1943 Remington Rand M1911A1 US Army

us.marine · January 27, 2014, 03:56 PM

WW2 Vintage! 1943 Remington Rand m1911a1 US Army with a year matching Graton & Knight holster.
I have 3 original Risdon magazines, a 1942 Avery mag pouch, and a reproduction belt. I would like to have an original.

BTW, I love the patina on the finish!!

CWKahrFan · January 27, 2014, 04:08 PM

Exquisite!... Maybe oughta' go on Antiques Roadshow...

salvadore · January 27, 2014, 04:42 PM

All of the 1911A1s in my arms room @ the 221st Signal Co. in Long Bihn VN looked like that...well, maybe not quite as nice and all the barrels were badly pitted. there were Ithacas, Singers and Remington Rands oh my. Anyway does yours have the original barrel and what does it look like?

us.marine · January 27, 2014, 04:51 PM

I do have the original High Standard barrel, but when I bought the pistol, it had a Springfield barrel. Both have nice, bright bores.

In addition to those two, I found some new, un-issued Army Pistol Team barrels from the 80's (they are basically black USGI match barrels), and that is what I usually keep on the pistol when I carry it and when I shoot it. When the gun its in the safe or I take it to a vintage surplus meeting, I put the original barrel back in.

I love the pistol so much that I carry it more than my modern 1911's. I don't shoot it very often, maybe 50 rounds every 3 or 4 months. I have a source for ww2 military surplus 1911 parts that helps me keep the gun in top notch working condition.

James K · January 27, 2014, 10:25 PM

A friend was in State Dept. security, guarding Karzai. He rejected more modern guns in favor of a 1943 Remington-Rand M1911A1. He said it worked - every time.

I have not seen him for a while to ask what he thinks of the current State Department orders for its security people to retreat and not engage terrorists because it might offend someone.

Jim

Tad_T · January 28, 2014, 12:11 AM

Very nice!

Mine is a 1944.

us.marine · January 28, 2014, 12:03 PM

Super nice gun! It seems to be in outstanding shape!

us.marine · January 28, 2014, 12:04 PM

I was feeling that my gun needed a spring overhaul, so yesterday I received a complete set of USGI springs and a new un-issued firing pin. Replaced everything with no problems at all.

Most of the parts were still covered in Cosmoline, I made sure to keep the Remington Rand plunger spring package. Just want to make sure that the pistol stays in good working order because, to be honest, I carry it more that my other guns.

jismail · January 28, 2014, 06:02 PM

1917 Colt with WW1 mounted unit accessories.

us.marine · January 29, 2014, 06:00 PM

That is a super cool pistol!

I like the fact that you have all the accesories. I just bought an original m1936 NOS pistol belt to complete my ww2 holster rig.

SHR970 · January 29, 2014, 07:09 PM

My GI has A RR slide and a 1942 Colt Frame. Arsenal refinish to go with the mix master.

Old 454 · January 29, 2014, 07:18 PM

A Little story to ruin your day.

An elderly friend of mine who is in his mid 80's has been collection fire arms since the late 1940's.

Well the story he told me is that the NRA in the early 60's had some kinda sale going on to purchase WW2 fire arms, and he bought for $12.50 a 45ACP still wraped up in the oil paper. What he recieve was a nice Remington Rand 45ACP.
The heart breaker is he took an electro pencil and engraved his name and telephone number on the slide. I have seen and shot this gun, it shots like a dream but hat engraving is sooooooooooooo fugly. OUCH !

us.marine · January 29, 2014, 07:59 PM

Oh man! That is a shame!!! I know a guy that bought a lot of m1911a1's like that. he built most of them into match guns, it was the common thing to do. But he also kept several in original condition. I have been trying to convince him to sell me one for the past year. He wont budge!

James K · January 31, 2014, 04:19 PM

I am willing to make a small wager that, if nothing has been messed with, the old R-R doesn't need any new springs or kits or anything else. Those guns were built to rigid specifications, enforced by hard nose government inspectors, and they did it right. Too many of today's makers seem to turn out trash and make little effort to get things right until someone complains.

Jim

us.marine · February 1, 2014, 04:50 PM

Well, I completely agree with you on the low standards of today's manufacturers.

