Springfield Custom Shop 1911-A1 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 5″ Nowlin Barrel
SOLD FOR: $1,675.69
LSB#: LSB260120RS028
Make: Springfield Armory Custom Shop
Model: 1911-A1
Serial Number: NM109777
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Removable Magazine Fed Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol, Ambidextrous Thumb Safeties
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked “SPRINGFIELD ARMORY”, “SPRINGFIELD / Custom” with the crossed cannons logo. The right side of the frame is marked “SPRINGFIELD ARMORY / GENESEO IL USA / NM109777”. The barrel is marked “NOWLIN”. The left side of the slide is marked “MODEL 1911-A1 / CAL. 45”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated face blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch sight dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth select walnut panels. The mainspring housing is checkered. There is faint handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition. This pistol comes with two piece checkered walnut panels as well in Excellent condition as well.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One Colt 7rd .45 ACP magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is minor copper fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong throughout with light operational wear. There are a few faint handling marks. There is light thinning on the leading edgesThe screw heads are lightly tooled with strong serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. This pistol includes a beavertail grip safety, and ambi manual thumb safeties.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes a Case-Gard snap case, a total of one magazine, and its extra grip set as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Springfield Armory Custom Shop 1911-A1 represents a higher level of refinement within the long standing 1911 platform, combining traditional design with upgraded components and hand fitting. Built on Springfield’s National Match frame prefix, this pistol reflects Custom Shop attention to detail, including improved trigger geometry, enhanced ergonomics, and precision barrel fit. The inclusion of a Nowlin barrel, a well regarded aftermarket component known for accuracy and quality, further emphasizes the performance oriented nature of this build. Features such as the beavertail grip safety and ambidextrous thumb safeties bring the classic 1911 design into a more modern configuration while retaining its original single action operation.
Chambered in .45 ACP, the cartridge introduced in 1905 and long associated with the 1911 platform for its proven performance, this example retains approximately 98 percent of its original blued finish with only light operational wear and faint handling marks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and minor copper fouling present, rating 9 out of 10. The select walnut grips remain in excellent condition, and an additional set of checkered walnut panels is included along with one 7 round Colt magazine. With its Custom Shop origin, Nowlin barrel, and excellent overall condition, this pistol represents a well executed example of a modernized 1911 built for both performance and classic appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.