shooter or safe queen?

[Maccool]

First I wanted to say hi, being my first post and all. been reading and learning alot great info and people on here thanks for having me.
I have a 1942 Colt 1911A1 #813*** with the WB stamp but the barrel has a HS on one side and a P on the other, the slide has no numbers on it. So I assume that its pretty much non matching and not worth much . So what do you think shoot it or put it up?

[boehlertaught]

I shoot mine! A 1917 vintage... Put many rounds through it, and have only had to replace the extractor. It rattles a lot but shoots pretty straight.

[tsellati]

Sounds like a good candidate for a shooter. One day, I will get myself a shooter, but, for now I am trying to land my first collectible M1911A1.

Tim

[bgiven]

If the slide truly is un-numbered under the firing pin stop plate, you have a mixmaster shooter......Enjoy

[rekladan]

Yep, and with the originals it is actually the hardening of the slide that may (or may not) be the weak link in the pistol's integrity - so, assuming the slide is a 'modern' replacement, fire away.

[Maccool]

I don't know if the slide is a newer one or not it has on the right hand of the slide model of 1911 u.s. army and has a H above the firing pin block and on the left it has all the patented stuff to 1913 then the colt horse stamp then colt co. address. Would that make it newer or older?

[Scott Gahimer]

Welocme to the forum.

It sounds like you probably have an M1911 slide, which would be older than the frame. Photos would help verify what you have.

Often when mismatched to that degree, the pistols have also been reifnished. Does the finish color of the frame and slide match? How about ther small parts? Is the entire pistol the same color?

If so, it may even be an arsenal rebuilt pistol. Some guys find those fairly collectible, and choose not to fire them when they have nice condition, to retain value.

Otherwise, compared to an original pistol, it would make a good shooter (as far as the military pistols go). There are always better choices as a shooter, IMO, for the money with a modern pistol. They shoot just as well, and typically cost less to begin with. Many even have lifetime warranties. You never know how many rounds have already gone through an old military rebuilt pistol.

[rekladan]

When you wrote that the slide has no numbers, you mean under the firing pin stop?

[Maccool]

Yeah the slide looks like it was blued where the frame looks like it was park, and I meant that it didn't have a serial number under the fire pin stop. I am hoping to get a camera soon.
Also I wanted to say thank you for all the help ,you guys really know your stuff.