[Xsteelrain]

Hello,

I recently picked this up in a trade and was curious peoples thoughts on some of the parts and how "correct" it is. I'm def no expert but the finish seems org and most of the parts seem to match. The slide stop is serrated so it might or might not be accurate. The thumb safety, slights, and main housing spring seem correct. The barrel is marked Colt 45 Auto with a P proof mark. The one thing that does not seem to match up is the hammer, which is serrated. On an unfortunate side note two of the grip screw bushing basically came right out so I'll have to order some replacements, not sure if anyone has any recommendations? the treads on the frame seem ok so hopefully it was just the bushing treads.

 

[mlin]

The hammer was definitely from a Ithaca 1911A1. The slide stop looks checkered to me, which is correct for Colt in that SN# range. Can you check the underside of the barrel? It should have some marking G, N, F & or something else.

If you want to retain the original grip bushing, you can try red Loctite. If the bushing is stuck with the grip panels, try using extractor like this.

1911 Grip Bushing Tool. the Galloway 10 - Etsy

This Tools item by CampbellsAttic has 3 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Dallas, GA. Listed on Feb 25, 2023

www.etsy.com

 

[Xsteelrain]

Interesting, not sure how an ithaca hammer ended up on it. your right about the slide stop I made a mistake there. Underside of the barrel has a "7". The main spring is shot on this so I'll need to replace that as well. There is also a NG or U upside G marked on the underside of the slide.

 

[mlin]

7 marked barrel is proper for the Colt from that period per the Clawson's book.

Your slide looks to be period correct too. Here is my SN# 1635xxx for comparison that have the exact Pony style rollmark on the slide as yours.

 

[1saxman]

I guess you mean 'recoil spring is shot'. The mainspring usually is good along with all the other springs except the firing pin spring. It probably is 'shot' too. Replace them with a 16# recoil spring and an 'extra power' FP spring - they come as a set from Wolff Gun springs. As far as odd parts, all M1911A1 parts were required to be interchangeable, or 'standardized'. If and when a hammer was needed, the Armorer picked one out of his spare parts, and if it fit and worked, that was it - there was no looking for a colt part.

 

[Xsteelrain]

Thanks for all the good info. I'll order some new springs and bushings, hopefully they go in fine. I'm not 100% sure but I think the holes on left side on the frame are a fraction larger than the right side. Could be due to the threads being worn down?

 

[1saxman]

If they are, the original holes were drilled out and re-threaded larger. If those threads are now gone too, that might be the end of the frame unless you can maybe epoxy the bushings in.

 

[Xsteelrain]

Does anyone have a suggestion of the best grip bushings to use as replacements?

 

[mlin]

Try any standard grip bushings first. If the hole was enlarged. try oversized bushings.

1911 AUTO OVERSIZED STOCK BUSHINGS & TAP

1911 AUTO OVERSIZED STOCK BUSHINGS & TAP https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts/handgun-parts/handgun-grips-parts/1911-auto-oversized-stock-bushings--tap/

www.brownells.com

 

[Xsteelrain]

Thanks again, just ordered some parts. I'll post a pick once I get it all back together and cleaned up a little.

 

[Xsteelrain]

So I'm still working on fixing my bushing problem for the grip, but when I replaced some of the springs I noticed there was a serial number behind the firing pin stop plate. So while the frame serial is a Colt 1944 the Slide is a Colt 1943. not sure what to make of that.

 

[stan2]

So while the frame serial is a Colt 1944 the Slide is a Colt 1943. not sure what to make of that.

Xsteelrain,

Slide number 951121, most likely, was assembled and shipped on COLT M1911A1 No 951121. (It looks like it was re-parked.)

Best Regards,

 

[Xsteelrain]

Is it possible it’s a arsenal rebuild without an arsenal marking? That might explain the slide and hammer.