Researching 1911 question

[Jules]

I have a friend (no, really,) who knows that I'm interested in guns. He's made noise a few times about a Colt 1911 that he was given back in the 70s or early 80s. It was probably brought back from Vietnam. He hasn't brought it in to me yet, so I don't know the condition, but he's never shot it himself.

I think he wants to sell it, as it's not something his daughter would want to inherit. I'd like to buy it if it's any good, but I'd like to give him an honest price for it. I suspect a good place to start would be in the serial number; once I get that, is there a database that would give me the approximate age of the gun?

And do you have any advice on what to look for in the gun's condition? My husband and I each have 1911s, so we know we like the frame, and it would make my husband very happy to see this in his Christmas stocking.

Thanks!

[i1800collect]

Use http://www.proofhouse.com/colt/index.html to look up Colt serial numbers.

[redcliff]

I have a friend (no, really,) who knows that I'm interested in guns. He's made noise a few times about a Colt 1911 that he was given back in the 70s or early 80s. It was probably brought back from Vietnam. He hasn't brought it in to me yet, so I don't know the condition, but he's never shot it himself.

I think he wants to sell it, as it's not something his daughter would want to inherit. I'd like to buy it if it's any good, but I'd like to give him an honest price for it. I suspect a good place to start would be in the serial number; once I get that, is there a database that would give me the approximate age of the gun?

And do you have any advice on what to look for in the gun's condition? My husband and I each have 1911s, so we know we like the frame, and it would make my husband very happy to see this in his Christmas stocking.

Thanks!

Besides the serial number post some pictures and I'm sure some of the knowledgeable folks here could give you a good estimation of value.

[Jules]

Thank you! I knew there had to be a reference, but I hadn't been able to find it.

I'll post pictures once I'm able to take some. I haven't even seen it yet. We'll have to coordinate at work, and that can get a little tricky.

[redcliff]

Just noticed you were in Atwater; my fiancee was born and raised there I always tease her and refer to it as "Backwater". Was just down there last week for a funeral. Sure is some good Portuguese and Mexican food there!

[OneSevenDeuce]

If it was brought back from a war probably the first thing I would look at (usually the first thing I look at no matter where it comes from) is the bore. Check to see if there is any pitting or discoloration inside the barrel. Check spring tension. Does the grip safety still bounce back into position after you take your hand off of it? Ask if he can take it apart for you so you can see the inners. Is there rust or corrosion on the recoil spring? What about any of the inside surfaces like in the dust cover? Does the hammer half cock and full cock?

These are just somethings I look for as a collector. Even if all of these things aren't perfect it might still be worth having. If you want it as a shooter, replacement parts are easy to find and could quickly get it up to snuff for a nice day at the range. If you want it for collecting purposes however, original parts and their condition become more important.

[Jules]

He said he'd bring it in and let me keep it for a week or two to really look at it. We'll take it apart and photograph it then. He said it was given to him in about '78 or '79.

[ir0nclash86]

Wow I wish my wife purchased me weapons and put them in my Christmas stocking. Very cool wife.

[Jules]

I owe him some. I took his gun-acquiring turns a few times in the last couple of years.

Oh, and Redcliff, I spent some years in Shasta County myself, so we're even!

[OneSevenDeuce]

Wow I wish my wife purchased me weapons and put them in my Christmas stocking. Very cool wife.

Seriously.

[erikdjs]

You also may want to check out the colt forum at 1911forum.com. Great people over there also.

[Colt]

Proofhouse is good for serial number info and date of manufacture.

In addition to the other info sites mentioned, try http://forum.m1911.org - they have a wealth of good info and some extremely knowledgeable folks.

[Jules]

Well, I got the gun today, and by the serial number, it looks like a 1943 model.

We took it apart and looked at it, and everything OneSevenDeuce said to look for checked out. It's really only got wear on the outside, most likely from the holster that's still with it. I only see a tiny bit of rust, and that's on the outside too.

I took pictures, which I'll upload and post tonight. I couldn't get a good one of the barrel rifling, but there was no corrosion there.

[OneSevenDeuce]

Glad to hear it's in good condition. Can't wait to see pics.

[chiselchst]

Start here:

http://www.coolgunsite.com/buying/buying.htm

Everything strictly 1911:

http://forums.1911forum.com/