ltwguns.com

I don't know if I'm posting this in the right place, but I'll try. I was at my local shop today and saw a Colt 1911 (pre-1927, not an A1) for sale on consignment for $650. The gun is marked US Property), Everything on it looks original except for the barrel which I believe is a HiStandard. Someone (most likely a local shop) reblued the gun a while back and didn't do so great of a job. There is also some slight pitting on the left rear of the slide. I'm thinking of buying it if its still there Tuesday. The trigger pull feels to be around 7 pounds or so. My questions are:

1. Is this a good buy at $650? Should I try to negotiate down?
2. Can the gun be reblued and the pitting removed without loosing the guns markings?
3. Would this be a good candidate for restoration?
4. Can the trigger pull be lightened and could it be modified to not hammer-bite?
5. You think I should buy it?

I can offer some insight to some of your questions. I'm not a restoration guru - but we have some on this site that are and they can tell you) what is the serial number on this guy anyway).


#1 I always TRY to negotiate - even if the price is a good one - sometimes during the discussion interesting tid-bits of information come out that you'll never know if you simply open your check book.
#2 It depends upon where the pitting is located and how deep - pictures would be good to see.
#3 I have no idea, but if it has already been reblued some of its historic value has likely been taken away.
#4 yes and yes
#5 only you can answer that question. What is not a good deal to me might be for you.

JeffVN

My guess is they are asking too much. Why do I say this? The not so good reblue and nonstandard barrel destroyed it's collector value. If you are looking at it as a shooter I still think it is too much as you can buy a very good used Springfield 1911A1 for less than that. The metal in the Springer will be better. Regards, Richard