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1911 Question.
na | na

Posted on 09/23/2020 3:18:11 PM PDT by Falcon4.0

I have recently become the custodian of an WWII Army 1911.
During a cleaning< I noticed that it has a light crack in the slide on the left side by at the ejection cutout.
I'm considering taking to a Gunsmith for a professional opinion,
but I'd like to hear Freeper's opinions or experiences with this before I shoot it or waste the time of the Gunsmith.


TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: 1911; banglist
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To: Falcon4.0

How do you know definitively that it is from WWII? During WWII, many companies were subcontracted to build 1911s for the war effort, and some of them are extremely rare and valuable.

Who does it say made it on the slide? If it was made by Singer or Union Switch & Signal (US&S), you may have a pistol that is worth much more historically as it is than it would be “fixed up” with a new slide.

If it’s a run-of-the-mill 1911 from the post-war years made by Colt, then go ahead and take it to a gunsmith for his opinion.


21 posted on 09/23/2020 3:45:35 PM PDT by Yo-Yo ( is the /sarc tag really necessary?)
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To: Falcon4.0

...a new slide and internals available on ebay of all places for about 140 bucks


22 posted on 09/23/2020 3:46:07 PM PDT by gdc61 (LOL not.)
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To: Mariner; Falcon4.0
This is a 1911. There are three main parts, the frame, the slide and the barrel. You don't throw away the whole gun just becaus a defect appears in one part of it. If the crack is in the slide, a drop-in replacement can be gotten for about $120-$200, depending on the season and/or sale.

Para Ordnance, a high quality manufacturer, went out of business a few years ago, and the parts inventory for 1911-type guns were bought up by gun parts retailers and resold. I got a nice slide for a 1911 frame I had, matched it up with a Springfield barrel andd fitted it with a match barrel bushing, and it's a real nice gun.

If the crack is in the frame, it may be possible to adapt it for the less-sstressful ,22 caliber conversion kit, and have it see service for many more yearrs.

23 posted on 09/23/2020 3:47:46 PM PDT by imardmd1 (Fiat Lux)
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To: Falcon4.0
I'm confused because the "ejection cutout" on my Colt Gold Cup is on the right side.

However, near the slide catch on the left side, just above and behind the trigger there is a manufactured cut that appears to be about 3/8 " long, on a slight diagonal.

24 posted on 09/23/2020 3:55:24 PM PDT by G Larry (There is no merit in compromising with the Devil.)
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To: Lurkinanloomin

Good call!


25 posted on 09/23/2020 3:59:36 PM PDT by mylife (Opinions: $1, Today's Special, Half Baked: 50c)
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To: Falcon4.0

Get a new slide that works, and carry on.
The serial number is on the frame/grip, that’s what counts as “the firearm.”


26 posted on 09/23/2020 3:59:52 PM PDT by Travis McGee (EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com)
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To: Vendome

GMTA.


27 posted on 09/23/2020 4:00:13 PM PDT by Travis McGee (EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com)
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To: Falcon4.0

Pay the gunsmith. Get a professional opinion.


28 posted on 09/23/2020 4:07:18 PM PDT by HIDEK6 ( God bless Donald Trump.)
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To: Falcon4.0

Buy a new slide for it.


29 posted on 09/23/2020 4:10:19 PM PDT by semaj (Death to Traitors!)
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To: Falcon4.0

Run,
Don’t Walk to a Gunsmith!
Some 1911’s can be worth
10’s of Thousands!


30 posted on 09/23/2020 4:11:07 PM PDT by Big Red Badger (TRUMP, the Other guy lives in a Basement!)
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To: Lurkinanloomin

+1


31 posted on 09/23/2020 4:38:15 PM PDT by OKSooner (We are not allowed to criticize George Soros.)
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To: Travis McGee

Has to take it apart to clean anyway

Might as well replace it...


32 posted on 09/23/2020 4:47:40 PM PDT by Vendome (I've Gotta Be Me https://youtu.be/wH-pk2vZG2M)
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To: Lurkinanloomin
“ Keep for your collection and buy a new 1911 to shoot.” ********** Agree; especially if it was carried by grandpa during the Big War or some such. At any rate these old WWII era 1911’s If used for training and may have had literally millions of rounds shot thru them. Time to retire the old warrior, RIP 1911 😊...
33 posted on 09/23/2020 4:50:32 PM PDT by snoringbear (,W,E.oGovernment is the Pimp,)
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To: Falcon4.0

If it’s a true 1911 and you bought it for a shooter. Look up Wilson arms and learn how to repair and replace the parts. 1911’s, ar-15’s, and mosseburg 500’s are like redneck Barbie dolls. A rednecks sweetheart, dress her up just like you like her and cherish her forever. I got a few, love them all and after 47 years my wife reminds me who is the best. Just be safe. :)


34 posted on 09/23/2020 4:50:49 PM PDT by Equine1952
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To: Falcon4.0

Just a wild guess, but I would think a competent weld would cost as much as a new slide. 1911 parts are cheap. Make it a wall hanger and buy a new one. If it has sentimental value, buy a new slide. A weld would have so many variables to worry about.


35 posted on 09/23/2020 4:51:09 PM PDT by chuckles
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To: Falcon4.0

That is a common failure mode, from shooting a lot, or from shooting “hot” overpressure rounds.

It is a safety issue, because if it fails completely, the slide can fly back into your face or eye.

Don”t shoot it like that.


36 posted on 09/23/2020 5:06:08 PM PDT by BeauBo
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To: Falcon4.0

Don’t know what your circumstances are, but would you consider declaring it a museum piece?

You can buy a serviceable 1911 anywhere, but a genuine WWII issue piece? I actually had to take a deep breath.


37 posted on 09/23/2020 5:08:15 PM PDT by dsc (Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger men.)
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To: Falcon4.0; All
Send it Heirloom Precision. For about $5k, you’ll have a sweet shooter.

https://www.heirloomprecision.com/gallery/

38 posted on 09/23/2020 5:12:40 PM PDT by Cobra64 (Common sense isnÂ’t common anymore.)
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To: Cobra64

Thanks for the link!


39 posted on 09/23/2020 5:26:58 PM PDT by MV=PY (The Magic Question: Who's paying for it?)
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To: Falcon4.0

Do not inspect by magnetic particle inspection. The slide is too complex a part for good inspection using this method.

PT or penetrant testing, dye testing is a much better method for firearms.

RT or x-ray inspection is another option.

Gunsmiths are experts in firearms, though there are more qualified professionals that can inspect these.

Depending on where you are at in the country there are persons who would be willing to inspect the slide for a very nominal fee, or even free for the opportunity to work with your forearm, as the cool factor is real.

If you’re interested PM me and we can discuss.
This is what I do professionally.


40 posted on 09/23/2020 6:01:48 PM PDT by Oil Object Insp
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