M1911A1 advice needed

[Claven2]

So I have a couple of nice original USGI 1911A1s in the safe (a Rand and a Colt). In all liklihood they would shoot many thousands of more rounds before breaking, but there is also a possibility that the slides could crack with the next trigger pull. As collectibles, even average condition non-refurb GI 1911A1s are starting to go up in value. What I used to be able to buy for under $500 a few years ago, now often sells in the $1400+ range. In the States, decent GI pistols are selling even higher than that.

So here's the question - has the time come to buy a decent USGI-type replica 1911A1, something like the Auto Ordnence GI 1911A1 or SAM 1911 Governemnt and shoot that for my GI fix instead of firing the originals?

Or should I just throw caution to the wind and "run what I brung"?

At present, all my 1911 holdings are collectible GI, but I have enough non-1911 commercial guns I can run to get a pistol shooting fix - this question pertains only to the 1911's

Thoughts?

 

[Keller]

If it were me, I'd get a replica.

 

[Aprilia Man]

^^^^ +1

Keep the originals in pristine condition and you'll retain their value and get more in the future.

Get a cheap replica like the Remington R1, the SAM etc.

 

[NAA]

Yeah, Auto Ord or Springfield GI model or one of the others is the way to go for a "shooter" without breaking the bank.

Funny, back in the mid 1990's when USGI 1911A1's were relatively plentiful & generally going, in very nice shape, as original/correct etc for ~ $350'ish I don't recall anyone being too concerned about shooting them. But yeah, now with the values way up there and a parts breakage meaning loss of originality or possibly even worse makes sense to keep 'em as safe queens these days, I suppose.


------------
NAA.

 

[Rivalen]

Ask yourself: "Am I running a museum or am I a shooter"

 

[yohann160]

Ask yourself: "Am I running a museum or am I a shooter"

Am I running a 1500$ investment that will continue to gain value or am I running a 500$ shooter that will lose value at a faster rate?

 

[Claven2]

Ask yourself: "Am I running a museum or am I a shooter"

In my case, as part of the founding team over at MSC, a bit of both. I have many collectible guns that I've never shot due to value and my lack of time to shoot everything. I own many guns I bought just to include in the MKL, believe it or not.

 

[Waynetheman]

I'd buy another 1911. As they are collectible its best to stash em away, plus you can never have too many 1911s

 

[Hitzy]

Unless they are mint, or near mint, I don't think shooting them occasionally would do anything to hurt the value.

 

[Kayser Sose]

Purchase a shooter to work yourself out on.

Are you hoping to recoup a profit on your investment? If so, don't shoot them.

My two cents.

 

[Kayser Sose]

Purchase a shooter to work yourself out on.

Are you hoping to recoup a profit on your investment? If so, don't shoot them.

My two cents.

... should have said; want to 'guarantee' a profit on your investment...

 

[mh434]

I'm with NAA on this - original GI 1911's and 1911A1's, in un-fudded condition, are worth a LOT of $$$. Shooting them will only reduce their value, and they ain't making any more of 'em. If you get a modern replica (as there are lots of inexpensive-ish ones available) you can blaze away to your heart's content without losing anything.

The rate of increase in value in original GI pistols seems to be increasing at a greater rate than Ferraris. Some are collecting them as high-return investments...

 

[mr00jimbo]

I would take your prized 1911s to a competent gunsmith and have him look them over and ask his advice on shooting them.

Then, I would go up to Colt and buy a 1918 replica or a Series 70 Government and blast away.

 

[Skinny 1950]

I have an old Colt 1911 made in 1917 and it has been de-valued by the addition of target sights, on the plus side the sights are a lot better than the originals. The blueing is mostly gone from the grip area indicating a lot of use and it is still going strong. I bought a couple of other 1911's as my main range guns and reload to factory specs. for those, for the old timer I load a mild 720-750 Feet/Second round to save wear and tear on it.

 

[live4therut]

Keep the originals as safe queens, I have a quite a few I don't shoot not only 1911 model of us army & 1911a1's but pre series 70 & 70 series pistols too. Reason being some came to me unfired and they just happened to stay that way. What I did to fill my GI fix was look for cheaply priced mix masters, they've already had replacement parts and shooting it wont effect value, If some breaks replace it with era correct parts. Best part by the time you done with it you'll get your money back if not more.

Cheers