WWII US Remington Rand 1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1944 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1700

LSB#: 210916DC16

Make: Remington Rand

Model: 1911-A1

Serial Number: 1784362

Year of Manufacture: 1944 (Pg. 394 of Clawson’s “Colt .45 Service Pistols”)

Caliber: .45 A.C.P.

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A.”. The left of the frame behind the magazine release and the top of the slide in front of the rear sight are marked with a “P” acceptance proof. The left side of the frame above the magazine release is marked “FJA” (Frank J. Atwood Lt. Col., Sub-Inspector for Ithaca, Remington Rand and Union Switch). The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / NO. 1744362”, “M1911 A1 U.S. ARMY”, and at the rear there is just an Ordnance mark. The top of the frame near the disconnector and the rear face of the slide under the firing pin plate are each marked “G”. The interior of the dust cover is marked “P”.The right front bow of the trigger guard is marked “M” and the rear is marked “S”. The left front bow of the trigger guard is marked “X”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade with a serrated, ramped rear face fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered brown plastic with reinforcement rings around the screws and reinforcement ribs on the inside. The grips have minor handling wear. There are a few hardly noticeable marks on the reinforcement rings. There are a couple of light marks on the bottoms. The checkering is strong but there are a few areas where the peaks are lightly worn, most noticeable on the left panel at the top screw. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is generally sharp. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: There are areas of original finish but the surfaces have been treated with cold blue. The barrel bushing and barrel are replacements.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 70% of its metal finish. The barrel and barrel bushing are replacements. The remaining parkerized finish is on the sides of the frame. The slide and bottom of the dust cover have been treated with cold blue. The frontstrap has been polished. There are some streaks on the slide from refinishing and a few little nicks. The slide has mottled discoloration. There are some spots of pinprick erosion on the slide there is some more noticeable erosion on the bottom of the slide at the muzzle. The grip safety has some spots of light scabbing. There are some spots of discoloration from previous oxidation, most noticeable on the front strap. There is an “idiot mark” below the slide stop. The front sight has some marks and both signs have black paint. There are a few other scattered light marks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, but the Ordnance wheel is incomplete (as is common). Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is light play between the slide and frame. This pistol has manual and grip safeties. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a 7-round magazine.

Our Assessment: The 1911 and 1911-A1 pistols served the military of the United States from 1911 to 1985, through two World Wars and the Korean and Vietnam wars. They gained a reputation as a reliable handgun with plenty of stopping power, and are held in high regard by those who have used them. This example was made by Remington Rand in 1944. It is in Very Good condition, retaining about 70% of its current finish, a good bore in its replacement barrel, and strong mechanics. This would be a nice shooter and will serve you just as well as it did America’s men in uniform. Please see our photos and good luck!