Parkerized government size 1911

Oldjarhead · June 27, 2018, 02:27 PM

Looking for a hopefully new, parkerized 1911A1 government model .45acp with complete GI specs. I mean with wide hammer spur, and double diamond wood grips.i have looked online, but with so many 1911s being made, it is hard to choose a good company, I know nothing about. Anyone own or know of a company that makes a good one, please help. Thanks.

RickB · June 27, 2018, 02:35 PM

When double diamond grips were in use, M1911s were blued.
By the time M1911A1s were being made in quantity, the finish had changed to Parkerizing and grips had changed to plastic.

The best of the reasonably priced M1911A1 reproductions - parkerized - is the now discontinued Springfield G.I.
Among new production, Auto Ordnance has the most accurate appearance.

If you want a WWI-style pistol, blued with wood grips, there isn't much available new.
Colt was making a lot of commemorative pistols in 2011, and some of them have become reasonably priced.
There's a couple of guns made in the Philippines that have a kinda/sorta accurate appearance, but not close enough that I'd be satisfied with one if I were looking for a period replica.

Jim Watson · June 27, 2018, 03:00 PM

Agree with Rick, but peacetime blue 1911A1s with full checkered walnut grips are good looking.

The AO is probably the most WWII GI looking gun in current production, that or the Inland which may well be the same gun with different trademark. A wide spur early A1 hammer will be a good trick, though.

Brian48 · June 27, 2018, 03:34 PM

The Kahr WWII repro I had was about as close as I could find when I had it. Of course, if you can score one of those limited Colt custom shop repros, that would be even better.

Brian48 · June 27, 2018, 03:36 PM

Ah. Just realized I still have a pic of it.

polyphemus · June 27, 2018, 03:56 PM

AO's are a toss of the dice,they resemble a 1911A1.
Mine was a basket case,granted that was a few years back and I knew what I was getting into but I was not disappointed,every conceivable stoppage,defective parts you name it but it was a project pistol and it runs very well now in fact I was shooting it today,no issues just fine.Good luck anyway whatever your choice.

RickB · June 27, 2018, 05:30 PM

A-O has gotten their act together, regarding the accuracy of the appearance, if not the actual shooting aspect.
I bought an A-O frame kit in the early '90s, and while the frame itself is pretty nice, some of the small parts were absolute junk.

Brian48's gun is an older one, with the "flatter" contours to the front strap and dust cover; Springfields made in the '90s have the same shortcoming, appearance wise.

Newer ones are more G.I. in appearance; the easiest way to tell at a glance is to look at the slide stop fit; if it hangs over the edge of the frame above the trigger guard it's an early one.

The consensus is Inland = A-O, and I think the latter is cheaper.

JERRYS. · June 27, 2018, 05:48 PM

I guess I'll be the one.....

RIA.

EIGHTYDUECE · June 27, 2018, 05:56 PM

The Auto Ordnance and Inland are the only 1911A1s out there that would fit your parameters if you buy new. Below are a few pictures of my Inland 1911A1. The Inland is an Auto Ordnance with different markings IMHO. I did add a real Remington Rand trigger and Keys grips on mine. They come with reproduction plastic grips that still look period. I just had the parts handy so I switched them.

Ibmikey · June 27, 2018, 06:11 PM

The posters are right on the money with the Auto Ordnance of current manufacture, the mechanical difference observed when the pistol has been disassembled is a firing pin block. My AO next to my DCM Colt appear to be the same ( other than the double diamond grips on the AO).
RIA Pistols look good except for the “made in Philippines” carved in the frame.

EIGHTYDUECE · June 27, 2018, 06:29 PM

The Rock Island Armory (RIA) has some dimensional differences and there will be a few parts to change to make as close to correct as you will get with them. On mine, I had to buy a correct style Auto Ordnance grip safety, thumb safety, mainspring housing and grips. I tell my friends that it is "close enough for government work"

By the time you make the changes, you are already at the same price or above what you would pay just going and buying the Auto Ordnance though.

rmocarsky · June 27, 2018, 07:58 PM

Would the Norinco ''Model of the 1911A1 45 Automatic'' fit the bill?

