Custom 1911 Identification Help (Remington, Essex)

[RippinSVT]

Hey fellas, I'm about to buy a 1911 and have 4 to choose from that a friend is selling. One is an AMT Hardballer in great condition for $550, another is Kimber Classic Custom for $600-650, another is a polished Colt 70-series MKIV for $800, and the last one, the one that gets me excited, is custom.

It has a Remington Rand GI-style slide with aftermarket target sights, an Essex frame, some trigger work, and I assume some other custom goodies. It appears that this gun was done correctly from a mechanical standpoint, although it has been well-used. Out of the four pistols, it feels the tightest and smoothest, points the best, and just feels "right". It is $400. Now, I just went to Gunjoker.com and typed in "Remington 1911" and the prices were pretty staggering, even for the slide alone. Should I buy this gun? I LOVE the way it feels over some other 1911's, but am afraid of other possible caviats regarding the Remington/Essex stuff that i don't know about. Any input?

 

[RippinSVT]

Anybody?

 

[Oro]

I think the price on the Remington "mix-master" is about right. Remeber, it is a parts gun and you don't know who put it together. But if you like it, the price is OK. Here are some examples of what Remington guns do:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=125435606

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=122019735

Remember when searching on Gunbroker, use the advanced feature and search "closed" auctions so you see where things actually trade. Remington made more guns in WWII than any other makers, and there are tons of parts out there floating around - they are not rare - now original guns in great shape, that's different. Essex is a middling parts brand, but the assembler could have lucked out or he might have been talented and put together a good gun - but I'd like to know which it was. But still, if it's reliable and isn't ugly, $400 is a safe price.

For my money, I would want to know what is stamped on the frame of the Kimber (manufacturer's location) and whether it is a series 1 or 2. (Series 70 safety system, or type II with a f.p. safety). It may be the better deal of all - those were sweet guns and especially the series I.

 

[Jim Watson]

Nothing wrong with an Essex frame + surplus parts, IF the build was right. Surely your friend will let you shoot the guns before you select and buy.

I agree that if the Kimber is not a "series II" that it would be a good deal.
I would be very doubtful about the Hardballer, the ones I have seen were pretty rough. Colts that age are usually pretty good, but you are paying for name recognition.

 

[RippinSVT]

Thanks guys. I would love the Colt, but like you said, I'd be paying for the name which at my age is something I can't really afford to do. I will check out the Kimber again today and find out details.


The Remington/Essex looks as if it was possibly a competition gun at some point. It has a VERY light trigger, big Bomar target sights, a mag extension, and some other stuff.

 

[krs]

Now, I just went to Gunjoker.com and typed in "Remington 1911" and the prices were pretty staggering, even for the slide alone

The reason for that is that people look for original guns and parts. I wouldn't place much importance on the name on a slide that has been modified, as it will never have the same value.

Buy the gun if you like it but don't buy it believing that it's a steal.