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Looking for comments from 1911 guru's!

2662 Views 14 Replies 7 Participants Last post by BLACK LION, Feb 13, 2009

msu33

Discussion Starter · Dec 17, 2008

Here is what I have got. I may post pics later if I remember. I have a 1952 Colt Sistema Airforce. It has a matching slide and frame, but not a matching barrel or magazine. I know finding one with a matching magazine is rare, but without the matching barrel I dont think it has much collector value despite being the rarer "Argentine Aeronautica". The pistol has good lock up and has not been abused too bad. I am still researching this pistol a bit. The serial number puts it at 1952. I think it may be an arsenal rebuild, but again the barrel it has doesnt match that description either. It could be an import, but it doesnt have the typical import marks for a sistema. It has a tiny roll mark just behind the mag release along the grip panel. I keep forgeting to get a magnifying glass to read what it says. It has a grey finish with some wear. The metal has not been dinged up much either. It shoots, but not well. I get a lot of burnt powder thrown back on me, and the cases eject at the 6 o'clock position or just fall out of the chamber.

With all that being said, here are my thoughts. I have been wanting a custom 5" 1911. Should I customize this one from the blank canvas that it is? Or should I keep it in its origional state and fix only what is necessary to get it running like a top? I dont want a gun that I cant shoot or enjoy shooting. Whats the point if you cant shoot it?

Some of you guys are gonna hate me for this but here is what I am thinking. I want to refinish it, not sure on color or type of finish. I want to keep the origional manufacture marks so it is recognizable as a airforce sistema. I would have the slide cut for new sights. Possibly some milling on the top of the slide as well. Lowered ejection port. Would like some stippling on the front strap and trigger guard. Entertaining the idea of bobtailing it too. Of course rework the insides with new trigger, barrel, bushing, etc. It also needs a little slide to frame tightening.

If I dont customize it, then I will probably rework the internals and keep it looking like a war horse and customize something else.

Comments?

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THellURider

· #2 · Dec 17, 2008

No guru here, but if I were you, I'd go post this same thing over at www.louderthanwords.us

That's where all the 1911 wizards hangout in their hats.

msu33

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 17, 2008

I think I will do that. Thanks for the tip.

gdonley308

· #4 · Dec 17, 2008

If it were me I would send it to Cylinder&Slide and have it brought back in stock configuration. For a caryy 1911 I went with A Kimber TLE II, sent it to Robar and have a totally custom pistol for $1500.00 that runs and runs. jusy my $0.02

msu33

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 17, 2008

gdonley308 said:
If it were me I would send it to Cylinder&Slide and have it brought back in stock configuration. For a caryy 1911 I went with A Kimber TLE II, sent it to Robar and have a totally custom pistol for $1500.00 that runs and runs. jusy my $0.02

I have a PRO TLE RL II that I could customize, but I am wanting the classic custom look. I am stuck. I am leaning towards the old war horse origional look that runs like a top. The reason for that is.....I also want a 1911 in 10mm, and that would be a good canidate to customize instead. I want a truly custom 5"1911 with no rails.

Jamesb74

· #6 · Dec 17, 2008

Have you thought about the super38 if you want a different caliber. You could look at the Les Baer and Wilson combat sites they also do custom work. I ask about the Super 38 because you said you wanted the 10mm. I havent seen to many 10mm in the custom look. but the Sup38 is downplayed a little to much. And is available.

msu33

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 17, 2008

hmmmm....you make a good point. I will look at the 38 supers. Have you seen the Dan Wesson 10mm's? Those look pretty good...not too expensive either. I have read where a lot of guys get them and replace hammers and other various parts. That may not be a bad gun to start with for a custom job.

Jamesb74

· #8 · Dec 17, 2008

f you went custom there are all kinds of things to be done. Change triggers,beavertail,redo the checkering,add checkering. And that is just a small list. I haven't seen the Wesson. I wil have to check them out. Snce the 6.8 s fast becomng my most loved rfle. Nothng can take the place of my Kimber customs.

msu33

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 17, 2008

jamesb74 said:
f you went custom there are all kinds of things to be done. Change triggers,beavertail,redo the checkering,add checkering. And that is just a small list. I haven't seen the Wesson. I wil have to check them out. Snce the 6.8 s fast becomng my most loved rfle. Nothng can take the place of my Kimber customs.

Oh I know.....I have been looking at louderthanwords.com and there are just too many options. I think I have decided on a finish and checkering job. I want the top of the slide milled, front strap, and trigger guard. Now just to find a 5" 10mm. The Dan Wesson could be a good place to start. I also think I want it bob tailed. Dan wesson has a bobtail 10mm, but its only a 4 inch barrel.

snort

· #10 · Dec 18, 2008

I'd keep it stock. The older pistols have spot heat treated frames instead of a full heat treat.

Get a modern frame if you want to go nuts.

Lastrites

· #11 · Dec 20, 2008

I have a Dan W. 45 that's bobtailed, let's say it's a very sweet gun for the money. No MIM parts on their newer guns and the older ones the only MIM was the STI safety, slide to frame fit that is exacting and is unlike you find on many other production guns. They use name brand parts like Ed Brown and Wolf spring ect. One gets a lot of gun out of a DW and while I have two Kimber CDP's they can't IMO compete with my CBOB. Oh the barrel length is 4.25" true Commander length with a slide that isn't all marked up with special logos.

msu33

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 21, 2008

Yes, those are very nice! I have looked at the CBOB many times.

Lastrites

· #13 · Jan 2, 2009

3

Since this thread is useless without a single picture thought I'd share some of what Dan Wesson has been doing:

Pretty clean lines, not a lot of oversized logo's and a pretty tight fit.

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Jamesb74

· #14 · Jan 2, 2009

Very nice .45

Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy :lol: :lol:

BLACK LION

· #15 · Feb 13, 2009

Dan Wesson for 10mm, without a doubt.

nice sidearm btw

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