Make: Remington Rand

Model: Custom 1911-A1

Serial Number: 978060

Year of Manufacture: 1943

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 5", High Standard

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is an adjustable Bo-Mar square-notch dovetailed into the slide. The sights are not original to the gun.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown Keyes Fibre panels with reinforcement ribs on the inside and reinforcing rings around the grip screws. The grips have even light handling wear. There is a spot of stubborn red residue in the center of the left panel. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Du-Lite

Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The slide stop, sights and trigger have been replaced. Some other small parts are likely replacements. There is touch-up around the front sight.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn copper fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The texturing in the frontstrap was applied through the finish. There is discoloration and touch-up around the front sight. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches including an "idiot mark" under the slide stop. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as customized.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round commercial magazine, lanyard, Vietnam-era web belt with USMC front suspenders, 1918 dated M1916 holster with eagle globe and anchor on the flap, first aid pouch with cardboard package first aid packet, two 2-magazine pouches, Case Cover Assembly C93550 and a full box of 1980 vintage Winchester Match ball ammunition.

Our Assessment: The 1911 and 1911-A1 pistols served the military of the United States from 1911 to 1985, through two World Wars and the Korean and Vietnam wars. They gained a reputation as a reliable handgun with plenty of stopping power, and are held in high regard by those who have used them. Since their introduction, the 1911 has seen a number of design changes, most minor, but the 1911-A1 introduced the arched mainspring housing, shorter trigger, and relief cuts behind the trigger on the frame. In addition to these inter-war changes, Colt began finishing the guns by parkerizing them, a more durable finish than the original bluing.

This example is a Remington Rand made in 1943. While it has been customized with texturing on the frontstrap and target sights, it retains the majority of its original Du-Lite finish. The bore is in good condition and the mechanics are strong. It will make a good addition to a 1911 or WWII small arms collection and will display well with the included holster rig. It should also prove to be a good shooter, especially with the included Match ammunition. Please see our photos and good luck!