Posted: 2/6/2011 4:37:26 PM EDT
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My 76 year old father who was in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 as an MP wants a GI 1911. I told him SA or Rock Island Armory were the only two manufacturers that made a GI model that I am aware of. Is this true? I also want to know an estimated price on a basic GI model. Which manufacturer is the best bang for the money? He will shoot this some but not a lot. He wants it for sentimental value/protection and will pas it down to myself or his grandson. Thank you for the advise.
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The answer IMO is Colt S70 Repro, which is a faithful repro of a commercial-pattern 1911a1 pistol.
For a TRUE GI heirloom, Colt WWI, 1918 or Centennial is a M1911 reproduction. I suggest a blued S70 repro first because while both suggestions are heirloom quality, the sights are more managable for older eyes if this is going to be used for defense. Springers are a good knockaround for a rough approximation of an A1, but they don't quite feel like the real deal. RIAs are cheap and a piss poor choice as an heirloom. |
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Quoted:
The answer IMO is Colt S70 Repro, which is a faithful repro of a commercial-pattern 1911a1 pistol. For a TRUE GI heirloom, Colt WWI, 1918 or Centennial is a M1911 reproduction. I suggest a blued S70 repro first because while both suggestions are heirloom quality, the sights are more managable for older eyes if this is going to be used for defense. Springers are a good knockaround for a rough approximation of an A1, but they don't quite feel like the real deal. RIAs are cheap and a piss poor choice as an heirloom. Agreed, the Colt reproduction would be nice and a great piece to pass down. You could also look at something like a Remington Rand from the 40s. The Springfield is a fine firearm, but nothing I would really consider for passing to my kids or my grandchildren. |
| the colt WW1 reproduction would be the nicest and most true to the original design and markings but costs about 1k. a fair to good condition orginial gi gun can be had for less than that, I'd stay away from the foreign made guns like ria and springfield simply because they are not what I'd call heirloom guns. they are known to be decent shooters. I doubt your pop would want a gun of traditional style for sentimental reasons stamped made in Brazil or made in the Phillipines |
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the colt WW1 reproduction would be the nicest and most true to the original design and markings but costs about 1k. a fair to good condition orginial gi gun can be had for less than that, I'd stay away from the foreign made guns like ria and springfield simply because they are not what I'd call heirloom guns. they are known to be decent shooters. I doubt your pop would want a gun of traditional style for sentimental reasons stamped made in Brazil or made in the Phillipines A fair to good M1911/M1911A1 generally cannot be had <$1,000 unless there is some substantial derrogation from original condition. The best one can usually hope for is the gun having some bad refinish, but is otherwise unmolested. Usually the "shooters" under $1k have unoriginal parts with unknown pedigree, many of which are not reversable for the cost. At the end of the day, these guns are generally "project guns" for someone with a fair amount of knowledge of the ins and outs of M1911s, who is usually preparred to spend a good deal of time, labor, and/or money correcting/reassembling the project. These.weapons also have inferior metallurgy, no warranty, and little information to go by regarding service life, originality and/or suspect parts if you are not able to inspect the pistol thoroughly, with a good foundation of knowledge. Aside from the occasional amazing deal that happens with an unknowledgable seller, these pistols are not good choices for uneducated buyers who want something to shoot. Prices being equal, the warranty, certain knowledge of the pistol's construction/condition, and superior metallurgy make for a better blaster. |
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Colt Series 70, Colt 1991, Springfield Mil-Spec, and Springfield GI are all pretty good representations of a standard 1911-A1 pistol. All of them would serve you well. The pistols above are also listed in order from highest to lowest ($825-$500). Personally, I'm rather fond of the Springfield GI pistols. 
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Colt Series 70, Colt 1991, Springfield Mil-Spec, and Springfield GI are all pretty good representations of a standard 1911-A1 pistol. All of them would serve you well. The pistols above are also listed in order from highest to lowest ($825-$500). Personally, I'm rather fond of the Springfield GI pistols. http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c352/WIZZO499/DSCF9108.jpg Wizzo, Did you put those grips on your Springers in the pic above? I am looking for a WWII era-looking 1911 and those grips look good on the Springfield 1911A1. However I may end up with a Series 70 before it's over with. The only Springfields I've seen locally are the Mil-Spec, and that's not what I want. |
