Cas City Forum Hall & CAS-L
CAS TOPICS => 1911 & Wild Bunch Shooting => Topic started by: DUKE DEADEYE NUKEM on April 05, 2010, 05:42:03 PM
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OK. Guess I'll be net to start a topic.
Wild Bunch .45 Manufacturer's. What's out there that's close?
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I saw this one. Real nice but way to much for a fantasy game. http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/1911.asp
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EMF markets a basic 1911-A1 "GI" configuration gun that is made in the US. They list it at $585.
Springfield Armory sell a basic "GI Expert" 1911-A1 that I've seen for as low as $525 on Gun Broker. I just bought one of the stainless steel version less than two weeks ago. It shoots extremely well and I'm tickled with it.
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Cimarron has a new GI model made by the folks that make the Rock Island Armory, with a little more authentic features. I think the first shipment should be arriving any time now. No info on their website yet except a little picture here:
http://cimarron-firearms.com/MAIN%20NEW%20ITEMS.htm
I believe they will only be available through distributors (Accusport, etc)
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I picked up a Rock Island tactical, the GI model is very popular also.
Jefro
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I picked up a Rock Island tactical, the GI model is very popular also.
Jefro
These are cast frames right?
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I've been looking at the Springfield Armory's TRP 1911, being left handed, I want a gun that will be user friendly and at the same time be an accurate arm, the ambi safety is a big plus for me.
tEN wOLVES :-\
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Kimber rules! ;D
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I just saw a 1911 manufactured by High Standard. Cabella's had it for just over $500. I don't know anyone that has one, but it looked pretty good.
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Get a Colt.
You will spend a little more, but you will get a reliable firearm that will hold it's value (and probably appreciate in value if you take care of it.)
Everytime I shoot Wild Bunch, I get folks asking to borrow my Colt 1991a1 after they have functioning issues with their knock-off. You can feed that gun any .45acp ammo and it runs like the wind.
Buying a semi-auto based on low-ball pricing can leave you with buyer's remorse.
I have four Colt 1911's and they all run flawlessly.
Ten Wolves: If you are looking for a good ambi safety model, take a look a the Colt XSE. I have a Colt XSE Rail Gun and it is my "go to" gun for home defense.
Pancho
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Thanks Pancho, I'll take a look at the Colt XSE, I appreciate the heads up, I want to do it right the first time.
tEN wOLVES :D
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Thanks Pancho, I'll take a look at the Colt XSE, I appreciate the heads up, I want to do it right the first time.
tEN wOLVES :D
The XSE has all the modern "bells & whistles" (improved sights, ambi safety, improved grip safety, etc...) which makes it a very nice gun to shoot. The imporved features will put you in the "Modern" class in Wild Bunch shooting. Most Wild Bunch matches utilize local rules that divide shooters into a "traditional" class (1911 resembles the original 1911) and a "modern" class (1911 has modern modifications).
I have a stock 1991a1 I use to shoot Wild Bunch, but I enjoy shooting my XSE much more.
Pancho
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The XSE has all the modern "bells & whistles" (improved sights, ambi safety, improved grip safety, etc...) which makes it a very nice gun to shoot. The imporved features will put you in the "Modern" class in Wild Bunch shooting. Most Wild Bunch matches utilize local rules that divide shooters into a "traditional" class (1911 resembles the original 1911) and a "modern" class (1911 has modern modifications).
I have a stock 1991a1 I use to shoot Wild Bunch, but I enjoy shooting my XSE much more.
Pancho
Pancho, this is what I've been dealing with, whether to stay with an older original style, or get the newer model 1911, when it comes to having a gun that will digest all the different ammo, it seems the newer models are the ones that do this the best, That's also why I stayed a wheel gun guy all these years, but it looks like this is a different day in time, and they are making better guns that go bang when you want them too, the newer models for the most part have the refinements if you are willing to pay a little more, I've talked to a lot of pards that say get the basic model and then build it the way you want, at this point of my life it would be easier to just get one set up the way I want from the get go.