While the US issued 1911's were well made and reliable, I prefer to make sure my gun has good springs and pins at all times, along with inspecting for cracks on all parts. First because of my personal safety, second for the gun itself. Its an antique piece that I also carry on a regular basis, and I shoot it, not often, but I still do.

These guns have age, and they are known to show stress cracks if not properly maintained or by shooting the wrong kind of ammo. For example, I have seen vintage military 1911 frames crack because of a weak recoil spring that allowed the slide to hit the frame (recoil spring guide in between) harder than it was intended to. Metallurgy in those days was not as advanced as it is in the present day.

I also make sure that I get all my parts from a reputable source that can provide genuine military issue parts for my gun. No aftermarket crap on my baby.

Better safe than sorry.

Doc Hoy · February 1, 2014, 04:55 PM

"Holy Crap!"

That's nice.

Chris_B · February 1, 2014, 07:22 PM

Beautiful R-R, us marine

I have a 'US property' 1911, Colt, 1918 production. It had been made into a target pistol so I swapped in the correct rear sight, but there is a larger, target front sight which is nicely installed, there was some light machining to install it. It made the pistol affordable and no matter what- it's an original Colt 1911. And it works like new.

us.marine · February 4, 2014, 04:07 PM

Latest picture. Finally got my hands on an original WW2 production pistol belt, so now I have the complete vintage pistol rig. The gun has a pair of near mint original Keyes Fibre grips that I found on ebay for a reasonable price.

CWKahrFan · February 4, 2014, 04:15 PM

Very cool!...

kraigwy · February 4, 2014, 06:59 PM

Mine is a '43 Colt Frame w/USSC Slide.

With the Vietnam era shoulder holster;

What is fun is shooting M1911a1's in a three gun match with a '98 30-40 Krag

Chris_B · February 4, 2014, 07:53 PM

I'm not sure giving the target cold steel counts Kraig

SSG_Tipton · February 10, 2014, 10:55 AM

I got a funny, and true, story for you...as an MP Sergeant in Heidleburg, West Germany in the mid-70's, I was the NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge) of providing security for the Commander in Chief (CINC), Deputy CINC, and Chief of Stall for US Army Europe and Seventh Army. My issue .45 was a Remington Rand. I had never fired that particular weapon, since there is no zeroing fixed sights, so when we qualified on the range, the MP company just grabbed a bunch of pistols, and off we went. One morning during the guard mount, the Patrol Supervisor was doing inspection, and looked at the pistol that I had. He yelled that it was filthy, and asked me when I had last cleaned it. I responded with "I have never cleaned it, Sergeant". He said "Why not"? I said "It's not my assigned pistol. Mine would not fire on the range yesterday due to a broken firing pin, so I was just issued this one a few minutes ago". He Yelled (why do higher-ranking Sergeants always have to yell? I was only 3 feet away!) "Whose is it"? I responded "It is the First Sergeant's pistol!" Top just turned and went back into his office!

SSG_Tipton · February 10, 2014, 10:56 AM

Sorry, wrong key...Chief of STAFF

jimbob86 · February 10, 2014, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Sorry, wrong key...Chief of STAFF

I think you had it right the first time.

I always thought command staffs were the source of the "wait" in "hurry up and wait".

kilimanjaro · February 10, 2014, 06:35 PM

Score of the year!

January 27, 2014, 03:56 PM	#1
us.marine Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Location: Newport, NC Posts: 34	1943 Remington Rand M1911A1 US Army WW2 Vintage! 1943 Remington Rand m1911a1 US Army with a year matching Graton & Knight holster. I have 3 original Risdon magazines, a 1942 Avery mag pouch, and a reproduction belt. I would like to have an original. BTW, I love the patina on the finish!! __________________ US Marine Corps, Ret. Semper Fi! Only God can judge terrorists. We arrange the meetings... US Marines.

January 27, 2014, 04:08 PM	#2
CWKahrFan Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2010 Posts: 2,016	Exquisite!... Maybe oughta' go on Antiques Roadshow... __________________ What did Mrs. Bullet say to Mr. Bullet? ... "We're having a BeeBee!"... IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!... IF THE GUN FITS, SHOOT IT! "Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."

