Should I shoot my 1941 Colt?

[nightlog]

First post - hello!

I recently inherited a '41 Colt. The finish is rough but the slide and frame numbers match. Should I shoot it with any frequency? If so, should I avoid particular ammo?

A buddy told me that I may be rolling the dice shooting it since the slide was not heat treated like the later models.

[JiMari]

I have shot my 1918 Rem-UMC/Colt several times. It's fun and it's only a gun. what else are you going to do with it?

[Scott Gahimer]

It would sure help to see some photos of your pistol before offering an opinion. I'd hate to offer bad advice.

Your buddy is right; the 1941 pistols' slide stop notch was not hardened like the 1943-1945 models. However, the military pistols' slides were hardened on the front end beginning in 1937 to prevent deformation and metal wear.

Value of an all correct and original 1941 Colt M1911A1 can be pretty substantial. So, from that standpoint you only lose value when condition is reduced. Condition is reduced every time a pistol is fired, even though we may not notice it unless we really study the wear patterns.

From a historical standpoint as a collector, I like pieces that remain exactly as they were when they came home from the war. I like believing that the last time they were fired was in the line of duty. I think sacrifcing that is a mistake. Others will disagree. We're all entitled to our opinions.

So, please show us your pistol. Give us more to go on so we can offer an informed opinion. Then...please consider the idea of preserving your pistol's history. Whatever you decide, it's alright. The pistol is yours. Thanks for asking and allowing me to give my opinion. Hope that helps.

[nightlog]

Here's some pics:

http://mysite.verizon.net/nightlog/pics/m1911-1.JPG

http://mysite.verizon.net/nightlog/pics/m1911-2.jpg

http://mysite.verizon.net/nightlog/pics/m1911-3.jpg

http://mysite.verizon.net/nightlog/pics/m1911-4.JPG

[Scott Gahimer]

(Assuming you blurred the last three digits) your pistol is one of the first Parkerized Colt M1911A1's. It appears to be original finish and correct from what you've shown.
What are the barrel markings on the side and bottom of the barrel? How is the magazine marked? Is the magazine pinned base or welded base? Are the grips hollow back with a mold number?

Based on the photos so far, I'd say you'd be better off to put the pistol up and get another one to shoot.

What specific information do you have regarding the pistol and/or it's history?

[ltcboy]

If I were you, I would sell it to me.

Thanks for letting me help you out.


Dont shoot it.

[nightlog]

Scott,

I did blur the last three serial number digits.

The barrel is marked "Colt 45 AUTO" and has a "G" on the bottom.

The grips do not have any markings inside of them that I can see. They are sort of concave inside if that helps.

I have two mags for it. They are both welded and have an "L" on top of the floorplate tab. (One has a slightly rusted spring that I had to clean up.)

I have no info on the pistol's history except that it was brought back stateside after WWII by an Army G.I.

Do you know what the ballpark value of this weapon is?

Thanks for your expertise!

[BillyD]

Personally I would shoot it (a LITTLE) but if you have any doubt, don't, if you do decide to shoot it stay away from any +P ammo, which is mainly "self defence" ammo, it will say on the box if it is +P


I have heard that the slide isn't treated as well on the older 1911's as they are today, unless I am mistaken the end of the slide is harder on the older ones which increases the potential of cracking. I think this was mainly an issue on the WW1 models but don't take my word for this. hopefully someone who is more knowledgable than me will chime in

BillyD

[NordicRX8]

Does this item have sentimental value to you? If not, sell it and buy a shooter. If it does, hang onto it and shoot it as you see fit to enjoy it.

Collectors will pay good money for older 1911s.

I consider most guns as a tool (except black powder guns). Wonder if anyone will offer me any substantial money for a first year Snap-On combination wrench set... they after all, are tools too! ;)

[rondawg]

Listen to Scott, he knows what he's talking about. It's likely to be worth more than you think. Ignore the noise about it being a "tool". Glocks are "tools". A Colt of that vintage in that condition is highly collectable, don't risk compromising it.

JMHO.

[Scott Gahimer]

Scott,

Do you know what the ballpark value of this weapon is?

Thanks for your expertise!

Yes, I know what the value of the pistol is. That's why I'm recommending you preserve it.
Your pistol is worth about the price of two nice "shooters".

[nightlog]

Yes, I know what the value of the pistol is. That's why I'm recommending you preserve it.
Your pistol is worth about the price of two nice "shooters".

10-4. Thanks for all of the advice. I've never owned a firearm that I did not shoot. I am contemplating putting a box of hardball through it a couple of times a year with my father-in-law (USMC) who would really enjoy it. But I'll stick to my 9mm GLOCKs and HKs for heavy volume shooting - seeing how the price of .45 ACP ammo has gone through the roof.

[nightlog]

Scott,

You really know how to lay on the guilt!

I have gone from wanting to take this pistol to the range whenever possible to let my family and friends experience shooting a real war relic and whittled it down to spending quality time once or twice a year shooting it with my father-in-law. (My father, a WWII Navy veteran, died last summer so I don't have him anymore with whom to experience it.)

I am now at the point where I am apprehensive about putting a single round down the tube. Not only because it would be a roll of the dice as you expressed but because I would be committing a mortal collector's sin. I am the type of person that thinks things through (many times through).