Thanks for your input Pard
tEN wOLVES :D
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Hi fellas, I don't shoot Wild Bunch, but I love 1911s. Colt makes one that looks, and is marked just like the original us army issue guns of the pre WW1 era. It's marketed as a 1918. I bought the first one my friend got in his shop, and I love it. They run around a thousand dollars. As Pancho said, it will hold it's value well. Hope this helps, Jed
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Everybody's not a rich retired COP like you. I'm justa poor ol cop on SS! and I can't afford those high dollar guns.
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Hi fellas, I don't shoot Wild Bunch, but I love 1911s. Colt makes one that looks, and is marked just like the original us army issue guns of the pre WW1 era. It's marketed as a 1918. I bought the first one my friend got in his shop, and I love it. They run around a thousand dollars. As Poncho said, it will hold it's value well. Hope this helps, Jed
Jed,
That pistol is one of the nicest guns to come out of Colt in a long time. It is the most authentic reproduction pre-WW1 1911 out there. I handled one and the fit and finish are great. It is the ideal gun for Wild Bunch . . . but I'll bet most of them become safe queens.
Here's a picture of one:
(http://www.m1911.org/images/dana/ww1replica/set.jpg)
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Pancho, I don't care for safe queens. I shoot my toys. Took my 45 out for a test run right away. It had been awhile since I shot one without a beaver tail. Got a little slide pinch on the web of my hand. Fingerless shooting glove might be in order for long shooting sessions. These are way too much fun to leave in the safe. ;D Jed
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Everybody's not a rich retired COP like you. I'm justa poor ol cop on SS! and I can't afford those high dollar guns.
Little Jimmy, I don't mind sharing though, bud. :) :D Jed
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I don't have an interest in 'Wild Bunch' shooting - it's too much like IPSC.
However - I've built a helluva lot of competition and concealed carry Government Models over time, and the more I modified them or added something 'mechanical' to one - the closer my own Government Model came back to stock.
The one I carry - and have carried for years - is a blued Colt Commercial 'pre-Series 70' (one of the last of the un-screwed with commercial Government Models) and until we were issued the M9 - it saw a lot of the world..
It has a GI-Issue National Match long trigger and a flat Gold Cup mainspring housing that I added a lanyard loop to - with plain, checkered WWI-diamond grips (though I have a pair of Ivory Micartas with my initials on one side and Jump Wings on the other).
It handles 'everything' that you can fit into the magazine...
You don't 'need' a lot of 'stuff'.
That additional money's best spent on more ammunition - but if you're a Lefty - 'you' can add an ambidexterous safety - though what you plan to do about releasing the slide or a magazine's up in the air - but if you can do 'that' with your shooting hand - you can also flick that safety.
My advice would be to borrow a stock Government Model and shoot it awhile - 'then' see what you need to do or if you need to do anything at all.
Good Luck!
Vaya,
Scouts Out!
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Thanks Pancho, I'll take a look at the Colt XSE, I appreciate the heads up, I want to do it right the first time.
tEN wOLVES :D
tEN wOLVES,
I have a "family pic" of my Colt 1911's for comparison
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b231/gsonnenmd/Colt%20New%20Agent/DSC04182.jpg)
Top Left: Colt XSE Rail Gun w/ ivory micarta grips from Raasco. (I think "Rail Gun" is a silly name, but Colt has a recent history of silly monikers for their pistols.)
Top Right: Colt "Commando Edition" w/ ivory from Jim Alaimo. This was a very limited run of guns with an officer slide over a full size frame. Colt did a bunch of hybrids like the CCO back in the 90's. I bought this with the idea of being a safe queen, but like Jed, I eventually shoot my toys. It was my favorite till I got the XSE. Again another silly name. I don't know what is "Commando" about it, but it sure handles nicely.
Botton Left: Colt 1991a1 w/ Herret skip check walnut grips. This was the first run of 1991 series 80 guns. I bought it my senior year in college. It is my designated Wild Bunch gun. It has a simple parkerized finish, plain iron sights and standard hammer. Guestimate has over 4000 rounds down the tube and no problems.