January 27, 2014, 04:51 PM	#4
us.marine Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Location: Newport, NC Posts: 34	Barrel I do have the original High Standard barrel, but when I bought the pistol, it had a Springfield barrel. Both have nice, bright bores. In addition to those two, I found some new, un-issued Army Pistol Team barrels from the 80's (they are basically black USGI match barrels), and that is what I usually keep on the pistol when I carry it and when I shoot it. When the gun its in the safe or I take it to a vintage surplus meeting, I put the original barrel back in. I love the pistol so much that I carry it more than my modern 1911's. I don't shoot it very often, maybe 50 rounds every 3 or 4 months. I have a source for ww2 military surplus 1911 parts that helps me keep the gun in top notch working condition. __________________ US Marine Corps, Ret. Semper Fi! Only God can judge terrorists. We arrange the meetings... US Marines. Last edited by us.marine; January 27, 2014 at 04:57 PM.

January 28, 2014, 12:03 PM	#7
us.marine Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Location: Newport, NC Posts: 34	'44 Remington Rand Super nice gun! It seems to be in outstanding shape! __________________ US Marine Corps, Ret. Semper Fi! Only God can judge terrorists. We arrange the meetings... US Marines.

January 28, 2014, 12:04 PM	#8
us.marine Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Location: Newport, NC Posts: 34	Routine Overhaul I was feeling that my gun needed a spring overhaul, so yesterday I received a complete set of USGI springs and a new un-issued firing pin. Replaced everything with no problems at all. Most of the parts were still covered in Cosmoline, I made sure to keep the Remington Rand plunger spring package. Just want to make sure that the pistol stays in good working order because, to be honest, I carry it more that my other guns. __________________ US Marine Corps, Ret. Semper Fi! Only God can judge terrorists. We arrange the meetings... US Marines.

January 27, 2014, 04:42 PM	#3
salvadore Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,282	All of the 1911A1s in my arms room @ the 221st Signal Co. in Long Bihn VN looked like that...well, maybe not quite as nice and all the barrels were badly pitted. there were Ithacas, Singers and Remington Rands oh my. Anyway does yours have the original barrel and what does it look like?

January 27, 2014, 10:25 PM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	A friend was in State Dept. security, guarding Karzai. He rejected more modern guns in favor of a 1943 Remington-Rand M1911A1. He said it worked - every time. I have not seen him for a while to ask what he thinks of the current State Department orders for its security people to retreat and not engage terrorists because it might offend someone. Jim

January 28, 2014, 12:11 AM	#6
Tad_T Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 231	Very nice! Mine is a 1944.

January 28, 2014, 06:02 PM	#9
jismail Member Join Date: July 19, 2011 Posts: 16	Ok, I'll play.... 1917 Colt with WW1 mounted unit accessories.

January 29, 2014, 06:00 PM	#10
us.marine Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Location: Newport, NC Posts: 34	1917 Colt That is a super cool pistol! I like the fact that you have all the accesories. I just bought an original m1936 NOS pistol belt to complete my ww2 holster rig. __________________ US Marine Corps, Ret. Semper Fi! Only God can judge terrorists. We arrange the meetings... US Marines.

January 29, 2014, 07:09 PM	#11
SHR970 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2011 Posts: 1,427	My GI has A RR slide and a 1942 Colt Frame. Arsenal refinish to go with the mix master.

January 29, 2014, 07:18 PM	#12
Old 454 Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2011 Location: Chesterton Ind. Posts: 822	A Little story to ruin your day. An elderly friend of mine who is in his mid 80's has been collection fire arms since the late 1940's. Well the story he told me is that the NRA in the early 60's had some kinda sale going on to purchase WW2 fire arms, and he bought for $12.50 a 45ACP still wraped up in the oil paper. What he recieve was a nice Remington Rand 45ACP. The heart breaker is he took an electro pencil and engraved his name and telephone number on the slide. I have seen and shot this gun, it shots like a dream but hat engraving is sooooooooooooo fugly. OUCH !

January 29, 2014, 07:59 PM	#13
us.marine Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Location: Newport, NC Posts: 34	Oh man! That is a shame!!! I know a guy that bought a lot of m1911a1's like that. he built most of them into match guns, it was the common thing to do. But he also kept several in original condition. I have been trying to convince him to sell me one for the past year. He wont budge! __________________ US Marine Corps, Ret. Semper Fi! Only God can judge terrorists. We arrange the meetings... US Marines.

