1911 value and a question

[ShooterAZ]

I inherited my Grandfathers Colt 1911 US Army a few years back. I have been told it was made in 1916. It has probably 80% blueing remaining, mainly just from holster wear. When I disassembled the pistol to clean, it appears to have been fired very little. The internals have very little or no wear. The stocks have a few dents and dings, but overall in nice shape. Can anyone give just an approximate value? My other question is, should I go ahead and shoot it, and if so would a trigger job detract from it's value? The trigger pull on it is very heavy compared to some of my other 1911's. Thanks for any advise.

[Johnny Peppers]

If it is a 1916 manufactured 1911, and in 80% original condition, I would do nothing to the pistol. 1916 was the lowest production year for the Model 1911, and brings a premium.
I would invest in a modern $400 shooter and tinker with the trigger pull to my hearts content rather than take a chance on ruining the original parts.
How about pictures or a partial serial number?

[Rick S]

It has been my experience that the older 1911 Colt hammers will be ruined if you try to do a trigger job. They are not hardened very deep.

If you want to have a trigger job buy a new hammer,sear, and disconector and, save your original parts.

Myself I would not shoot it or tamper with it in any way.

[ShooterAZ]

SN# is 13353x, forgot to add that it came with one two tone magazine as well. My digital camera is a POS, so I am unable to post quality pics. Any guess as to value based on description?

[chuckindenver]

Johnnys advise is good, maybe clean it, and store it in a good soft case, when you handle it, make sure you oil it again, whipe it down with a oily rag, or use cotton gloves to handle,
the salts in the sweat on your hands will ruin the original finish, on the older 1911,s.
just cleaning may improve the trigger on a pistol thats been stored a while, dried grease, dirt ect, can gum them up.
you can get a nice 1911 clone, and play with that all you like, without ruining your historic treasure.

[ShooterAZ]

Guys,

After giving Johnny Peppers some info on some of the markings and sending him some pics, it was determined that this pistol is probably too valuable to shoot. I'm going to leave it in the safe for now, and pull it out from time to time to admire it. I do have some other 1911's that I shoot regularly...Thanks for the replies...

Regards... John

[chuckindenver]

good advise.
sounds like she earned the retierment.