Rmocarsky

Oldjarhead · June 27, 2018, 08:52 PM

Great responses, and great responses. I forgot to ask if are there any series 70s, without that 80s series firing pin block? Sorry. Another senior moment.

Model12Win · June 27, 2018, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickB

When double diamond grips were in use, M1911s were blued.
By the time M1911A1s were being made in quantity, the finish had changed to Parkerizing and grips had changed to plastic.

The best of the reasonably priced M1911A1 reproductions - parkerized - is the now discontinued Springfield G.I.
Among new production, Auto Ordnance has the most accurate appearance.

If you want a WWI-style pistol, blued with wood grips, there isn't much available new.
Colt was making a lot of commemorative pistols in 2011, and some of them have become reasonably priced.
There's a couple of guns made in the Philippines that have a kinda/sorta accurate appearance, but not close enough that I'd be satisfied with one if I were looking for a period replica.

I've one of the discontinued Springfield GI 1911s. It is superb:

This gun is mostly there, has the correct low profile sights and lanyard loop mainspring housing (albeit with an internal lock system) but has a civilian style enlarged thumb safety and a couple other little thing not entirely correct for a GI gun, but it's very close. I replaced the original grips with USGI plastics for an even closer look. The gear shown, including magazines, is all authentic USGI.

**44 AMP** · June 27, 2018, 11:04 PM

Quote:

If you want a WWI-style pistol, blued with wood grips, there isn't much available new.

If you want the gun to look, and be, right, forget cheap!!!!

A friend of mine got one of the WW I reproduction 1911s from Turnbull.

All period correct markings, grips, finish, etc. The only difference one can tell from a new condition original is a small marking on the slide with the Turnbull logo (to prevent the gun being fraudulently re-sold as an original)

It wasn't cheap. Go to Turnbull's website and see what they offer, and if any of them is what you're looking for. If so, open your wallet...wide.

Model12Win · June 28, 2018, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44 AMP

If you want the gun to look, and be, right, forget cheap!!!!

A friend of mine got one of the WW I reproduction 1911s from Turnbull.

All period correct markings, grips, finish, etc. The only difference one can tell from a new condition original is a small marking on the slide with the Turnbull logo (to prevent the gun being fraudulently re-sold as an original)

It wasn't cheap. Go to Turnbull's website and see what they offer, and if any of them is what you're looking for. If so, open your wallet...wide.

Spoken like a true elitist.

One needn't resort to Doug Turnbull and his multi-thousand dollar guns to get the look and feel of a G.I. 1911... you're simply wrong on this one.

polyphemus · June 28, 2018, 07:13 AM

OP is asking for guidance on an M1911A1 replica,parkerized surface.
M1911 models have significant external differences that he might have already considered before making his choice.

RickB · June 28, 2018, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Would the Norinco ''Model of the 1911A1 45 Automatic'' fit the bill?

Norincos are very close in appearance to wartime M1911A1s, and they are actually closer to military spec than anything available new today, as they do not have any cast or MIM parts.
Not necessarily a knock on those parts, but original specs call for every major component to be a machined forging.

That's why I prefer the Springfield as an easy to get option, as the slide, frame, and barrel are all forged, as well as looking right.

**44 AMP** · June 28, 2018, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Spoken like a true elitist.

that seems a bit...harsh..to me...

Quote:

One needn't resort to Doug Turnbull and his multi-thousand dollar guns to get the look and feel of a G.I. 1911...

No, one doesn't. Nor did I say one had to.

The OP gave his requirements, and then asked this..

Quote:

Anyone own or know of a company that makes a good one, please help. Thanks

No budget or price range was mentioned. I gave an option, that I knew about, and one that no one else had mentioned. How is that elitist??

mr bolo · June 28, 2018, 12:55 PM

does the discontinued Springfield GI model have the original sized firing pin? or does it have the smaller .38 Super size firing pin?

will a standard GI firing pin fit in a SA GI M1911A1?

