Would like information about a no.248,XXX, 1911

[moorem9]

I just recently was given a colt 1911. It seems to have been reworked a bit but the serial number puts it back a long time. I was curious to know more about restoration tips and general info about this generation of the gun.

[pa_guns]

Hi

Welcome to the forum !!!

Pictures would help a lot in figuring out what you have.

It could be a completely original WWI pistol, it could be a WWII rebuild, it could be a WWI frame used with a bunch of aftermarket parts to build up a 1911, or it could be something else altogether ...

Bob

[moorem9]

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/moorem9/100_1046.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/moorem9/100_1045.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/moorem9/100_1044.jpg

[rondawg]

Wow! Somebody's polished the bejeebers out of that gun! It looks really nice, but I wouldn't try to "restore" it back to an original condition, too far gone IMHO. It would probably clean up really nice with a good scrubbing and maybe a re-bluing, and if it shoots nice I'd just enjoy it as-is.

And FWIW, I have a RIA in the shop right now for a polish and blue job, I'm really hoping it comes out looking similar to yours. Without over-polishing, of course. I like that deep, shiny blue!

JMHO.

[pa_guns]

Hi

It's a little tough to see all of the details, but more or less you have a WWI era pistol with a number of the original parts still in place. The MSH has been changed out from a flat one, but the thumb safety and maybe the hammer are original.

It would take a bit more digging to figure out weather the barrel and other parts are "correct" to the original weapon or not. If they are, you have a reasonable start to a restoration. It's not going to be cheap, but it can be done.

Bob

[rondawg]

Bob, look closely at the rear corners of the slide. Both bottom corners have been cut off for some reason. Ain't gonna be no restoring of THAT slide.

[pa_guns]

Bob, look closely at the rear corners of the slide. Both bottom corners have been cut off for some reason. Ain't gonna be no restoring of THAT slide.

Hi

I'd missed that.

You're right, restoring that pistol is going require a new slide.

Bob

[rondawg]

I wonder why anybody would do that? Can't imagine the slide hitting your hand on a 1911.

I suppose it's possible the slide was dropped and damaged, or maybe it was damaged in the polishing process. I've certainly had parts snatched out of my hand by buffers before and bounced off the floor. That would be a good way to damage the slide's corners.

[pa_guns]

Hi

The slide cutting thing is a bit odd.

It may have been a voodoo idea a ways back. Less friction or some such thing. First time I have *ever* seen a pistol with that done.

Bob

[Auto Mag]

I wonder if the slide was cut to keep it from making contact with his hand!! Cheap man's beavertail!!! :D :D

[Paulinski]

Another old work horse ruined. :(

[1saxman]

Another old work horse ruined. :(

Totally. That's really sad.

[pa_guns]

Hi

Of course we really don't know what kind of damage there may have been to the rear of the slide. There's all sorts of stuff that happens to pistols over the years.

Bob

[rondawg]

I still like the finish, though. I'm hoping my Rock comes back like that.

[rondawg]

<AHEM> Speaking of slides.... http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=49542 Get the gun refinished and the slide made to match?

[pa_guns]

I still like the finish, though. I'm hoping my Rock comes back like that.

Hi

Actually you probably don't want it quite that "bright". These days when they do it to that level of shine they round off all sorts of things....

Bob