Early Giles Gun

[Bill_in Bouse]

Hey Guys and Gals, I purchased this 1911 last year from a woman in Arizona by way of Florida. She stated her grandfather was a member of the local Navy shooting team. Out of curiosity I sent off for the Colt letter and was not surprised by the answer received.

My question is: On the letter the caliber is shown as a .45/c and not a .45ACP is this an error on Colt's part? should I be concerned and call Colt?

Thanks
Bill

[11 Bravo]

I have seen several Colt 1911 letters that list the caliber as .45/c. One would think the letter would state .45 Automatic or .45ACP. Google "Colt 1911 letters" and you'll see several examples of this. You could call Colt and ask for an explanation.

[henryt]

How about a few pictures of the gun?

[Bill_in Bouse]

Here they are

I will add, it still shoots great.

[Jim Watson]

Neat. I think Mr Giles was the only 'smith to have his own sights. Everybody else was installing Bomar, Aristocrat, Micro, or S&W sights.

Early days of IPSC in this area, a shooter sent his bullseye gun back to Mr Giles to have the rib removed and replaced with regular Giles sights for shooting hardball.

[henryt]

Very nice. Thanks for taking the time for posting these pictures.

[punxsutawneypete]

Here they are

I will add, it still shoots great.

You have a wonderful treasure there. John Giles was one of the great old time pistolsmiths along with Jim Clark, Bob Chow and Austin Behlert. He did make his own sights. Now you just need to look out for a High Standard .22 target pistol that he customized and you will be ready to go.

[Bill_in Bouse]

Thanks Guys for the kind words. I'll further add I now know the original owner of the Giles .45. A Navy Captain ordered the pistol on 11/5/56 and it was delivered to him on
10/4/57 for a total cost of $157.35 That total includes the cost of the gun and all modifications LOL