[cool breeze]

Just picked up a Colt 1911 .45 from someone who has had it in storage for 30 years. I want to shoot it (badly) but first what preventive measures need to be taken other than a good cleaning? thanks CB

 

[Jim V]

How was it stored? If in a dresser drawer or gun cabinet, a cleaning should be all it needs (with a re-lube). If stored badly, a 'smith may need to go over it.

FWIW YMMV VWP NWEI LS/MFT

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Ne Conjuge Nobiscum
Molon Labe

 

[RUSSEL213]

the first thing you should do is run through the same saftey check you "should" be doing anytime you fire or carry any gun.

second, field strip it and look for cracks or rust, if there are any doubts, take it to a smith. if everything looks like it should, enjoy shooting the crap out an old gun!!!!

russel the cop

 

[orcldba]

coolbreeze:
How was the weapon used prior to being stored for 30 years? If it was well (or even basically) maintained there shouldn't be any rust, corrosion, or signs of either on the barrel and it's lugs or the bottom of the slide and it's locking lugs. Pay special attention to the link and link pin, as they (in addition to the slide) need to be able to move freely.

In other words just a good cleaning and lube job and enjoy it!

 

[cool breeze]

You all were right. Cleaned and shot it. Not a problem. Quite a piece of equipment!

 

[cool breeze]

You were all right. Simply cleaned it and shot it. Quite a piece of equipment.