My first 1911A1

[Askari]

I just became the proud owner of my first 1911A1. Other that it was manufactured in 1943, I don't know much about its history. Any inputs from the esperts would be appreciated




[IMG]http://i782.photobucket.com/albums/yy110/DanieBellingan/2


---------- Post added at 08:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:16 PM ----------

What does the anchor stamp on the RH side of the frame, above the trigger guard mean?

[Johnny Peppers]

Colt slide and receiver, but the slide has been modified with the addition of aftermarket sights, had the ejection port relieved, and possibly polished and blued. It is in a serial number range where the slide should be serial numbered to the receiver under the firing pin stop plate.

Can't help with the anchor stamp.

[Askari]

Thanks for the reply Johnny. I just checked, the slide and receicer serial numbers are the same.

[Neal Myers]

Before it was refinished, yours would have looked like this:



The finish is manganese phosphate, also called "parkerized".

[Bill Hollinger]

What is the purpose of relieving the ejection port like that? Empty case eject direction? TIA

[Askari]

What is the purpose of relieving the ejection port like that? Empty case eject direction? TIA

I don't know, but all my ejected cases have dented case mouths as well as a small dent on the case wall.

---------- Post added at 09:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:40 PM ----------

Before it was refinished, yours would have looked like this:

http://www.milsurps.com/images/impor...A13canon-1.jpg

The finish is manganese phosphate, also called "parkerized".

Thanx for the info and pic Neal. Based on the "wear" on the grip and slide I reckon she was refinished quite some time ago.

[Askari]

I spoke to the gunshop owner who I bought her from. He tells me my Colt's previous owner was a wildlife photographer who did a lot of work in the Kruger National Park. He bought the Colt to protect himself against predators etc. That explains the pistol's "as new" mechanical condition and the refinishing of the exterior. I suspect it saw a lot of "hard use" as a EDC gun without getting fired much.