M1911 A1 - Help

[BoDaddy]

Hello, I inherited a M1911A1 which was my Grandfathers. I was trying to find the manufacture date. The serial # on all the lists start with 700. The serial # on mine starts with 115. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[doubs43]

It's impossible to help you without more information.

To date your pistol will require the full serial number. It would be even better if you posted detailed photographs of the pistol of both sides so that all the stamps and information can be read. That's important in order to determine if it's a combination of parts from more than one manufacturer or completely original. The majority of 1911A1 pistols were sent back through various arsenals for refurbishment one or more times and parts were mixed.

[bgiven]

Well here's what it could be.....

1912 Colt M1911
1915 Springfield M1911
1918 Remington UMC M1911
1943 Colt M1911A1
1944 Colt M1911A1

Of course this could just be the frame, as already mentioned, the rest of the gun could almost be anything.

BTW.... Welcome to the Fourm.

[Scott Gahimer]

Welcome to the forum.

Nobody here wants to do anything but help you with information you want. Please provide the photos and details we need to help you. There isn't any good reason to not know what you have inherited.

If there was a recent death involved in your inheriting this pistol...sorry to hear of your loss.

[BoDaddy]

Hello again and thanks for all the responses. Actually I have two. My Grandfather was the Deputy Sheriff of Shelby County and after his term he went to work for the Liquor Board which later became the ATF. He passed away in 1955. My Mother has had these guns put up all these years and just now gave them to me. I have photos of him wearing them standing in the woods beside a moonshine still. He was also involved in chasing Bonnie and Clyde. I would just like to know as much about them as I can. I will post photos later. Thanks again Bo

[Duane Hansen]

Bo Daddy, give us the complete serial numbers and that would make things much easier for us.

[BoDaddy]

Hello, the serial # is 119851. The first number 1 is smaller than the rest of the numbers. the slide says M1911A1. The lists I looked at said M1911A1 's started with 700. I should have researched more before starting this thread. the people on this forum are eager to help and extremely nice. I'm really excited about joining this forum. Thanks Bo

[Johnny Peppers]

Serial number 119851 is for a Springfield manufactured in 1915. The slide is a 1911A1 replacement slide. It should have the makers name on the left side just ahead of the slide serrations.

[BoDaddy]

Slide says Colt.

[bgiven]

Post some pictures.... either you have an Arsenal Rebuild, or a USGI mixmaster.

[Scott Gahimer]

Post some pictures.... either you have an Arsenal Rebuild, or a USGI mixmaster.

Agreed. Maybe even mismatched after it left military service. Photos will give us some indication of what it is.

[Rich Keagy]

Put the gun down!
Step away from it.
And take a picture!