Remington Rand "find"

[Hawkmoon]

Used my RCBS trigger spring scale today. Trigger measures at 4.25 pounds. Every. Time.

That figures. Some previous owner ruined that pistol in terms of collector value, but he probably used it for bullseye or plate competition shooting, and I'll hazard a guess that it's a tack driver.

[JB67]

I need one too

[BrettID]

I went to the range this a.m. No mechanical issues at all. It functioned with all 5 magazines I brought, loaded with PMC 230 gr. fmj.

I could have placed a 5 gallon bucket on the ground where the brass was landing and probably have caught 2/3 of them.

I took a picture of a 15 yard target after all 5 magazines were spent. I should have taken a pic after each mag. My terrible shooting might not be so visible if I were to choose which pic to post. I've been lacking in range time for a few years now and it shows. I'm a "7 O'clock" shooter habitually.

I really enjoyed shooting this Remington Rand. Even if it is no longer "collectible".
06Jul20range.jpgRR06JUL20.jpg

[BrettID]

My good buddy called today with more info he learned at his brother's memorial service.

Good buddies brother Brian took posession of the RR after a friend of his passed.

Brian's buddy was an Army Ranger and competition shooter.

So for me the gun keeps gettin' better despite its scars! I love a good gun story. Always have, always will.

[Ibmikey]

The frame could be salvaged by a good welder and reparkerized then used as a shooter but it’s life as a viable example of a Remington 1911a1 has long passed.

[BrettID]

The frame could be salvaged by a good welder and reparkerized then used as a shooter but it’s life as a viable example of a Remington 1911a1 has long passed.

At first I contacted a high end restorer and they declined to take on such a project. Then I shot it. It was fun. I've wanted a RR and a nice one for a long time. But it will probably not happen. Then again it's like me and nice muscle cars. I once owned a nice 68 RS/SS Camaro. I ended up being "afraid" to drive it, for fear of damage, wear and tear, etc. I realized that was ridiculous and sold it. Life is sweeter, when you drive a beater! A nice RR would probably be a safe queen. I'm that kind of a person. So I've got a beater, to shoot!

[Ibmikey]

Hawk moon, My DCM paperwork (1963) indicates I paid $12.50 for a Colt Pistol (“unserviceable” that was in pristine condition) and $4.50 Railway Express shipping. I remember having to scrounge that much money along with the NRA membership as they handled the paperwork.
Oh to find pistols in that condition and price today

[Spyros]

Well $12.50 in 1963 would be a bit over $105 today... which would still do quite nicely!

https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/

[BrettID]

I wish I knew the timeline of this RR. But I imagine like all things collectable today, yesterdays stuff was an inexpensive item to be used as produced. I wonder just how many WWII 1911's were "disfigured" like the one I found to make them into some sort of "custom" pistol. I remember back 30 years ago when I saw my first WWII 1911, I recall thinking it looked relatively new and was surprised when I was told its age. Then I was fascinated that it had only cost $17. I wondered then "where can I get a cheap surplus 1911?" I'm only in my early fifties, so I missed out on the "good ol' days".

[Connochr]

Joined the forum because of this thread and purchased for a project an "in need of restoration" Remington Rand M1911a1 that someone chrome plated a long time ago. I look forward to seeing the final outcome of your modified Remington Rand. I have seen some old youtube videos of a gentleman in Canada that restored one with holes drilled in the frame. Laser welded them up, ground them smooth, refinished the pistol and it came out nice. He also had a company laser engrave the original markings back into the frame. Of course he didn't mention price but it is possible and in my opinion worth it for these old war horses.