Bottom Right: Colt "New Agent" w/ Esmeralda cocobolo grips. This has an aluminum compact frame, trench sights, and is a nice CCW. It's my weekend carry gun when we venture into Dallas for dinner or entertainment.
Center: Colt Mustang. It's a .380, but it's still part of the family and it rides nicely in a pocket holster.
I've got no military or law enforcement background like St. George, Jed, & TLD, but from the stand point of a recreational and competition shooter, I do enjoy and trust these Browning designed and Colt manufactured American made guns.
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Pancho, from where I'm sitting, I'd say you have a very nice looking family of Colt Auto's, thanks for the looks see, while I'm at it, is there a difference between the beaver tail and none beaver tail, what are the advantages of one over the other?
Thanks for the look see, and all the information.
tEN wOLVES :D
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Pancho, from where I'm sitting, I'd say you have a very nice looking family of Colt Auto's, thanks for the looks see, while I'm at it, is there a difference between the beaver tail and none beaver tail, what are the advantages of one over the other?
Thanks for the look see, and all the information.
tEN wOLVES :D
The beaver tail is mainly a hand protector. If you have "beefy" hands, you can get bit by the hammer during cycling (as noted above by Jed). Once this happens, some 1911 shooters tend to choke down their grip, out of fear of hammer bite. Choking down reduces controllability. To control the 1911, you do need a to keep your hand high up on the grip frame. The beaver tail gives the hammer a "pocket" to drop into and avoid the bite. The downside to the beaver tail is less concealability.
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Good answer Pancho, I've wondered about the pro's and con's on the beaver tail, that makes good since, I've got beefy hands for sure, guess I better think beaver tail.
tEN wOLVES
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I don't have an interest in 'Wild Bunch' shooting - it's too much like IPSC.
I have shot both and actually the wild bunch matches that I have shot have been nothing at all like IPSC. Many of them use four guns, the 1911, the '97, a main match rifle and a main match pistol as well. Usually there is a reload on the 1911, often you start at low ready or picking them up off the table. All the Wild Bunch matches that I have shot have used steel targets rather than paper and the main difference...you shoot it with other cowboys!!! I really love the ones that are shot head to head and don't use a timer.
Much, much fun!!
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I have a hand-fitted equivilent of a GI NM 1911, as built by Rock Island up til' the 1980's. One of my buds built them for a living there & made a few on the side for his friends. Now that we have formal rules for Wold Bunch, it probably won't pass muster since it has a Bo-Mar sight. I like 1911's but don' shoot it as much as my percussion revolvers.....well, I may get one of the Colt "retros" just for the heck of it.
I do like the "cowboy" aspect/attitude of folks who participate in Wild Bunch. Suits me just fine.
Personally, I'd prefer the "rules' of the game to conform more to historical context regarding firearms..etc. but, I'm not the average joe.
Slim
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I've been lookin at this Springfield Armory model. http://www.impactguns.com/store/706397866686.html
AC
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I have one of the Springfield GI's in stainless. It's a well made gun - reliable and accurate. And I saved a ton of money by not having the Colt emblem on the grips! ::)
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Well, I am buying this model of the Springfield. I mainly want this gun for a carry pistol, but with the possibility of Wild Bunch. Nice looking 1911.
AC
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AC, that is a nice looking gun pard, I need to get one too, I've been looking for one for over a year now, boy finding guns these days is a pita, but if it's meant to be it will happen, good luck getting yours.
tEN wOLVES :D
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Ten Wolves,
You need to move to Texas. Every corner gun store has them in stock! ;D
AC,
I agree with you. Mine is just like yours, except made of stainless steel. I like it so much I sold my Sig and will use this for concealed carry as well as Wild Bunch. It just feels better and aims more naturally. And a 45 caliber hole is always more effective than a 9mm hole!
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Well, I am buying this model of the Springfield. I mainly want this gun for a carry pistol, but with the possibility of Wild Bunch. Nice looking 1911.
