Need help with this 1911

[TexasGunbie]

What do you guys think about this? I am trading a S&W M&P9c for one. Are there things to look out for? Do you already see any issue with the gun? Are the parts original?

Edit: I just looked at a lot of pictures of combat commanders and it seems the serial number should be closer to the grip on the frame instead being stamped near the tip like shown in the picture. Is this an authentic model?

 

[Old Shooter]

Well, other than the sights, grips, recoil rod, mag release, magazine, poor finish and aftermarket trigger it seems to be a dead ringer for something or other. Being a 1911 sort of guy I would probably trade for it as a project gun but you need to hear from some of the more knowledgable sorts on this site for better information. What sort of shape is you S&W in?

 

[TexasGunbie]

My S&W is brand new, 50 rounds down the barrel. 100 percent everything, box, paper, warranty card, factory fired bullet case, etc.

Yeah I am wondering about this 1911... just want to get expert opinion.

 

[Zerodefect]

What's up with that guide rod thing? Never seen something like that on a 1911.

 

[mesinge2]

Originally posted by Zerodefect
What's up with that guide rod thing? Never seen something like that on a 1911.

This is what I was thinking. I have never seen a guide rod like that

Careful, this looks like someone's project guy. Now it could have been a qualified person doing the work or someone bubba'ing the gun. Different sights, guide rod, trigger, grips, and who knows what else. There is even an idiot mark on it.
Proceed with caution

Someone more qualified than I should be here soon to offer you a better opinion.

 

[Walkalong]

Pass on it.

 

[schmeky]

Pass.

 

[dewalt-2]

Aftermarket trigger, guide rod, and mag release. I'd pass.

 

[ol' scratch]

Pass

Looks to be heavily pitted on the surface. I HATE the grips. PASS, PASS, PASS.

 

[Kingofthehill]

Pass...

looks awfully suspect. I wouldn't get rid of a perfect M&P for it.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A very poor rebluing. The stampings on the slide look as if they spent too much time under a buffing wheel. The "Series 80" under the "Colt MK IV" is almost completely obliterated.

 

[Jim K]

I don't know who put that serial number on, but Colt didn't. It looks like maybe an ATD number, but IMHO, a dicey serial number is even more reason to pass.

Is it authentic? Yes, it is an authentic POS that used to be a Colt Commander.

Jim

 

[TexasGunbie]

Can you guys tell me some more other than just saying Pass?? I like to know what your thought process are and what you were looking for when you decide. I am a newbie to 1911 and I like to know, so give me a few pointers to know how to pick a good one.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Can you guys tell me some more other than just saying Pass??

Several posts did. Questionable aftermarket parts and the slide so polished as to obliterate the stampings (which casts doubt on the internal workmanship and/or was done to remove rust pitting) would make me pass on it. The grips are incredibly ugly, but this is a matter of personal taste and can easily be changed. When I look at a used gun - especially a 1911 - I want it completely in factory configuration, as a major cause of malfunctions is poorly chosen/executed modifications. Finish wear - as long as it is normal holster wear - does not bother me nearly as much as a bad refinish.

 

[Zerodefect]

Besides your M&P is worth allmost as much as a brand new Colt 1911 just like this one.

Brand new thats what? a $750 Colt?

That guide rod is scaring me big time, I've never seen a 1911 guide rod anything but round.

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

i'm a 1911 guy, but i still say pass.

 

[loadedround]

Nope!

 

[Jim Watson]

In my opinion:
The original serial number was obliterated along with the last part of the address roll mark on the receiver. Unless the restamped number was issued by the BATF, it is illegal to even have in your possession. Even if that is the original serial number, it is illegal to restamp in a different location without government permission.

Sights are King-Tappan aftermarket.
Hammer, trigger, mushroom magazine catch, and I think the slide stop are aftermarket.

Gun was apparently rusty, buffed hard enough to rub out half the slide roll mark but not all the pits, and blued.

Dangerous to even have around, definitely not something to trade for.

 

[TexasGunbie]

wow thanks. I never thought to see the shininess of the gun as an attempt to buff out the rust. I thought it was just a really old gun that has a lot of wear on it. Thanks.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A new, ~$750 Colt, even with selling or trading the M&P to fund it, would be a much better deal, IMO.

 

[mesinge2]

I really want to know what that guide rod is???

I have never never seen that set-up before.

 

[Jim Watson]

It is a double spring buffer system that was highly touted by the infamous Phil Engeldrum 'Pistolero' magazine of the early 1980s. Made in England as I recall, back when a free Englishman might own a pistol.

 

[mesinge2]

Thanks, Jim.
That one really had me stumped.

 

[DonRon]

Just why do they just keep screwing up the Browning design that has worked so well for years.

 

[MICHAEL T]

For the money of course. Build something for a 1911 claim it improves reliability and accuracy for a low price and the will come money in hand

Leave them like they come from box and 99.8% of them work fine.