update on inherited Rem 1911

[Cairne]

Months ago I asked for input on how to keep and care for my Grandfather's Rem UMC 1911. I appreciate the info that was offered and I continue to learn from the posts. I found appropriate grips from a "member" (should they not want me to name them), although I will say I appreciated their willingness to help me preserve this gun.

New grips and a good gunsmith... It's shooting flawlessly:
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff3/cairne_2007/P1010027-1.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff3/cairne_2007/P1010028-1.jpg

[NightVision]

Very nice gun. Lots of luck with it. I shoot my USGI 1911 Colt 2631XX almost every day. Not to many things at 89 years old work as well as these do.

[bgiven]

Nice looking UMC....... nothing like a little field rash !!!!!

[Hawkmoon]

Very nice example. I'm glad you have it in fully functioning condition, but now that it has been (re)proven, I sincerely hope you won't shoot it very much. IMHO it really deserves to be preserved. If you do shoot it, please look around and find the lightest (in power, not necessarily bullet weight) ammunition you can in order to minimize the wear and tear.

[Cairne]

I agree. It's my intention to preserve the gun and maybe I'll get it into operational performance(on occasion) when it's time to share the experience of shooting Papa's gun with the next generation.

Any advice on how to maintain a gun for preservation rather than for active duty?

I don't mean to open up a can of worms. I know everyone has different methods. Maybe just tell me what not to do and I'll be able to interpolate what I should do.

[Hawkmoon]

For starters, don't store it in the basement right next to the sump pump ...

More seriously, you probably won't want to detail strip it and coat everything in cosmoline, so you'll have to be prepared to do an occasional clean and lube. Storing it in a dry place is best, obviously. The drier it is, the less often you'll need to wipe it down and be sure there's a light coating of oil on all surfaces.

Brownells sells a special paper for firearms storage. The paper emits a rust-inhibiting vapor. Wrap the pistol in that and enclose it in a large, zip-lock freezer bag (I don't remember if it's the 1-quart or 1-gallon size that fits a 1911) and you should be good for leaving it unattended for at least 6 months at a time.

[bigredc]

Looks great. If I didn't already say so. Try to write down any history you have on the gun. And store it with the gun or someplace safe. Here are some nice storage boxes. http://www.protecta-gun.com/

[Auto Mag]

Looks great. If I didn't already say so. Try to write down any history you have on the gun. And store it with the gun or someplace safe. Here are some nice storage boxes. http://www.protecta-gun.com/

I just bought 20 of these boxes from Robert and they are fantastic!!! :) :)

[rondawg]

I just bought 20 of these boxes from Robert and they are fantastic!!! :) :)
You think that'll be enough? You have quite a herd, ya know! ;)

[bigredc]

Got a few guns do ya.