AC
AC,
If you are going to carry all the time, consider getting an aluminum framed 1911 at some point down the road. The aluminum frame will be almost 1/2 the weight. I carry both steel framed and aluminum framed 1911's. There is a huge difference in comfort level. You almost forget you have the aluminum gun. The weight of the steel gun is a constant reminder.
A friend of mine took a class at Gunsite (for civies). The instructor repeated many times: "Aluminum for your carry pistol, steel for your competition pistol."
BTW: I've seen many shooters with that Springfield GI pistol. It's a nice looking piece. They ones I've seen seem to run well too.
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Thanks for the advice Pancho, I will not carry all the time, only occasionally, mostly for when I go hunting or hikeing here in AZ.
AC
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Well the Arizona Cattleman brought me luck, my gun store was able to find a Springfield Armory Mill-Spec, so I bought it yesterday, now they didn't have any ammo for it, but at least I'll have the gun in another 10 days, maybe they will have a few bullets by then too.
I'll post some pictures when I get it home. I didn't go with the ambi safety, I found that I could flick it off with my left thumb, as was suggested by others that are lefty's too, so thanks again for the good advice. :D
Regards
tEN wOLVES :D ;D
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Well the Arizona Cattleman brought me luck, my gun store was able to find a Springfield Armory Mill-Spec, so I bought it yesterday, now they didn't have any ammo for it, but at least I'll have the gun in another 10 days, maybe they will have a few bullets by then too.
I'll post some pictures when I get it home. I didn't go with the ambi safety, I found that I could flick it off with my left thumb, as was suggested by others that are lefty's too, so thanks again for the good advice. :D
Regards
tEN wOLVES :D ;D
Congrats on the 1911 purchase!
Outside of cowboy guns, 1911's are my second favorite pastime.
If you want to shoot Wild Bunch, take a look at Midway USA for ammo. They sell Ultramax .45 acp factory smokeless reloads with lead ball bullets. (You can't shoot WB with jacketed rounds.) They run about $70 for 250. They are reliable and are loaded with some dirty smokeless powder that creates some nice clouds around you.
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Congrats on the 1911 purchase!
Outside of cowboy guns, 1911's are my second favorite pastime.
If you want to shoot Wild Bunch, take a look at Midway USA for ammo. They sell Ultramax .45 acp factory smokeless reloads with lead ball bullets. (You can't shoot WB with jacketed rounds.) They run about $70 for 250. They are reliable and are loaded with some dirty smokeless powder that creates some nice clouds around you.
Thanks Pancho, I appreciate the heads up on the ammo too, looks like they are out right now, but I'll try to keep a close look on it, or just go ahead and place an order.
tEN :D
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I'll jump in here with a purchase a made a couple of months ago, after looking at it for quite a while: A Para O GI Expert SS. Out of all the 1911's I could lay my hands on in the greater Portland area, this is the one that felt the best in my hand, plus I could see the sights!
I've shot two Wild Bunch matches so far, and it's been outstanding!
(http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u51/HarleyPastor/ParaGI.jpg)
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I have been shooting a Kimber 1911 for over 10 years, and it is as sure as death and the income tax. Functions with anything you can put in it, and will shoot a clover leaf group at 25 yards with me shooting! :D Kimber is also made in the USA. ;)
http://www.kimberamerica.com/videos/
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One other 1911 that deserves mention is the Norinco 1911. They are no longer imported into this country, but used ones can still be found. They are one of the best 1911s ever made! If you can find find one, buy it - or tell me where it is! ;D
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In the few Wild Bunch type matches I have shot so far, I have used my very nice 1914-production WWI-Canadian-purchase Commercial model .... see first pic below .... but, as you may imagine, I have been cringing somewhat while doing so.
I have been wanting to get a plain-jane mil-spec 1911 clone for such shooting. Up here in Canada, the best choice for an economical pistol would be a Norinco, the mil-spec version of which is available new for Can$350 or so! The downside of a Norinco is that I wouldn't be able to to get it into the U.S., as they are disallowed by the ATF on import permit.
