Colt M1911A1 - The Firearms Forum

jhml · 12-24-2008, 11:07 AM

My Dad was a Pan Am pilot who "volunteered" for the Army Air Corps in 1940. My recollection was that he told me he originally was issued with a .38 revolver, then a .45 ACP revolver (I am quite sure that is what he said--it was a big revolver in.45 ACP) , then a .45 auto in about 1942.

He purchased his .45 when he finally left the service (ANG until the late fifties)

The .45 is a Colt M1911A1 , serial number 851017 . All the serial numbers match. It has walnut grips.

Dad was funny about his .45. He was very resistant to making any changes whatever to it even when offered a free "bushing' that he was told would improve accuracy, and a better trigger.

About every 6 months he would take it out and clean and oil it. He kept it in a ammo box with original WWII cartridges including some "survival cartridges" that contained fine birdshot.

Here is the question.

The gun is parkerized (grey-green finish) except for the slide which is simply dull grey metal. As well as I can recall that is the way it was when I was a kid (50's).

Everything is is in great shape on the pistol, showing only a little holster wear, and a mark where the safety rotates.

Is the slide "as issued"?

Thanks.

John

crazy charlie · 12-25-2008, 04:05 PM

I could be wrong, but weren't some 1911's updated to 1911A1's? Could've been the reason for the two different finishes. I had a 1911 that was all faded blue /gray.
Come on you .45 experts.

Alpo · 12-26-2008, 08:47 AM

Colt SN 851017 was made in 1942. That's waaay too late to have started as a 1911.

jhml, the ".45 ACP revolver" is absolutely correct. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1917_revolver

12-24-2008, 11:07 AM	#1
jhml Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1	Colt M1911A1 My Dad was a Pan Am pilot who "volunteered" for the Army Air Corps in 1940. My recollection was that he told me he originally was issued with a .38 revolver, then a .45 ACP revolver (I am quite sure that is what he said--it was a big revolver in.45 ACP) , then a .45 auto in about 1942. He purchased his .45 when he finally left the service (ANG until the late fifties) The .45 is a Colt M1911A1 , serial number 851017 . All the serial numbers match. It has walnut grips. Dad was funny about his .45. He was very resistant to making any changes whatever to it even when offered a free "bushing' that he was told would improve accuracy, and a better trigger. About every 6 months he would take it out and clean and oil it. He kept it in a ammo box with original WWII cartridges including some "survival cartridges" that contained fine birdshot. Here is the question. The gun is parkerized (grey-green finish) except for the slide which is simply dull grey metal. As well as I can recall that is the way it was when I was a kid (50's). Everything is is in great shape on the pistol, showing only a little holster wear, and a mark where the safety rotates. Is the slide "as issued"? Thanks. John -->

12-25-2008, 04:05 PM	#2
crazy charlie Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: PA Posts: 36	Re: Colt M1911A1 I could be wrong, but weren't some 1911's updated to 1911A1's? Could've been the reason for the two different finishes. I had a 1911 that was all faded blue /gray. Come on you .45 experts. __________________ As you go thru life brother, be whatever your goal, keep your mind on the doughnut, and not on the hole.

12-26-2008, 08:47 AM	#3
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,772	Re: Colt M1911A1 Colt SN 851017 was made in 1942. That's waaay too late to have started as a 1911. jhml, the ".45 ACP revolver" is absolutely correct. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1917_revolver