there are several sources, mostly individual collectors, that are sitting on very healthy parts inventories from WWI and II. Incidently, I am one of them. Every time I have purchased someone's collection, I always ended up with a quantity of 'spares'. Just a couple of months back, I purchsed a box of USGI parts that was in upstate NY. I took me 2 weeks to sort through all those treasures.... and 97% of it was M1911/A1 parts.

The part(s) you need are out there.... you just need to be patient.