I recently learned of another relatively inexpensive make of mil-spec 1911A1 clone, the "Regent" .... which is manufactured in Turkey and imported into North America by IAC. I did some checking online, and user-reports have been pretty favorable. Yesterday, I broke down and bought one .... see the second pic below (which is a "stock" photo, although my pistol looks just like it.)
Haven't taken any photos of mine, nor have I had an opportunity to fire it ..... though I expect to correct that deficiency on Friday. I will undoubtedly want to substitute a flat mainspring housing, and will eventually put on some nicer grips.
These pistols are available in the US from several online dealers in the US$400 price range.
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Sounds like a great purchase.
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In the few Wild Bunch type matches I have shot so far, I have used my very nice 1914-production WWI-Canadian-purchase Commercial model .... see first pic below .... but, as you may imagine, I have been cringing somewhat while doing so.
I have been wanting to get a plain-jane mil-spec 1911 clone for such shooting. Up here in Canada, the best choice for an economical pistol would be a Norinco, the mil-spec version of which is available new for Can$350 or so! The downside of a Norinco is that I wouldn't be able to to get it into the U.S., as they are disallowed by the ATF on import permit.
I recently learned of another relatively inexpensive make of mil-spec 1911A1 clone, the "Regent" .... which is manufactured in Turkey and imported into North America by IAC. I did some checking online, and user-reports have been pretty favorable. Yesterday, I broke down and bought one .... see the second pic below (which is a "stock" photo, although my pistol looks just like it.)
Haven't taken any photos of mine, nor have I had an opportunity to fire it ..... though I expect to correct that deficiency on Friday. I will undoubtedly want to substitute a flat mainspring housing, and will eventually put on some nicer grips.
These pistols are available in the US from several online dealers in the US$400 price range.
Keep us posted on the progress RJ and Thanks.
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I just went with an old 1918 Colt.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c262/mwhyte123/45Stag.jpg
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After the rain let up, I did manage to get out to the range late this afternoon and put about a hundred rounds through my new Regent 1911A1 pistol. As anticipated from the other reports I had read, it functioned flawlessly with three different types of ammunition (all with 230gr bullets) - Remington FMJ, American Eagle FMJ, and Ultramax round nose lead. Matter of fact, I intentionally loaded several mags with an alternating mix of these three different cartridges, and it digested them all without so much as a hiccup ....
I did experience three failures to feed with some handloads a fellow gave me last year, but I fully expected that, since they are semi-wadcutter loads with the wadcutter shoulder seated a bit too deep and absolutely no crimp. However, the pistol can't be faulted - I actually experienced a noticeably higher rate of FTF problems with these loads in my near-pristine 1914-production Colt Government Model (and accordingly had simply set them aside.) I'll run the remaining couple of hundred of those rounds through on my press to try to put a slight crimp on the case mouths .....
As with just about any pistol "right out of the box", trigger pull could be improved - but it is actually so much nicer than my unaltered 1914 Colt that I am happy with it "as is" ....
Today was strictly a quick "function test", so I wasn't really trying for an assessment of accuracy. However, it does seem pretty clear that this pistol will definitely put them where they need to go if I do my part.
I am pleased!
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RSJ, that is quite a website you have going there. The clip art alone is amazing! It looks like you are a real pro when it comes to costuming; great choices.
I'm glad to hear the new 1911 is working out, JD
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Thanks for the kind words, JD. I put a lot of time into the website to get it established .... but it is long overdue for an overhaul, I'm afraid .....
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Anyone out there with any experience with assembling a SARCO 1911? Rumor has it they have RIA aka Armscor frames and Slides.
Thinking about using one of their roto barrels.
