Make: Remington Rand frame, Colt slide

Model: 1911-A1

Serial Number: 1020430

Year of Manufacture: 1943

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 5"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a "U"-notch dovetailed into the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown Coltwood plastic with reinforcement ribs on the inside and large reinforcing rings around the grip screws. The grips have even light handling wear. There are a few scattered marks, most notable around the screw heads. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Parkerized frame, Blue slide.

Finish Originality: The frame has been Refinished, the slide's finish is Original. The barrel is a post-war replacement.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its current metal finish. The frame's finish is generally strong throughout with a few minor marks. The slide has thinning at all edges and evenly scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear, more notable on the interior of the slide. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are mostly clear, the Ordnance wheel and inspector markings are no longer visible on the frame. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as assembled.

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 magazine, web belt with 1942 dated Milwaukee Saddlery Co. M1916 holster, first aid pouch with wax-wrapped Carlisle Model first aid packet, and two 2-magazine M1 Carbine pouches.

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 has a frame produced by Remington Rand in 1943 and and a slide from Colt. While the frame has been refinished, likely arsenal refurbished, the slide retains its original blue finish. The post-war replacement Colt barrel is in excellent 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. Please see our photos and good luck!