Let's say you were looking for a 1911 with a little 'history'. Perhaps a GI surplus weapon or an interwar civilian model. And let's say a ding or two or three is no obstacle - this is for occasional shooting, not showing. What's the minimum price you would expect to pay? And where would you start a search? Just the usual online auction sites?
finding a 1911 with character
- Thread starter roscoe
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Tallball
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Keep an eye on Gunbroker and be patient. My goal is always something that looks solid mechanically, but the finish is worn and it has dings in it and probably the wrong grips. The wear and dings are called "character". 
I prefer large sellers who do a lot of volume in used handguns. Someone who knows what they're doing by now looks it over and gives an honest 3-4 sentence description. If they say it seems mechanically sound, and the pictures agree, in my experience it will go bang reliably about as well as an average NiB gun these days.
My 9mm Citadel cost me $330. It's one of my favorite handguns, way more accurate than I am. Someone was kind enough to smooth out the trigger with a whole lot of ammo before I ever got it. I shoot it often, more often than my beautiful expensive guns that aren't ruined yet.
I prefer large sellers who do a lot of volume in used handguns. Someone who knows what they're doing by now looks it over and gives an honest 3-4 sentence description. If they say it seems mechanically sound, and the pictures agree, in my experience it will go bang reliably about as well as an average NiB gun these days.
My 9mm Citadel cost me $330. It's one of my favorite handguns, way more accurate than I am. Someone was kind enough to smooth out the trigger with a whole lot of ammo before I ever got it. I shoot it often, more often than my beautiful expensive guns that aren't ruined yet.
CapnMac
Member
There's character and there's character.
It's often, in my experience, something you can only 'feel' first hand. That it's not always something a photo can convey.
Some of the military examples that are collectable can seem to not have any character at all. But, you can see a Sistema Colt that clearly has character. Probably a grand's difference in those prices. Or a body might see a Series 70 from the 70s or the 80s that clearly has character, if not necessarily from crossing oceans or the like.
And, of course, price can be an obstacle. I saw a "Property US Navy" example that really spoke to me at a show once. Mind that voice was some downed out by the US$3200 price tag. At a different show, I felt a real tug from a 1920 Commercial--and at a hugely reasonable price of $450. Now, that price reflected that it was in 38acp--which is as much as a hassle for ammo as for magazines.
Hard to know what will stir a person's emotions; and just how much a person will invest to scratch that itch.
It's often, in my experience, something you can only 'feel' first hand. That it's not always something a photo can convey.
Some of the military examples that are collectable can seem to not have any character at all. But, you can see a Sistema Colt that clearly has character. Probably a grand's difference in those prices. Or a body might see a Series 70 from the 70s or the 80s that clearly has character, if not necessarily from crossing oceans or the like.
And, of course, price can be an obstacle. I saw a "Property US Navy" example that really spoke to me at a show once. Mind that voice was some downed out by the US$3200 price tag. At a different show, I felt a real tug from a 1920 Commercial--and at a hugely reasonable price of $450. Now, that price reflected that it was in 38acp--which is as much as a hassle for ammo as for magazines.
Hard to know what will stir a person's emotions; and just how much a person will invest to scratch that itch.
trackskippy
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The guns youre talking about will be USGI and Colts, so be prepared to get your wallet out and your higher-limit credit cards.
Unless you find someone who doesnt understand what they have, or care, youre going to be paying north of $1k for the Colts and closer to $2K for the GI guns these days. At least thats what Ive been seeing in the shops and on the auction sites.
And those are for "decent", but not anything special guns either.
Unless you find someone who doesnt understand what they have, or care, youre going to be paying north of $1k for the Colts and closer to $2K for the GI guns these days. At least thats what Ive been seeing in the shops and on the auction sites.
And those are for "decent", but not anything special guns either.
Lo-Profile
Member
You could always enter the CMP lottery. At least you know it's legit ex military.
I have one that was my grandfather's from the 40's or 50's. He bought it used, no war history that I know of. It's a good shooter.