I prefer 100% parts compatible to be considered a good remake of a GI model

the NORINCO is pretty close, except for grip screw bushings thread size

RickB · June 28, 2018, 01:03 PM

It sounds like Springfield uses or used the smaller-diameter 9mm/Super firing pin, made from titanium, in conjunction with an extra-extra power firing pin spring, to pass the California drop test without having to resort to a Series 80 or Swartz style firing pin block; pick your poison.

The hole in the breechface would have to be opened slightly to accommodate a .45 firing pin.

polyphemus · June 28, 2018, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Would the Norinco ''Model of the 1911A1 45 Automatic'' fit the bill?

Problably not.OP is hopeful to obtain a new pistol and Norincos haven't been imported for some fifteen years,well regarded as they are by some it may be hard to find a new one and in that case there is likely a price premium on it.

RickB · June 28, 2018, 03:46 PM

If he lives near the Canadian border . . .

**Aguila Blanca** · June 28, 2018, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickB

That's why I prefer the Springfield as an easy to get option, as the slide, frame, and barrel are all forged, as well as looking right.

The barrels on the lower-end Springfields (such as the discontinued GI model) are (or were, until long after the GI model had been discontinued) 2-piece barrels. There are photos circulating on the Internet of Springfield 2-piece barrels that have separated into the two pieces.

If I were seeking to buy a clone of a USGI M1911A1 today, I'd buy an Auto-Ordnance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickB

It sounds like Springfield uses or used the smaller-diameter 9mm/Super firing pin, made from titanium, in conjunction with an extra-extra power firing pin spring, to pass the California drop test without having to resort to a Series 80 or Swartz style firing pin block; pick your poison.

I may be mis-remembering, but I thought Springfield used a proprietary size firing pin that's smaller than a standard .45 firing pin but larger than a standard 9mm/.38 Super firing pin.

RickB · June 28, 2018, 05:14 PM

Good call; the Mil-Spec has a one-piece barrel, while the similar, but cheaper, G.I. has a two-piece.
I had a hi-cap G.I., and should have known.

June 27, 2018, 02:27 PM	#1
Oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: July 4, 2008 Posts: 508	Parkerized government size 1911 Looking for a hopefully new, parkerized 1911A1 government model .45acp with complete GI specs. I mean with wide hammer spur, and double diamond wood grips.i have looked online, but with so many 1911s being made, it is hard to choose a good company, I know nothing about. Anyone own or know of a company that makes a good one, please help. Thanks.

June 27, 2018, 02:35 PM	#2
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	When double diamond grips were in use, M1911s were blued. By the time M1911A1s were being made in quantity, the finish had changed to Parkerizing and grips had changed to plastic. The best of the reasonably priced M1911A1 reproductions - parkerized - is the now discontinued Springfield G.I. Among new production, Auto Ordnance has the most accurate appearance. If you want a WWI-style pistol, blued with wood grips, there isn't much available new. Colt was making a lot of commemorative pistols in 2011, and some of them have become reasonably priced. There's a couple of guns made in the Philippines that have a kinda/sorta accurate appearance, but not close enough that I'd be satisfied with one if I were looking for a period replica. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong. Last edited by RickB; June 27, 2018 at 02:42 PM.

June 27, 2018, 03:00 PM	#3
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,541	Agree with Rick, but peacetime blue 1911A1s with full checkered walnut grips are good looking. The AO is probably the most WWII GI looking gun in current production, that or the Inland which may well be the same gun with different trademark. A wide spur early A1 hammer will be a good trick, though. Last edited by Jim Watson; June 27, 2018 at 03:47 PM.

June 27, 2018, 03:34 PM	#4
Brian48 Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2001 Location: Boston, People's Republic of MA Posts: 1,616	The Kahr WWII repro I had was about as close as I could find when I had it. Of course, if you can score one of those limited Colt custom shop repros, that would be even better. __________________ Proud to have served.