January 31, 2014, 04:19 PM	#14
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I am willing to make a small wager that, if nothing has been messed with, the old R-R doesn't need any new springs or kits or anything else. Those guns were built to rigid specifications, enforced by hard nose government inspectors, and they did it right. Too many of today's makers seem to turn out trash and make little effort to get things right until someone complains. Jim

February 1, 2014, 04:50 PM	#15
us.marine Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Location: Newport, NC Posts: 34	New Springs Well, I completely agree with you on the low standards of today's manufacturers. While the US issued 1911's were well made and reliable, I prefer to make sure my gun has good springs and pins at all times, along with inspecting for cracks on all parts. First because of my personal safety, second for the gun itself. Its an antique piece that I also carry on a regular basis, and I shoot it, not often, but I still do. These guns have age, and they are known to show stress cracks if not properly maintained or by shooting the wrong kind of ammo. For example, I have seen vintage military 1911 frames crack because of a weak recoil spring that allowed the slide to hit the frame (recoil spring guide in between) harder than it was intended to. Metallurgy in those days was not as advanced as it is in the present day. I also make sure that I get all my parts from a reputable source that can provide genuine military issue parts for my gun. No aftermarket crap on my baby. Better safe than sorry. __________________ US Marine Corps, Ret. Semper Fi! Only God can judge terrorists. We arrange the meetings... US Marines. Last edited by us.marine; February 1, 2014 at 05:05 PM.

February 1, 2014, 04:55 PM	#16
Doc Hoy Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 5,440	In the immortal words of Peter Boyle, "Holy Crap!" That's nice. __________________ Seek truth. Relax. Take a breath.

February 1, 2014, 07:22 PM	#17
Chris_B Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2007 Posts: 3,101	Beautiful R-R, us marine I have a 'US property' 1911, Colt, 1918 production. It had been made into a target pistol so I swapped in the correct rear sight, but there is a larger, target front sight which is nicely installed, there was some light machining to install it. It made the pistol affordable and no matter what- it's an original Colt 1911. And it works like new.

February 4, 2014, 04:07 PM	#18
us.marine Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Location: Newport, NC Posts: 34	Latest picture. Finally got my hands on an original WW2 production pistol belt, so now I have the complete vintage pistol rig. The gun has a pair of near mint original Keyes Fibre grips that I found on ebay for a reasonable price. __________________ US Marine Corps, Ret. Semper Fi! Only God can judge terrorists. We arrange the meetings... US Marines.

February 4, 2014, 04:15 PM	#19
CWKahrFan Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2010 Posts: 2,016	Very cool!... __________________ What did Mrs. Bullet say to Mr. Bullet? ... "We're having a BeeBee!"... IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!... IF THE GUN FITS, SHOOT IT! "Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."

February 4, 2014, 06:59 PM	#20
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	Mine is a '43 Colt Frame w/USSC Slide. With the Vietnam era shoulder holster; What is fun is shooting M1911a1's in a three gun match with a '98 30-40 Krag __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

February 4, 2014, 07:53 PM	#21
Chris_B Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2007 Posts: 3,101	I'm not sure giving the target cold steel counts Kraig

February 10, 2014, 10:55 AM	#22
SSG_Tipton Junior Member Join Date: February 9, 2014 Posts: 3	1911 Remington Rand I got a funny, and true, story for you...as an MP Sergeant in Heidleburg, West Germany in the mid-70's, I was the NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge) of providing security for the Commander in Chief (CINC), Deputy CINC, and Chief of Stall for US Army Europe and Seventh Army. My issue .45 was a Remington Rand. I had never fired that particular weapon, since there is no zeroing fixed sights, so when we qualified on the range, the MP company just grabbed a bunch of pistols, and off we went. One morning during the guard mount, the Patrol Supervisor was doing inspection, and looked at the pistol that I had. He yelled that it was filthy, and asked me when I had last cleaned it. I responded with "I have never cleaned it, Sergeant". He said "Why not"? I said "It's not my assigned pistol. Mine would not fire on the range yesterday due to a broken firing pin, so I was just issued this one a few minutes ago". He Yelled (why do higher-ranking Sergeants always have to yell? I was only 3 feet away!) "Whose is it"? I responded "It is the First Sergeant's pistol!" Top just turned and went back into his office!

February 10, 2014, 10:56 AM	#23
SSG_Tipton Junior Member Join Date: February 9, 2014 Posts: 3	Sorry, wrong key...Chief of STAFF

February 10, 2014, 06:35 PM	#25
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	Score of the year!