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Ok, I don't shoot in this but do carry daily concealed. I have an Armscor/RIA made 1911 CS (compact) that I love. I also have a full size Springfield Loaded Parkerized version that is also nice. Now both of these guns are not period correct but are tack drivers. The Armscor/RIA are forged frames but to me it is pretty much the same argument as MIM parts. To me if it holds up, goes bang when the trigger is pulled, accurate with not malfunctions then really what more can one ask. I wouldn't trade either for any other brands. Plain and simple both have given me value for dollars spent. Oh and the RIA/Armscor 1911 sell for the most part under $500 so they in my IMHO are one of the best values per dollar there is.
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Not so much concerned about the slide, frame or the roto barrel, was actually more interested in obtaining info from those who have used Sarco internal parts.
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I bought a Cimarron 1911 this week. I've been lusting after one of these since I first saw them. I was torn between the high-polish blue and the nickled model, as both are gorgeous. This is the first gun I've bought in 6 years. Couldn't really afford it but they are on sale through January and I couldn't pass it up. I've had a Kimber Compact Aluminum for a dozen years but have never had a Government model. I know a nickle gun isn't the best choice for competition but I'm not all that competitive anyway, and it will be a while before I have a '97 and leather for the WB game.
It is made by Armsor to Cimarron's specs. The polishing and plating is done by Ford Plating in Florida. I think this gun is as close as you can get to a WW1 model without spending a lot more money, although it does have some more modern features. Cimarron is calling it a 1911A1, but the frame is 1911, not A1 (no bevels behind the trigger). Authentic WW1 features are the frame, long trigger, patent dates, flat mainspring housing, lanyard ring, small sights, and double-diamond grips. But it has the A1 grip safety with the longer tang, more modern thumb safety, and the ejection port is lowered (but doesn't have the "flare" at the rear). These non-authentic features do make it more user friendly, I guess kind of like the Italians adding gas rings to Opentops ;) Also, the hammer spur isn't as wide as the originals.
The trigger is decent but does have a tiny bit of creep. I shot it today for the first time. Accuracy was good although there were a couple of feed problems. This may have been magazine related, although Chris at Cimarron told me that some of the nickle guns have had a bit of feed issues. I was actually kind of hoping it would be that way, because when they send them back to Armscor they get a mini-action job. :)
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/1911_left_small.jpg)
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/1911_right_small.jpg)
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Abilene, that sure is a purdy 1911 ya got there :o. Once upon a time I had a Colt Gov Model in bright stainless but had to let it go during hard times. Tried to replace it a few months ago but couldn't find one so I bought a beadblast stainless Ed Brown. It's a purdy gun too but not as shiny as I like em. Got my eyes on a Dan Wesson in stainless, hope to get it in a few weeks.
BTW...feed problems on a 1911 are often caused by "cheap" magazines. I recommend you try a Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick magazine. I think Brownells.com carries both of them.
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1911S, yeah mags do tend to be the weak point of many 1911's (as well as others). When I got the gun back from Armscor it has run without a hitch with several of the ACT-MAG magazines, although I do intend to get some others because that lanyard ring is not easy on the palm :D People often recommend the Chip McCormick mags but the McCormick Shooting Star mags that came with my Kimber some years ago were not so reliable. Wilson Combat mags run great in that one, though.
I dressed up my 1911 just a bit more with some burl grips:
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/Cim1911-BurlGripRight.JPG)
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(http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/9404/dscf7625a.jpg)
By lawrence9 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/lawrence9) at 2011-10-23
My "Wild Bunch" guns, the top one was built in 1913, the next 3 were built in 1914. All seen action on the Western Front in 1915. Of course they are all Colt's and definitely period correct! Number 4 is my main match gun, with Number 1 as my backup.
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Garand, nice battery you have there!
Two questions for you ( maybe three ).
1) have they ever bit you and drawn blood?
2) Is #4 your match gun because it has an A1style grip safety (is that just an illusion?)?
