To Buy???

[ulfman]

First of all ,I hope I post this on right forum tread!?. I have a question.Im looking to by a colt made 1942 war time hopefully in a nice condition.I found this ad on gun´s america

http://www.gunsamerica.com/976955156/Guns/Pistols/Colt-Automatic-Pistols/1942_Colt_U_S_Army_1911A1_45acp_w_box.htm#

And I wonder if this is a good buy? Is it real ? I cant find any markings on the barrel?? anybody who know??

Newbie on colt
My best ulfman

[lindermant]

I don't know a thing about USGI era 1911's, but I found this thread on another forum regarding "surf city firearms"

http://www.1911forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38781&highlight=surf+city+firearms

best of luck with your search!

[elijdub]

ulfman,
Welcome to the world of Colt's (and the forum)! I don't know much about early Colt's. You may have better luck posting this thread in the "Collector's Corner" section of the forum:
http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?f=36
The first "forum" in that section is for "Government model 1911's"...it appears the gun in question is, as opposed to a "Commercial model" (which i believe have a "C" in the serial number).
I'm not sure on the price. The thread that Lindermant posted didn't seem to speak to highly of that seller (though they DO have a "gold rating" on gunsamerica...i assume that means that they, at the very least, have smooth and honest transactions).

I hope someone else is able to provide you with more help. That is a very nice looking Colt! I'm just not sure if it's a good price or not.

[John]

I have one question for you Ulfman. Who will export that gun to you in Sweden? You do know that exporting a firearm from US is not an easy procedure, don't you?

[ulfman]

Yes I know,but Im the lucky One.My wife lives in Reno Nevada.So I will ask her to buy it.Then I can arrange all in a nice slow transaction.Me doing the paper works I hope :-))
But Im still not sure how to do with the purchase.Can you see if it is real??
what part shall I focus on to see if its real?? any suggestions??Is the sellers known to fake? yeah you see alot of ????.
Thanks for all in put I can get
Best from ulfman

[ulfman]

If I want a gun from the real army suply , what markings have they??
Best ulfman

[QUOTE=elijdub]ulfman,

The first "forum" in that section is for "Government model 1911's"...it appears the gun in question is, as opposed to a "Commercial model" (which i believe have a "C" in the serial number).
QUOTE]


Thanks for puting me in the right way

[John]

Ulfman, the issue of identifying the authenticity of a WWII era 1911 is not that simple. Have a look at this thread:

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=38578

The pistol shown there, even though it is NOT a real gun (it's an airsoft replica), is all correct and authentic to the smaller detail. However, it took the expert eye of an experienced collector (Scott Gahimer, thanks Scott) to tell and also to identify the only "non-authentic" item on the pistol, which is the rear sight. The real one, at that year, should have a semi-circular notch sight instead of a square one.

The markings were not constant, throughout the production of the military pistols, they changed depending on the manufacturer (Colt, Remington Rand, Ithaca, etc), the year (different inspectors, different marks) etc. If you can find Clawson's book 3rd edition, you will be able to read about all the small details regarding the markings. Also, check out this site:

http://www. coolgunsite.com

[Rich-D]

I have one question for you Ulfman. Who will export that gun to you in Sweden? You do know that exporting a firearm from US is not an easy procedure, don't you?


Sarco Inc is listed on Auction Arms as an International dealer.


Company - Sarco, Inc.
Type - FFL Transfer Agent

Edward Ehrmann
323 Union St
Stirling, NJ 07980
908-647-3800

Rich

[elijdub]

If I want a gun from the real army suply , what markings have they??
Best ulfman

ulfman,

The first "forum" in that section is for "Government model 1911's"...it appears the gun in question is, as opposed to a "Commercial model" (which i believe have a "C" in the serial number).



Thanks for puting me in the right way
My pleasure! Good luck with your search for a WWII Colt. I'd suggest buying Clawson's book on the 1911 to help familiarize yourself with older/collector guns. You can find it on the usual sources (Amazon, Ebay, etc.), but i know a GREAT guy and "dealer" right here on the forum who has them for sale for around $70-75. Let me know and i'll get his info for you.

[Hawkmoon]

DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM SURF CITY FIREARMS.

They have a horrendous reputation. Based on my one almost-experience with them and the reports I got back when researching my interaction, it appears that they have a slight problem with the truth.

Here's my tale of woe, and the feedback I received:
http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=15299

[Scott Gahimer]

http://www.gunsamerica.com/976955156/Guns/Pistols/Colt-Automatic-Pistols/1942_Colt_U_S_Army_1911A1_45acp_w_box.htm#
And I wonder if this is a good buy? Is it real ? I cant find any markings on the barrel?? anybody who know??
Newbie on colt
My best ulfman

Good buy? No, not in my opinion.

Real? Well, that depends on what you mean. If you mean original and unaltered...No. If you mean are all the parts uathentic USGI parts...maybe, but I didn't look that close at all the photos because it's been totally refinished. Hard to say what else besides the refinish was done.

Barrel markings on a WWII barrel would not be visible through the ejection port. A firsthand inspection would be necessary to know what you're getting with this pistol.

I'd pass and continue looking.

Good luck.

[ulfman]

You have me listening...And I will follow you advice.Because Im looking for a
m-1911A1 COLT(or remington) from 1941-1942(maybe 43).Who`s all authentic USGI .Im a history freak , on that point (but Im a newbie)...
Can you point me in the right direction to get a hand on these??What price do you think I will end up on?

Thanks for all help you guys are giving me.All help I can get will be appreciated much.

best ulfman

[Scott Gahimer]

Who`s all authentic USGI.
Can you point me in the right direction to get a hand on these?
What price do you think I will end up on?

As far as who sells all authentic USGI pistols? I think the safe thing to do is to stick with judging the guns, not the sellers. Anyone might happen to have a nice, original gun for sale. But just because a person is reputable and of good character, that doesn't mean he's got all original pistols for sale. Rather than to rely on trusting anyone's character, I like to stick with judging the pistols. They are what they are: original or not original. I think that keeps the door open with everyone.

Can you point me in the right direction? I wish I could. If I knew where all the good, original pieces are, I'd try to buy them myself. The key is to keep your eyes open and let people know you're looking. But if you find one, you've still got to start over evaluating the pistol to determne if it's all original. Until you get some real experience, you won't be able to do that on your own. That's where this forum comes in handy. Hopefully, you'll be able to read the board and form an opinion about who you want to trust to help you determine what might be original, as what isn't.

Prices vary quite a bit. It would be nice if it were true that you always get what you pay for. But that isn't true. Many sellers know they are misrepresenting their sales; others misrepresent them unknowingly. Just because the price is high is no sign the gun is original. Just because the price seems like a bargain is no sign the gun is not original. One should not rely on a price to determine anything about the pistol except what it will cost.
Buying from someone who is knowledgeable, I don't think you are going to buy anything below collector pricing. Price will vary depending on the specific pistol, not just the make. There are several things that determine value beyond make and model. Each sub-variation has it's own degree of desirabilty and value to most collectors. Once originality has been established, value is all about sub-variation and condition.
The toughest part is to find a nice, original piece. When you do find one, whoever is experienced enough to help you know the pistol is original will probably also know the value.

Don't hesitate to ask questions about specific pistols. That's how you will learn. Learn from the mistakes of others. Take it slow, get good help and eliminate making the same mistakes. Learning doesn't have to be an expensive lesson; some people just like to make it that way.

[ulfman]

Im so greatfull that you Pro`s are so nice.And i feel that I will have a great time here on the forum .reading and learning, and I hope that I can send pic of my "to buy gun" and get some help with it ....
thanks !!! Ulfman