My newer Springfield Defender Series, shoots just as good.
Sometimes older isn't better.
I have one that was my grandfather's from the 40's or 50's. He bought it used, no war history that I know of. It's a good shooter.
My newer Springfield Defender Series, shoots just as good.
Sometimes older isn't better.
45/30-06OKIE
Member
I'm going to assume you are looking for a legit surplus WW2 era 1911? Cause if so, I think they would be asking a pretty penny for them. Would you be interested in buying a "GI" spec new 1911 such as a Springfield mil-spec and doing the weathering yourself? Just putting that out there as a true og 1911 is not cheap lol.
Jim Watson
Member
You could buy a new gun, holster it, draw it, shoot it, carry it, and apply your own "character."
doubleh
Member
Character. Is that the same as old and worn like patina is for rust and neglect?
Riomouse911
Member
As the guys said; for a shooter you can play with, expect a real GI 1911A1 that is all mixed parts and in fair shape to start around $1,500 and go up pretty rapidly from there based on condition and make. If it’s nostalgia driving the buy
If dropping $2k on a used gun is getting out of the question, you could look for one of the many GI style guns that resemble a 1911A1 and go shoot it. This will give you the opportunity to create memories with the gun as it gains character from honest use.
Good luck finding the gun you want.
Stay safe.
If dropping $2k on a used gun is getting out of the question, you could look for one of the many GI style guns that resemble a 1911A1 and go shoot it. This will give you the opportunity to create memories with the gun as it gains character from honest use.
Good luck finding the gun you want.
Stay safe.
InTheSwamp
Member
md7
Member
Sounds like your best bet is gonna be via CMP or maybe gunbroker. As has been said, price will likely be higher on the CMP’s.
Another option would be something like a Springfield Mil Spec or maybe one of the Tisas Mil types. I believe both are available in parkerized finish. Wouldn’t take too long for the holster wear to create your own character.
And they’re very usable, decent pistols to boot.
Another option would be something like a Springfield Mil Spec or maybe one of the Tisas Mil types. I believe both are available in parkerized finish. Wouldn’t take too long for the holster wear to create your own character.
And they’re very usable, decent pistols to boot.
I hadn't thought of the CMP for anything other than rifles. Thanks for that - I will look into it.
Yes, I could give my own newish 1911 some 'character', but a link to the past enhances a thing for me. It is obviously absurd, but then, to me, so is buying a pristine first generation Frontier 1873 and putting it on the wall or in the vault, never to be shot again.
I want it to be worn, not to fake some historical aspect, but so that I won't feel anxious about using it normally. There is a genuine Singer 1911 in the family, with documented WW2 provenance, and we take it out and shoot it occasionally - it is crazy accurate, but it is also terrifying because of the value.
citizenconn
Member
I'd rather pay for something with more shootability than character, but I'm not a gun collector. I'm a gun shooter who has amassed a collection of guns I shoot, long and often. If someone had $1500 to $2000 they wanted to spend on a 1911 I would say to look for a nice used (or new and give it your own character) Dan Wesson. If you have some good local gun stores or pawn shops take a look around them. I recently paid $1000 at a pawn shop for a "used", never shot, Smith & Wesson Doug Koenig Performance Center 1911 that someone sold from their collection. I've had probably 30+ different 1911s over the past 5 years but this S&W custom target model is by far the most accurate shooting 1911 I've ever fired, and just a beautiful gun to boot.
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MarshallDodge
Member
I picked up the slide with worn grips, and some random parts, then started to put it all together. The frame is painted black but I want to do something different with it.
So far I have about $600 into her, and she runs!
Where did you get the frame? We actually have a second slide and barrel for the Singer. I know I will never find a Singer frame, but I imagine there must be parts from other early manufacturers.
Dang - looking at auction prices now, you made out!
silicosys4
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- Jun 29, 2012
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- 3,679
Depends on what you mean by "character".
