1911 .45 shoot it or not?

[Five-O]

I have a Springfield 1911 .45 Mil-Spec with a serial number that may or may not be significant to a collector.
It is new, never fired and when I took it to a county range I hesitated to shoot it because of it's serial number.
It is: WW2 1776
Notice that the first part is an era that is a historically momentous period in America's history, World War 2.
And of course, 1776 an equally important date in our history.
So, for the knowledgeable people here. Is it a collector's piece based on the serial number? Or should I just go ahead and fire away?
btw, when I picked it up at the dealer the salesman said that a customer had just bought a similar gun with the serial number WW2 1911. The dealership offered to buy back the gun for $1,000. The owner declined.
Any opinions?
Thanks all
Eddie

 

[cyclopsshooter]

the same dealer with two serials like that?... i wonder if they could have special ordered the serials?

 

[DeepSouth]

I personally wouldn't shoot any WW1 or WW2 model 1911........much.

 

[rbernie]

It's not a REAL WW1/2 pistol; it's a modern Springfield with a unique serial number.

It's possible that somebody may find it cool to have, but I don't think that it would command much premium as a 'collectible'.

 

[archigos]

I'm detecting a level of shadiness...

 

[danbrew]

Your dealer is blowing smoke up your dress. If the serial number of the other gun (WW2 1911) was so significant that he was willing to "buy it back for $1000", why did he sell it to begin with?

Is your serial number special? Perhaps to you. You read it to say "WW2 1776", yet I read it to say "WW21776", one before WW21777 and one after WW21775.

Granted, it is a bit unique - especially if there is a space between the 2 and the 1, but not that unique. I think I'd be more impressed with WW2 00001. Or "001" (or "007" - now that would be cool on a ppk, right?)

If it makes you feel good to put it in a case with a flag and a bunch of WW2 medals and hang in on the wall, go for it.



It may look cool, but it won't increase the value. imho.

I'd shoot it.

 

[vanfunk]

There's no collector interest, unless a collector is interested. That is to say, there is no intrinsic value over and above a standard Springfield, unless you happen to find the person who does ascribe an increased value to it. Go ahead and shoot it!

vanfunk

 

[kanook]

souds like you have a good shooter with a neat number

 

[10-Ring]

shoot it!

 

[wditto]

I agree, cool conversation piece but no cash value......

 

[collector14]

Try this...

You could list it on gunbroker with a "reserve" and "buy it now" price, if it doesn't sell, then shoot it.

 

[schmeky]

souds like you have a good shooter with a neat number

Yep.

 

[Schleprok62]

I agree... shoot it... the s/n is a neat thing to show off... but it doesn't make it "collectible"


Cheers...

 

[Frank Ettin]

The likelihood that a collector would have any special interest in a modern, current production pistol just because the serial number can be read to mean something is vanishingly small. Sorry.

 

[CWL]

...the salesman said...

These three words are enough to tell you it is a bunch of cr@ppola. You have something of slight interest, but that's all.

I can order a custom M1911 with "George Washington Slept Here" as the serial number, but that won't make it any more valuable.

 

[Five-O]

Your dealer is blowing smoke up your dress. If the serial number of the other gun (WW2 1911) was so significant that he was willing to "buy it back for $1000", why did he sell it to begin with? Is your serial number special? Perhaps to you. You read it to say "WW2 1776", yet I read it to say "WW21776", one before WW21777 and one after WW21775.

Both guns were ordered, not off the shelf, so numbers were random.
The serial # is spaced closer to what I said. As soon as I find my camera that my granddaughters like to borrow and lose for a couple of weeks I'll take a pic. btw, here is what I ask my three granddaughters: "ok, who took my camera?" Here are the responses: "not me"
As for the gun. Thanks for all the replies. It's going to be shot on the 18th of July, our next gun club gathering at the range.
Eddie

 

[danbrew]

I really like shooting new guns.

 

[conan]

I would pay an extra 25-50$ for it if I was buying for that particular #

 

[38 Special]

Now if you could see Jesus or the Virgin Mary in the grips, then that would be something!

 

[streakr]

There is NO WAY that a modern Springfield (made in China) is a collectible and worth that much! That dealer is full of BS!

Shoot it and don't worry about it.

s

 

[Frank Ettin]

There is NO WAY that a modern Springfield (made in China)...

FYI, they aren't made in China. The frames and slides for Springfield 1911s are made by IMBEL in Brazil. Some models are also assembled and finished by IMBEL, and some by Springfield here in the U. S.

 

[Gunfighter123]

No extra value -- it's a shooter , so shoot it !!!!

 

[CWL]

There is NO WAY that a modern Springfield (made in China) is a collectible and worth that much!

streakr,
Where did you hear this? Internet hype? SA slides and frames are indeed made in Brazil.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Shoot that thing!

 

[Mickstix]

IMO, the serial # alone isnt going to make it of special interest. Perhaps if it was the very first gun of that series?? But, just a unique serial that matches a time or date? I'd shoot er up and have a good story to tell if anyone wanted to chat at the range!