June 27, 2018, 05:30 PM	#7
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	A-O has gotten their act together, regarding the accuracy of the appearance, if not the actual shooting aspect. I bought an A-O frame kit in the early '90s, and while the frame itself is pretty nice, some of the small parts were absolute junk. Brian48's gun is an older one, with the "flatter" contours to the front strap and dust cover; Springfields made in the '90s have the same shortcoming, appearance wise. Newer ones are more G.I. in appearance; the easiest way to tell at a glance is to look at the slide stop fit; if it hangs over the edge of the frame above the trigger guard it's an early one. The consensus is Inland = A-O, and I think the latter is cheaper. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

June 27, 2018, 03:56 PM	#6
polyphemus Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2012 Posts: 1,055	AO's are a toss of the dice,they resemble a 1911A1. Mine was a basket case,granted that was a few years back and I knew what I was getting into but I was not disappointed,every conceivable stoppage,defective parts you name it but it was a project pistol and it runs very well now in fact I was shooting it today,no issues just fine.Good luck anyway whatever your choice.

June 27, 2018, 05:48 PM	#8
JERRYS. Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,968	I guess I'll be the one..... RIA.

June 27, 2018, 05:56 PM	#9
EIGHTYDUECE Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2001 Posts: 578	The Auto Ordnance and Inland are the only 1911A1s out there that would fit your parameters if you buy new. Below are a few pictures of my Inland 1911A1. The Inland is an Auto Ordnance with different markings IMHO. I did add a real Remington Rand trigger and Keys grips on mine. They come with reproduction plastic grips that still look period. I just had the parts handy so I switched them. __________________ "KNEES IN THE BREEZE" "Shop Smart, Shop S-Mart"- ASH Last edited by EIGHTYDUECE; June 27, 2018 at 06:06 PM.

June 27, 2018, 06:11 PM	#10
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	The posters are right on the money with the Auto Ordnance of current manufacture, the mechanical difference observed when the pistol has been disassembled is a firing pin block. My AO next to my DCM Colt appear to be the same ( other than the double diamond grips on the AO). RIA Pistols look good except for the “made in Philippines” carved in the frame. Last edited by Ibmikey; June 30, 2018 at 03:42 AM.

June 27, 2018, 06:29 PM	#11
EIGHTYDUECE Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2001 Posts: 578	The Rock Island Armory (RIA) has some dimensional differences and there will be a few parts to change to make as close to correct as you will get with them. On mine, I had to buy a correct style Auto Ordnance grip safety, thumb safety, mainspring housing and grips. I tell my friends that it is "close enough for government work" By the time you make the changes, you are already at the same price or above what you would pay just going and buying the Auto Ordnance though. __________________ "KNEES IN THE BREEZE" "Shop Smart, Shop S-Mart"- ASH

June 27, 2018, 07:58 PM	#12
rmocarsky Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2009 Posts: 406	Norinco Would the Norinco ''Model of the 1911A1 45 Automatic'' fit the bill? Rmocarsky

June 27, 2018, 08:52 PM	#13
Oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: July 4, 2008 Posts: 508	Great responses, and great responses. I forgot to ask if are there any series 70s, without that 80s series firing pin block? Sorry. Another senior moment.

June 28, 2018, 07:13 AM	#17
polyphemus Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2012 Posts: 1,055	OP is asking for guidance on an M1911A1 replica,parkerized surface. M1911 models have significant external differences that he might have already considered before making his choice.

June 28, 2018, 12:55 PM	#20
mr bolo Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2012 Posts: 432	does the discontinued Springfield GI model have the original sized firing pin? or does it have the smaller .38 Super size firing pin? will a standard GI firing pin fit in a SA GI M1911A1? I prefer 100% parts compatible to be considered a good remake of a GI model the NORINCO is pretty close, except for grip screw bushings thread size

June 28, 2018, 01:03 PM	#21
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	It sounds like Springfield uses or used the smaller-diameter 9mm/Super firing pin, made from titanium, in conjunction with an extra-extra power firing pin spring, to pass the California drop test without having to resort to a Series 80 or Swartz style firing pin block; pick your poison. The hole in the breechface would have to be opened slightly to accommodate a .45 firing pin. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

June 28, 2018, 03:46 PM	#23
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	If he lives near the Canadian border . . . __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

June 28, 2018, 05:14 PM	#25
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	Good call; the Mil-Spec has a one-piece barrel, while the similar, but cheaper, G.I. has a two-piece. I had a hi-cap G.I., and should have known. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.