Drive It or Store it

[USAFRetired]

Greetings All:

I recently inherited my Dad's G.I. 1911-A1. 1944 Colt production unit, VERY clean, very little wear on the parkerizing, nice sharp bore. You get the picture.

So, question is, do I seal it in a mayonnaise jar and only handle with white gloves?

or

Do I take it to the range and run it regularly? (Iv'e already put 150 rounds through it)

I'm of the opinion that classics, (be they cars, aircraft, guns, etc) should be driven (with care) instead of collecting dust as a museum piece.
Several guys at the range were somewhat agast that I didn't have it locked away, packed in grease.

Give me your thoughts...

 

[Cougfan2]

Hey, it's your gun so do what you want with it. Personally, I have no safe queens. The guns I have I like to shoot or I wouldn't have them. That being said, I wouldn't taked a pistol like that and use it as a platform to customize. There are plenty of other 1911's that aren't original GI issue that you can do that with.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Mad Magyar]

recently inherited my Dad's G.I. 1911-A1. 1944 Colt production unit, VERY clean, very little wear on the parkerizing, nice sharp bore. You get the picture.

From your Dad, I say clean it to the last part, lube it generously; and put it away for your own kids....Normally, I wouldn't say that, but your piece is too valuable for a range beater....My opinion...

 

[CCR]

I would say enjoy shooting it but take extra good care of it so you can pass it on to your kids

 

[USAFRetired]

Oh No... It will NEVER go under the knife! Certain pieces of history should not be tinkered with. Neither would I treat it a a beater. 50 rounds every couple of months tops. (Mainly to teach MY son a little repect for his forbearers)

 

[sohcgt2]

You say its in very good condition. Obviously it has been fired many times so New Condition is off the table. I'd clean it, oil it, and use it lightly same as you, just keep it out of any holsters.

 

[Big Daddy Grim]

Guns are made to shoot not sit

 

[DRYHUMOR]

I'd shoot it on your dad's birthday and your birthday and your son's birthday. Make a tradition your son can carry on.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

There is nothing wrong with shooting it. It is no different than driving a classic car to shows, in parades, or even as a daily driver.

 

[David E]

I'd shoot it on your dad's birthday and your birthday and your son's birthday. Make a tradition your son can carry on.

BEST suggestion right here.

I would add, it's ok to shoot it more than those 3 times a year.

I have a very special gun that I don't shoot much, but when I do, it conjures up nice memories of my Dad and the story that goes with that gun.

 

[2nd 41]

Use it. Have fun with it. Enjoy everything you can while you can.

 

[Beagle-zebub]

Shoot it, and make sure the springs are fresh--you don't want to put unnecessary wear and tear on it just from failure to ensure that it's properly sprung.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

I say shoot it occasionally and treat it gingerly. By the way, that is an awesome piece of history you have there--plus it has sentimental value.

Would you happen to have any pics?