So I came across what i think is a very good deal on a Ithica 1911. Its appears to be all original marked with US property and with british proofmarks. I have not taken possesion of the pistol yet, so I cannot confirm all of the proper markings. Im not so concerned with that. I am not buying it with any intentions of reselling, therefore it doesnt matter to me if its not all original. What I am concerned about if if a pistol this old is ok to shoot. I will obviously take it down and look for any damage or safety concerns but want to hear your guys opinions on shooting guns that are 60-70years old. I dont shoot that often, maybe several times a year and when I do go out I maybe put 100 rounds or so down range in my handguns. If I dont see any obvious concerms do you 1911 guys think it would be ok to shoot this that much? I hate the idea of having a gun that I cant shoot, even if its very valuable. The pistol does appear to be in pretty good shape for its age. It doesnt have any rust and only light wear marks. Seems to function fine and bore seems nice and sharp. Thanks for any input. I am supposed to pick it up next week so I will have more info then, and I will be able to post some pics. Im pretty siked to get it. This will be my first 1911 and I have always liked the plain GI models.
?'s about an Ithica 1911
- Thread starter csd4682
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USSR
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Yes, no problem shooting it. And, BTW, it's "Ithaca", as in Ithaca, NY about 20 miles from where I live.
Don
Don
Loc n Load
Member
Ithaca 45
I don't know how much you know about vintage 45's, but there is a huge collector's interest in WWII ear 1911's......especially the Ithaca's, Singers, Signal Switch and other manufacturers.....so take care of your "new" .45, it will prove to be a good investment. Don't be afraid to shoot it, but if you get the bug to alter it, don't. You can always sell it and buy another a modern 1911 that has the features that you want.
I don't know how much you know about vintage 45's, but there is a huge collector's interest in WWII ear 1911's......especially the Ithaca's, Singers, Signal Switch and other manufacturers.....so take care of your "new" .45, it will prove to be a good investment. Don't be afraid to shoot it, but if you get the bug to alter it, don't. You can always sell it and buy another a modern 1911 that has the features that you want.
bannockburn
Member
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- 26,308
Sounds like you found a really nice one. Clean it up and take it out to the range sometime to see what it will do.
rklessdriver
Member
IF all correct and in good condition, it's not something you buy to shoot.
First. The slide is NOT fully heat treated. It will crack if you shot it enough...
Second. All correct, good condition USGI M1911A1'a are very valuable. These days collector interest is so hight that it dosen't matter who made it. Values ranges from $800 (total JUNK) to the moon and there aren't many for sale on the low end of my estimate.... A honest good condition Ithaca is easily worth $1500 or more depending on whe it was made and how good "good condition" really is...
Third. It's a peice of history. Once it's broke thats it. It's only orginal once. After you replace a slide or barrel, it's orginal history is over. Most of it's value will be gone as well. These guns were just property to the Govt. When they wore out or broke they were fixed. Orginality didn't mean squat. There are only so many that are still honest to god orginal and those guns are no longer just "property". They are history now.
I've collected USGI guns since the mid 1990's. The market for these pistols has been at an unprescented level for the past few years. You need to educate yourself on what your buying. If someone is selling you one for what amounts to a great deal then they either don't know what they have or you don't.
People who say "Yea shoot it" don't have a clue in respect to real collector grade M1911's... Uneducated folks inherit these things from time to time and ALWAYS want to shoot dads/grandads gun.... The truth is - It probally won't hurt to put a few rounds thru it but the other side of that coin is, it could become a paperweight at any time doing so. It's theirs so they can do whatever they want to but I think if they educated themselves as to what they really had they would see things differently...
My opinion on the matter is that if you want to buy a M1911 style pistol for shooting buy a modern repro from Colt or whoever.
Will
First. The slide is NOT fully heat treated. It will crack if you shot it enough...
Second. All correct, good condition USGI M1911A1'a are very valuable. These days collector interest is so hight that it dosen't matter who made it. Values ranges from $800 (total JUNK) to the moon and there aren't many for sale on the low end of my estimate.... A honest good condition Ithaca is easily worth $1500 or more depending on whe it was made and how good "good condition" really is...
Third. It's a peice of history. Once it's broke thats it. It's only orginal once. After you replace a slide or barrel, it's orginal history is over. Most of it's value will be gone as well. These guns were just property to the Govt. When they wore out or broke they were fixed. Orginality didn't mean squat. There are only so many that are still honest to god orginal and those guns are no longer just "property". They are history now.
I've collected USGI guns since the mid 1990's. The market for these pistols has been at an unprescented level for the past few years. You need to educate yourself on what your buying. If someone is selling you one for what amounts to a great deal then they either don't know what they have or you don't.
People who say "Yea shoot it" don't have a clue in respect to real collector grade M1911's... Uneducated folks inherit these things from time to time and ALWAYS want to shoot dads/grandads gun.... The truth is - It probally won't hurt to put a few rounds thru it but the other side of that coin is, it could become a paperweight at any time doing so. It's theirs so they can do whatever they want to but I think if they educated themselves as to what they really had they would see things differently...
My opinion on the matter is that if you want to buy a M1911 style pistol for shooting buy a modern repro from Colt or whoever.
Will
rklessdriver- Your response was pretty much what I was thinking. due to how good of a deal im getting, I am going to still get it but will not be shooting it. I am fairly certian that everything is going to match up as original on this gun. I know for sure that everything on the slide and frame match including the british stamps. Once I have the gun and can do a full inspection i will check everything else. I should be picking it up middle of next week so I will post some pics when I get it. I may ask you a couple of questions since you are familiar with this era pistol. Thanks for the reply
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