If you want a gun that has an appearance and a history of purposeful use, you still have a few days to get your paperwork together for CMP's round 4 lottery for their GI 1911's, expect to pay between $1k and $1250, depending on the grade you pick.
Bear in mind that a lot of the CMP guns still bear their WW2 era slides which were not fully heat treated and should not be considered high volume shooters unless care is taken.
If you want a gun that looks well used, a little cosmetically worn even, with some history, take your pick of any of the used but loved Colts that come up for sale, 70's series or earlier if you are feeling nostalgic, you should be able to find one that's not cosmetically perfect for $1.5k or under. Also bear in mind that these older guns often will function imperfectly with anything other than 230gr FMJ's.
If you just want a shooter that you can beat up, Tisas are the hot ticket right now.
If you want a gun that has an appearance and a history of purposeful use, you still have a few days to get your paperwork together for CMP's round 4 lottery for their GI 1911's, expect to pay between $1k and $1250, depending on the grade you pick.
Bear in mind that a lot of the CMP guns still bear their WW2 era slides which were not fully heat treated and should not be considered high volume shooters unless care is taken.
If you want a gun that looks well used, a little cosmetically worn even, with some history, take your pick of any of the used but loved Colts that come up for sale, 70's series or earlier if you are feeling nostalgic, you should be able to find one that's not cosmetically perfect for $1.5k or under. Also bear in mind that these older guns often will function imperfectly with anything other than 230gr FMJ's.
If you just want a shooter that you can beat up, Tisas are the hot ticket right now.
br549arkie
Member
I just got a new Tisas about a week ago and I'm impressed with it. I have 4 other 1911's and it compares quite favorably with any of them. In fact I have one Springfield Armory that I've been working on trying to get the thumb safety fitted as well as this new Tisas. The Tisas safety is just right and this Springfield has always been so stiff that I couldn't flip it into the safe position without using the index finger and thumb of my left hand while holding the pistol in my right hand. The fitting of the slide to frame and barrel fitting to slide are also better on the Tisas than this Springfield.
MarshallDodge
Member
There are several options out there for frames these days. The Caspian Classic is more correct and I have one on backorder.
CapnMac
Member
Might be worth looking at Llama, Star, Astra, even the Ballister-Mollinas as many of those will have "character," and the Spanish models do not command the high prices they could. Now, many of those are going to be 9mm largo rather than 45acp--although there were many made in 11.43mm, just don't always see them for sale.
Howland937
Member
Well, 1911's utilize an obsolete design and have limited capacity with no real place in our modern world. Link to the past? They are the past.
I actually kind of want something similar to what you seek. I don't currently own a US Property stamped 1911 and I'd like to find a reasonably nice one at some point for less than the cost of a black market kidney. I really just haven't gotten one because I don't wanna spend the $ on something I wouldn't shoot much.
In the meantime, I shoot my other 1911's. A LOT.
I carry one all day, every day and after 5 years it barely shows any "character". It's a great shooter, but the ones I enjoy shooting the most are the Dan Wesson Guardian 9mm and the Sig Match Elite 38 Super/9mm.
Alright. If I come across a crate of WW2 models in cosmoline while poking around out in the desert, I'll give you a shout.Well, 1911's utilize an obsolete design and have limited capacity with no real place in our modern world. Link to the past? They are the past.
I actually kind of want something similar to what you seek. I don't currently own a US Property stamped 1911 and I'd like to find a reasonably nice one at some point for less than the cost of a black market kidney. I really just haven't gotten one because I don't wanna spend the $ on something I wouldn't shoot much.
In the meantime, I shoot my other 1911's. A LOT.
I carry one all day, every day and after 5 years it barely shows any "character". It's a great shooter, but the ones I enjoy shooting the most are the Dan Wesson Guardian 9mm and the Sig Match Elite 38 Super/9mm.
Howland937
Member
That's a generous offer. Likewise, if I happen to run across a bitter ex-wife selling off the divorce loot and she has what you're looking for, I'll get you the best deal I can.
