Custom Colt National Match 1911A1 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1945
Sold For: $1,200
LSB#: 200725PJ79
Make: Colt
Model: Custom National Match
Serial Number: 2230533
Year of Manufacture: 1945 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup), ATF Modern
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The right of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CO?? U ? A.”, the left is marked “NM7791435”. The rear sight is marked “KENSIGHT”. The left of the frame is marked “?JA” and by the magazine release with an incomplete “P”. The right of the frame has the remnants of an Ordnance wheel mark, “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”, “M1911A1 US ARMY” and with the serial number. The top of the barrel at the chamber is marked “45 AUTO / N M ??????????14”, the bottom is hand-scribed “0533”, the right link-lug has a “C” in box, the left is marked “M” and “P”. The front face of the barrel bushing is marked “7267718”, “N” and “M”. The magazine floorplate is marked “19200- / ASSY 5508694 / MFR. 1M291”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the slide, the blade has a yellow fiber-optic insert. The rear sight is a Kensight square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut panels. The fronstrap and mainspring housing have been knurled for additional grip. The grips show light handling wear. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as possibly not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its current metal finish. Most of the balance is in operational wear and handling wear in the grip straps. The sides of the trigger have wear from a previously installed trigger shoe. There is a light “idiot mark” under the slide stop on the right of the frame. There are a few other scattered light nicks and scuffs. The screw heads are sharp. The markings range from clear to incomplete, all with soft edges. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit has very little play. The guide rod has been replaced with a King’s recoil buffer with a blue plastic buffer tab installed. The trigger is light and crisp. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, it may need a thorough cleaning to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine. The magazine’s follower does not properly engage the slide stop. The magazine shows light-moderate operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: Developed from the standard-issue 1911 sidearm, the National Match pistols were accurized and fitted with adjustable target sights for use by U.S. military competition shooters. This example has been customized with knurled grip frame, King’s recoil buffer and has been refinished. It still has a great bore and strong mechanics. It should make for a great target pistol for another lifetime. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This Pistol CANNOT be sold as a dealer sale in California but CAN be transferred as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley location. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
