Description

This is a C&R Pistol Exempt from the California Handgun Roster

WE DO NOT SHIP TO TYPE 3 C&R FFLs

Make: Colt

Model: This is an excellent example of a U.S. Army issued Colt 1911A1 .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol.

Serial Number: 902614

Year of Manufacture: 1943

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action: Single-action hammer-fired semi-auto

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights: Rounded blade front and fixed square notch rear sight

Markings: Left side of slide – first row: PATENTED APR.20.1897 SEPT.9.1902 COLT’S PT.F.A.Mfg Co; second row: DEC.19.1905 FEB.14.1911 AUG.19.1913. HARTFORD, CT U.S.A. Rampant Colt logotype. Top of slide – P in front of rear sight. Hammer recess under firing pin stop: 902 above 614. Left side of receiver – P behind the trigger guard and below and to the right of the mag release; G. H. D. Below the slide release; W and Colt verified proof mark on the upper left side of the trigger guard. Right side of receiver – U.S. Ordinance Department crossed cannon symbol (partial) on right rear of the receiver behind the right grip panel; No 902614; Top of receiver to the right of the disconnector hole- Colt production mark of S stamped over G. Barrel – top: COLT.45 AUTO (visible in ejection port). Left side of lug: C in box with rounded corners.

Grip Panels: Original Coltwood plastic resin with cross-shaped reinforcing rib on the interior surface and mold marks of 9 (left panel) and 12 (right panel). No chips or cracks. Very good to excellent condition.

Finish: Dark gray parkerized. Heat treated front of slide and slidestop notch.

Finish Originality: Original. 98%.

Barrel and Bore Condition: Non-ramped replacement late or post-World War II barrel held in place by a solid muzzle bushing and original style recoil system with a short guide rod. The bore is very bright with very sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. Condition is 9.5+ out of 10 (10 is mint).

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and there is no play between the barrel assembly and frame. The hold-open latch keeps the action open on an empty magazine.

Magazine: 7 round post-World War II U.S. military contract magazine manufactured by Check-mate Industries with a baseplate marked 19200-ASSY 5508694 MFR. 1M291. It has no dents and includes intact feed lips and a strong spring. It is fully functional and we would rate it in excellent condition.

NRA Antique Firearm Condition: Excellent. All original parts; over 95% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal; unmarred wood grip panels; fine bore.

History: In 1911 the U.S. armed forces officially adopted a pistol designed by John Moses Browning. Introduced as the “Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, M1911,” it would go on to become the most respected combat handgun of all time and the favorite of generations of soldiers, law enforcement officers, armed professionals, target shooters and sportsmen. The 1911A1 .45ACP pistol remained the official sidearm of U.S. armed forces until 1985, when it was replaced by the 9mm Beretta M9. While Colt was the original manufacturer and owned the patents, other companies like Ithaca, Remington Rand, Union Switch & Signal, and Singer manufactured the 1911A1 pistol in order to meet World War II production needs. The 1911A1 quickly earned a reputation for reliability and ruggedness while its .45 cartridge proved highly effective. This pistol was the standard sidearm of U.S. forces fighting Philippine insurgents, chasing Pancho Villa, engaging in trench warfare in World War I, and serving in the jungles of Guadalcanal to the frozen forests of Bastogne in World War II. It also served with distinction during wars in Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf, as well as numerous other actions. A favorite of law enforcement agencies like the Texas Rangers and FBI, it was the preferred choice of numerous gangsters over many decades. Renowned for its ruggedness and reliability, the 1911A1 has been in continuous production for over 100 years and its design has gone on to influence most handguns that currently exist.

Overall Assessment: The legendary 1911A1 pistol is renowned for its reliability and ruggedness. Its short trigger insures a smooth pull, and its grip and thumb safeties have earned wide praise for their ergonomics. This is an excellent example of a World War II Colt-manufactured 1911A1 that has almost all World War II markings, a matching Colt manufactured slide, receiver, original Colt small parts, and Coltwood plastic resin grips. This pistol was refurbished at the factory after the war for commercial sale, as indicated by removal of the UNITED STATES PROPERTY and M1911A1 U.S. ARMY markings on the right side of the receiver and the S stamped over a G on the top of the receiver. The late / post-war barrel has a very bright bore with very sharp rifling without any erosion. This pistol would make an excellent shooter that we anticipate has a high degree of reliability and accuracy. This pistol is well-maintained pistol has outstanding mechanics, retains nearly all of its original parkerized finish with original Coltwood grip panels. We would rate the pistol in excellent condition (NRA Antique Firearm Condition). Own a piece of history with all-matching Colt slide, receiver, small parts, and grips that would make an outstanding self-defense or target shooting firearm.