3) Do you ever long to send one out into the world because I would love to help you with that?!?! ;D
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3) Do you ever long to send one out into the world because I would love to help you with that?!?! ;D
Not likely ..... ;)
I joke with Garand that he wants to accumulate as many 1914 Government Models as possible, arising out of a case of severe 'pistol envy', because he can't find one like my 1914 Canadian-purchase Colt ..... so he must go for 'quantity' over 'quality' .... (evil chuckle ;D ) -
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/Canadian%20military%20firearms/colt02_lge.jpg)
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Holy $h**Rattlesnake Jack! :o
Did you procure that beauty with the help of your secret home made time machine, or what?! That looks like it is in better condition then the new Colt WWI reissues I've been lusting after!
By the way, I don't play favorites... I'll offer to help you in the same way I offered Garand! ;)
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..... Did you procure that beauty with the help of your secret home made time machine, or what?! That looks like it is in better condition then the new Colt WWI reissues I've been lusting after! .....
Something like that! ;D
Seriously .... it came from an old gentleman who, as a newly commissioned Canadian Army Lieutenant in 1943, had heard the tales of how anemic the standard British/Commonwealth .380 service ammunition was and decided to get something with more stopping power, by availing himself of the option commissioned officers had of privately purchasing their own sidearm. He bought this piece from a family friend who, as a Canadian Army Service Corps Major during WWI, had purchased it directly from the Canadian Government - one of 5,000 Commercial Models acquired by the Government in 1914. The WWI Major only served for about a year or so in Europe before being released for ill health (he was well up in his 50's at that time) so this pistol saw little if any service use by him, and then it had simply sat among his possessions until 1943. The WWII Lieutenant never saw action, and the pistol then sat unused among his belongings until ten years ago, when I got it from him.
As for condition .... Garand will attest that the 98% or so original high-polish fire blue finish (which is how all of the Canadian-purchase pistols were finished, apparently) is indeed absolutely gorgeous. (The above photo was taken outdoors on a "cloudy bright" late autumn day .... and what might appear to be streaking/mottling on the slide finish is, in fact, the reflection of bare tree branches overhead!)
The original leather holster owned by the WWI Major is still with the pistol, and is marked under the flap as follows:
MAJ. W.A. MITCHELL
O/C No 5 COY
2nd DIV TRAIN
C.E.F.
I have acquired a copy of the entire Canadian Expeditionary Force service record of Major William Arthur Mitchell, and he is mentioned at several points in the official War Diary of the Army Service Corps Divisional Train of the 2nd Canadian Division ..... including on this page, where his assumption of command of No. 5 Company is noted:
(Click on thumbnail to access full-size image ....)
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/Canadian%20military%20firearms/th_Jun1916.gif) (http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/Canadian%20military%20firearms/?action=view¤t=Jun1916.gif)
Needless to say, I am proud to be the current custodian of this pistol.
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...And every once in a while some little old lady advertises that old chevy that her son left in her garage before her son left for Viet Nam, and and some guy buys that as new 1967 Corvette for $200.
I keep thinking someday I'll find that 1969 Trans Am Convertable too. ::) 8)
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Garand, nice battery you have there!
Two questions for you ( maybe three ).
1) have they ever bit you and drawn blood?
2) Is #4 your match gun because it has an A1style grip safety (is that just an illusion?)?
3) Do you ever long to send one out into the world because I would love to help you with that?!?! ;D
Never have they bitten me, no A1 style grip safety, please check your perscription, sorry no plans to buy sell. In 1914 the Canadian gov't purchased 5,000 Colt 1911's, I have only 4,996 more to buy! As I consider Grant a close friend who has helped me time and time again while comparing our Canadian contract models in his kitchen with his detailed knowledge, I am hoping that he will chose to leave me his 1914 when he passes. He is very correct in saying, that since I first held his 1911 Canadian Contract pistol, that I have severe "PISTOL Envy".
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RSJ, yes I noticed that fabulous mirror like finish! Nice pistol!
Garand, fair enough just looked a little larger somehow. Oh, and good luck with the other 4,996. :D Sure is a nice collection!
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I had the opportunity to shoot the Montana State Championships with Wild Bunch as a side match this weekend. I came 3rd place in traditional, not bad for a 98 year old pistol with really HORRIBLE rear sights :)
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/215/2012mtstateshoot129a.jpg/