Your "epistle" was a success. :appld: Consider me now on standby.

[Scott Gahimer]

nightlog:

Let me be the first to welcome you to the world of 1911 collecting. It sounds like you are now the perfect candidate for an old USGI mixmaster grade shooter to burn off some of the frustration and guilt. There are plenty of good shooter grade guns out there that are not collectibles. ;)

I'm happy for you and wish I'd had someone to tell me the same things 25-30 years ago. I've learned a few lessons the hard way. If I had planned to be a collector I might have thought about it more back then.

My dad, a WWII USMC vet, will be 83 next month. I'm confident your dad would be proud of the decision you've made to preserve this one.

Best regards,
Scott

[Hawkmoon]

I don't consider myself a collector. I can't afford the prices that good condition, historic 1911s sell for. I'm more of an "accumulator." But I do subscribe to Scott's philosophy. Sure, it's tempting to shoot one of the old pistols "just to see what it feels like," and the odds are you can run a box or three of ammo through it and nothing will break.

The problem is, the odds may favor not breaking, but it isn't a sure bet. As Scott said, it only takes one round to convert a valuable piece of history into a paperweight. Considering that you can buy a brand new Armscor/Rock Island GI 1911 for $400 or less, IMHO it just doesn't make sense to risk damaging a pistol with real historic value that is probably already worth a lot more than $400, and will appreciate in value if you don't shoot it, and may be ruined if you do shoot it.

[rondawg]

nightlog...

Also consider that you can buy a new RIA from Sarco for $329, change a few parts, and have a reasonable "replica" of a WWII Colt that you can shoot until you're delirious. It'll shoot just as good as the Colt would, maybe better, and it has a lifetime warranty.

This is one of my Rocks with my Colt WWII reproduction M1911A1. It's not the real thing, but it looks good and shoots great. All I've changed so far is the grips, the mainspring housing, and a WWII Colt trigger. Less than $100. I still have a Colt hammer, grip safety and thumb safety to put on.

You and your relatives/friends can all fondle the priceless Colt all you want, then shoot the Rock all you want. Take the Colt along so it can enjoy the outing too, without shooting it. Safes get stuffy. Get yourself a pistol box and the oily paper wrapper, clean and oil the Colt, and keep it in the box. It just might be a nice supplement to your retirement someday, and certainly a nice heirloom. Wish there was one in my family.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/guns/DSCN1324.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/guns/DSCN1330.jpg

[COWBOYKEITH]

These pistols are getting harder and harder to find in this condition ,I think if you hold off shooting it for awhile and start looking around at prices and condition you will realize what you have .If it were mine it would become a SAFE KING and only brought out for display ,these guns have earned their right to be "RETIRED "--Only my opinion .

COWBOYKEITH

[BT2012]

I agree with Scott in preserving history but it is ultimately the choice of the owner whether they want to preserve or shoot it. I do want to add this as a reminder which may be overlooked, if you don't know the history of your WWI or WWII 1911, you risk the chance of something breaking. What I mean by this is, you don't know how many rounds have gone through the 1911 for which you currently own. Your slide or frame could crack and it becomes a paper weight and the value is greatly reduced or is worthless.

[DougME]

Scott and Hawkmoon have made their views clear on this, but IMHO if you're not a collector and not concerned with potential monetary value, shoot it. I have a 1915 Colt that my grandfather carried in WW1 that I shoot regularly ( and am sure he would if still around). It will not leave the family, and if something breaks - so be it. A psitol has to be functional.

[Scott Gahimer]

Doug: I appreciate hearing about the 1915 Colt in your family. Obviously we disagree about this specific 1941 pistol, and that's no big deal.
How about starting a thread and showing us your 1915 piece? I'd love to see it, and I'm sure many others here on the board would too.

I agree it's ultimately up to an owner to decide what to do with his property, but we all offer opinions based on our backgrounds and perspectives. The 1941 pistol is significant to all/most collectors because of it's originality, condition and the fact it is one of the first Parkerized Colt M1911A1 pistols. I'm confident nightlog took that into consideration in making his decision.

Parhaps there is something about your pistol that would make it noteworthy, beyond being a family heirloom? I'd love to see it. Thanks.

[Gator Monroe]

I have 2000 rds. for my "Bring Back" WW2 USGI colt with 1945 RR frame and plan on shooting it all up before early summer !

[Scott Gahimer]

Gator: Sounds like you've got the perfect pistol to blast away with. Hope you keep 'em all in the 10-ring. I'll look forward to a range report.

[Gator Monroe]

It was an Oldtimers "Truck Gun" for over 30 years ) He kept it in every vehicle he drove ,and it has "battlefield pick up" written all over it ! But since I'm a 1911A1 bEGINNER 2000 rds. oughtta do the "Learning Curve" trick !

[romer12]

'41 pistol in that shape should be kept safe and warm. as stated, if you are a shooter just get a pistol in shooting condition and use it.............

[socaldan]

I agree with SCOTT, PLEASE don't RISK it.
Its OUR history. WWII G.I.s deserve MUCH better respect than to take thier "TOOLS" and just waste them on our FRIVOLOUSE WHIM !
PRESERVE IT! CHERRISH IT! RESPECT IT!

or sell it to SCOTT, who will!!!

Dan