Remington Rand M1911A1 .45 ACP 5″ Semi Auto Pistol 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,336.59

LSB#: LSB260703CS001

Make: Remington Rand Inc.

Model: U.S. M1911A1

Serial Number: 1346811

Year of Manufacture: 1943 / C&R

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Short-recoil operated, locked-breech semi-automatic pistol fed by a detachable box magazine.

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “REMINGTON RAND INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A.” The right side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY / No. 1346811” and “M1911A1 U.S. ARMY.” The left side of the frame is marked “FJA” above the magazine release. The right side of the frame bears the crossed-cannons Ordnance acceptance mark behind the grip. The frame and trigger guard bear additional small “L,” “K,” and “C” inspection marks. The barrel is marked “HS” on the lug and “P” on the chamber. The “HS” marking identifies the barrel as manufactured by High Standard.

Barrel Length: 5″.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a low-profile blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a fixed square-notch sight dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece brown checkered synthetic military-style panels with reinforcing rings around the screw holes. The checkering remains generally well defined. There are scattered light handling marks and minor wear, but no visible chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: One detachable .45 ACP magazine is included. It shows operational and insertion wear and rates in about Good condition.

Type of Finish: Gray-green military Parkerized finish.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows moderate operational and handling wear. There is finish thinning along the slide and frame edges, muzzle, dust cover, controls, and other raised surfaces. The slide and frame show scattered scratches, scuffs, nicks, and small areas of finish loss. The barrel shows cycling wear and light surface marks. The grip screws have serviceable slots with light tooling. The pins are generally clean. The markings remain clear and legible, with the inspection and Ordnance acceptance marks remaining visible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The thumb safety, grip safety, slide stop, magazine release, and trigger function as intended. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One detachable magazine and a signed certificate stating that the pistol was owned and shot by Clint Smith, founder of Thunder Ranch Inc. The certificate identifies the firearm by make, model, caliber, year, and serial number 1346811 and bears Clint Smith’s signature. The certificate is provenance documentation supplied with the pistol and is not a factory letter or government service record.

Our Assessment: The Remington Rand M1911A1 represents one of the principal American service-pistol production programs of World War II. Better known before the war as a manufacturer of typewriters and office equipment, Remington Rand converted to military production and ultimately became the largest producer of M1911A1 pistols during the conflict. These pistols armed American personnel across every major theater and remain among the most recognizable U.S. martial handguns of the 20th century.

Serial number 1346811 places this example in 1943 production. Its “FJA” inspection stamp represents Col. Frank J. Atwood, the Army inspector responsible for Remington Rand and other wartime pistol contracts in the Rochester Ordnance District. The crossed-cannons mark denotes final Ordnance acceptance. Its High Standard “HS” and “P” marked barrel is a proper U.S. military component commonly encountered in wartime Remington Rand pistols.

This example combines desirable WWII martial markings, a bright bore with sharp rifling, and compelling modern provenance. The included signed certificate states that the pistol was owned and fired by Clint Smith, the noted firearms instructor and founder of Thunder Ranch. That association adds interest beyond the pistol’s already strong appeal as a 1943 U.S. military M1911A1. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!- C.M.