Buying 1911's for Dummies

[garrettbragg12]

My goal was to own at least one Garand, Carbine, 1903, 1911, and AR15. With the first two marked off, my next purchase will be a 1911, which I know nothing about.

•how do I differentiate between WWII 1911's and other 1911's?
•what can I expect to pay for an average, shooter 1911?
• what are things to look for with 1911's?
• who made them?

I'd really like to get the essential info about 1911's before I make a purchase. I'm not looking for an "all correct, collector grade," just a shooter that won't break the bank.


M1/M3 Carbine: late '44 Inland
M1 Garand: late '44 Springfield

Information

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[Johnny Peppers]

There have been several books written on just the questions you ask. I would suggest buying a book, as it will be an invaluable investment as you are getting ready to spend at least $1000 for a good specimen.

[garrettbragg12]

There have been several books written on just the questions you ask. I would suggest buying a book, as it will be an invaluable investment as you are getting ready to spend at least $1000 for a good specimen.

Alright thanks! Did you have a specific book in mind?


M1/M3 Carbine: late '44 Inland
M1 Garand: late '44 Springfield

[Johnny Peppers]

I like the 3rd Edition of Clawson's Collector's Guide to Colt .45 Service pistols, but it has gotten rather pricey in the last couple of years. There are some other good books that others here might recommend.

[Mikecp@2022]

The Clawson books are the best for me, Collector's one 146 pages, or the largest same author 'Colt.45 Service Pistols Models of 1911 and 1911A1'. (Copyright 1993, 429 pages)
You can start with 'The Model 1911 and Model 1911A1 Military and Commercial Pistols' written by Joe Poyer 2nd Edition, Revised and expanded edition, 534 pages.

[garrettbragg12]

I'll keep an eye out for both, thanks guys!


M1/M3 Carbine: late '44 Inland
M1 Garand: late '44 Springfield

[DaveN]

Yes you really need to arm yourself with as much info on them as you can. At first I just saw a World war pistol I hoped to have some day but as I dove into the books and spent time looking at gun shows and on line(here on milsurps or the 1911 forum) the knowledge I really didn't think I had started to bubble up to the surface and what I noticed most is how it helped me see guns that on first look, looked nice but soon realized they were way over priced.
The knowledge you gain will hopefully help you make a good decision about what you want.

[Bob K]

This site has a lot of good pics: http://www.coolgunsite.com/