Pistol Marked M1911a1 Army Issued

[john s]

Not Sure What I Have Here,i Inherited 2 Of These From My Dad Back In Febuary,they Look As If They Have Never Been Shot And If They Have They Look Brand New,also Have The What Looks Like Original Holster Marked Us Army Can Anyone Help Me Identify These.

[wichaka]

Can you post pics? and give the first 3-4 numbers of the serial numbers.

[191145]

The first thing you need to do is to clear each of the pistols and make them safe. The second is to not keep them in holsters, as this causes rust. Can't wait to see what you have! To clear the 1911, remove the magazine from the gun, then unlock the thumb safety lock at the left rear of the frame (keep your finger away from the trigger at all times), then vigorously draw back the slide all the way, then lock the slide open with the slide lock midway on the left side of the frame. Inspect the chamber of the barrel and the magazine area to make sure no ammunition is in the pistol. You can then leave it like that or release the slide while holding it so it closes gently, then flip the thumb safety up to lock the hammer back. Leave the magazine out of the pistol and empty the mag if any ammo is in it.

[exitwounds]

The first few digits of the serial number, markings on the weapon, and some pictures would be a great help in determining what you have.

[john s]

i do not have a way at this time to send pics however here is the other info you requested colt 16587xx remington 7179xx not sure if this is all you need just let me know and i will send everything marked on each pistol, in advance thanks guys for any help. john s

[Hawkmoon]

John S --

Please note that I took the liberty of changing the last two digits of each serial number to 'X' -- it is generally considered unwise to publish the entire serial number of any gun on the Internet, because unscrupulous types can grab the serial number, report the gun as stolen from them, and then the fun begins. The first three digits, with 'X' placeholders to indicate the number of missing numerals, is sufficient to establish date of manufacture.

If you can find a way to post pictures it would be very helpful. When shooting the right side of the pistol, though, put a tiny piece of masking or electrical tape over the serial number.

[wichaka]

16587XX was made in 1944

7179XX is also a Colt made in 1940

The first Remingtons didnt show up in WWII until 1942 beggining around serial# 916405, in which Colt had duplicated serial numbers in the range from 856405-1096404

[john s]

Thanks Everyone For The Help,i Knew One Was A Colt It Has Several Dates Stamped On It Follow By Colt,the One I Was Not Sure About Was The One Marked 7179xx,it Has No Other Markes Except Remington No Dates Or Anything,is There Anyway Of Finding The Value On These,i Have Decided To Turn Them Over To His Grandson So Would Like To Be Able To Instruct Him On Everything I Can Find Out. John

[exitwounds]

Thanks Everyone For The Help,i Knew One Was A Colt It Has Several Dates Stamped On It Follow By Colt,the One I Was Not Sure About Was The One Marked 7179xx,it Has No Other Markes Except Remington No Dates Or Anything,is There Anyway Of Finding The Value On These,i Have Decided To Turn Them Over To His Grandson So Would Like To Be Able To Instruct Him On Everything I Can Find Out. John

The value would depend on if the weapon is all original or correct, for the time period, refinished, arsenal rebuilt, a parts gun, etc. The range could be anywhere from $450 to $2000, depending on those factors. Have any pictures you can post? :)