Original WW2 1911s

[marlin44]

I know this sounds stupid, but where would one begin looking for an original Colt, Ithaca, or Remington Rand. I've been on some websites and have been looking. Gun shows make me leary. I had considered a ww1 repo, but I think I can get the real deal for a few bucks more. I wouldn't mine having one that I could take to the range every now and then. There is something about an original that you can't deny.

[exitwounds]

There are many out there on the auction sites, but many sell for more than they are worth. You need to be critical in asking questions if you go that route to insure everything is correct for that particular weapon and time period. Gun shows can be good sources, especially the smaller out of the way ones, but you've ruled that out. Try your local pawn shops, and word of mouth is always a good tool. I have aquired a few pistols swapping war stories at the local American Legion and VFW. There are some non auction classified webpages that also have those weapons. Shooter's grade weapon's are generally readily available, and appear in shotgun news from time to time. Good luck in your search.

[Johnny Peppers]

At the last Tulsa show there were more original 1911A1's for sale than I have seen in a while. Many were in the 85/90% range, and if I had intentions of shooting the pistol, this is where I would stay. No need in paying top dollar for quality and then using it as a shooter.

[marlin44]

Ok, I wont rule out gun shows! :)

[marlin44]

Johnny, I agree with you on that. I want a piece that I can still shoot at times. If it fell in the 85-90% that would suit me. I live in northeastern PA and I'll have to see if there are any gun shows coming up.

[exitwounds]

I live in northeastern PA and I'll have to see if there are any gun shows coming up.
Whereabouts in NE PA are you? There are usually some good gun shows in Reading and Allentown? It's a bit of a drive for me though. But I try to get to Scranton when they have them. You might try the Outdoorsman in Kingsley off the Lenox exit too. Good luck in your endeavors. :)

[RayP.]

http://www.buckbait.com/

RayP.

[marlin44]

I found one in Harrisburg on Dec 10-11. It looks like a military/firearms show with 1200 tables. What way could I tell if what Im really looking at is a ww2 1911. Serial number? I want one that was manufactured during the war, but prewar would be ok.

[exitwounds]

Checkout www.coolgunsite.com ID Pages and 1911 Gallery. That should give you a good idea of what to look for and the serial # ranges for the time period your looking for. You may want to get a copy of the "Collector's Guide to Colt .45 Service pistols Models of 1911 and 1911A1" by Charles Clawson.

[exitwounds]

BTW, the Harrisburg Gun Show is probably the best in the State, IMO. There is usually a large number of 1911's, 1911A1's, and other military weapons.

[canuck]

Gawd,
You guys don't have any idea what us Kanucks would give to have the quantity/quality of gun shows that you have to choose from.
Enjoy for me!!

[marlin44]

Exit, thanks for all the info. I check it out! :)

[marlin44]

Sorry about the spelling!

[flusher]

Here's a 1943 Colt 1911A1 and a 1951 Colt Government Model

http://publish.hometown.aol.com/flusher2/myhomepage/guns%20colt.jpg

[marlin44]

Nice pieces flusher, what type of prices should I be bracing myself for? Like I said earlier I not after a collectors piece, if it fell in the 80-90% range Id be thrilled. I want something that I could take to the range now and then. I was guessing 1000-1500? Im going to be ordering Charles Clawson's collectors guide book, hopefully it will help this newbie out.

[flusher]

Nice pieces flusher, what type of prices should I be bracing myself for? Like I said earlier I not after a collectors piece, if it fell in the 80-90% range Id be thrilled. I want something that I could take to the range now and then. I was guessing 1000-1500? Im going to be ordering Charles Clawson's collectors guide book, hopefully it will help this newbie out.

Remember there's more to a collector's piece than finish. Original parts etc also count.
At any rate I think a shooter would be in the range of $800 -$1000 for a Colt. Less for Rem Rand and Ithaca
I can tell you where to get Clawsons book for a good price.
Write me at
flusher2@aol.com

[AKsRule]

I'm in NEPA also. :)

I try to get to the Harrisburg show twice a year.
Somehow I always end up leaving with a new Gun. :D

[191145]

By all means go to every gun show you can, if only to see and get your hands on what's available, and do some talking and maybe horse trading. You'll soon get a really good mental picture of what you want and how much it's going to cost.