Some general WW II 1911A1 questions...

[imarangemaster]

I recently picked up a Rock Island Armory 1911A1 to carry as a duty sidearm (replacing my S&W model 469 9mm) for my high country "Critical Infrastructure Protection" contract. I actually had a RI before, and it was a great weapon. It ate everything I fed it , was accurate, and never had a malfunction. I sold it in a moment of stupidity about 3 or 4 years ago to buy something else. At $525 out the door for this one, I can live with it not saying COLT or REMINGTON.

I got the military model with gray parkerized finish and military sights to go with my USGI M1 Carbines, original Boyt 1942 holster, 1944 Avery 1911 mag pouch, and 1936 belt.

First thing I did was get some GI brown plastic grips (to replace the ugly smooth wood ones it came with), and an arched mainspring housing (without lanyard loop) to make it look a little more USGI. The grips are post war, but that's OK, as it is just for utility and looks. I also have some nice checkered walnut, but can't see banging them up getting in and out of the patrol jeep.

My questions are these:

1) When did they switch to the wide spur hammer on the 1911A1? I have seen 1911A1s with both narrow and wide spurs. Years ago I had an original Remington Rand in the pasteboard box, and it had a narrow spur. (I wish I still had that one too!)

2) Did the 1911A1s with the arched mainspring housing all have lanyard loops on the mainspring housing? I have seen them both ways: with and without. My Ithaca 1911A1 I had when I was in the MPs did not have one.

Thanks in advance.

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