Colt 1911A1

[guns3545]

Originally Posted by cruizer

Hi I am interested in buying a original WW2 Colt 1911A1 rig but I do not know alot about them and would like to get some details on what should I be looking for to be sure it is all original rig and not a put together rig. I also would like to take it to the range once in a while. The year range I would like to get is 42--45. Thanks for any advise or information on this. Ron

Ron,

You mention Colt as the manufacturer of the Model 1911A1. Is there any reason you want a Colt, rather than any of the other Big three, i.e. Remington Rand and Ithaca? I've left out the rare ones who made guns but not in production quantities.

I say this because you want to shoot it and Remington Rand made better guns and since the slide was not SNed to the frame as Colts were until late 1943, it is easier to get a correct gun. And they made many more than Colt so prices are a little less for comparable quality guns. And if you do get a slide failure, it is easier to replace and still be correct.

Your point about the rig has been covered but all rigs were put together, There is no such thing as a factory issued rig. You got your gear by passing down a line and someone grabbed a web belt and gave it to you. Same with first aid pack, canteen, magazine pouch, holster, or if you were going to carry a carbine, ammo pouches for that. Pretty much production line and you got whatever was in the barrel or bin.

But you can assemble your own rig to match the date of the gun you buy as previously suggested. Not the hardest thing in the world to do. There were dozens of manufacturers of web gear in WWII.

Hope this helps,

John