N80
Super Member
I was recently given an almost new Colt 45 automatic 1911 Government model. By its serial number it looks like it was made in the 1950s. I hunt and I have a fair number of guns but I'm not really a gun guy. It looks like it might be worth around $1000. I do not get the impression from reading on the internet that it is worth anything to collectors.
Anyway, I have some questions for you folks that know a lot about pistols:
First, since it does not appear to be a collectors item (it is in the original box but it has been fired and has wear marks on it in the usual places) is this a gun that you would carry and shoot for fun or should it be stuffed in the box and into the back of the gun safe?
Second, I shot the gun yesterday....and I've shot 1911s before...but the muzzle climb on that sucker is just awful. Seems worse that my .357 S&W revolver. If you had or have a 1911, have you or would you do any modifications to make it a little more civilized. I'm not looking to make it into a match or target pistol. I'm just wondering if it is worth it to do a few mods to make it more fun to shoot and possible a better self defense pistol. And if I should go that route, what basic mods would you do. I have a buddy that used to shoot combat competition matches with a highly modified custom 1911 and it had a thing on the end that I think he called a chimney. It routes exhaust gas upward to diminish muzzle climb. Is that a viable, affordable option? I'm assuming you have to modify the barrel or buy a new one.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Anyway, I have some questions for you folks that know a lot about pistols:
First, since it does not appear to be a collectors item (it is in the original box but it has been fired and has wear marks on it in the usual places) is this a gun that you would carry and shoot for fun or should it be stuffed in the box and into the back of the gun safe?
Second, I shot the gun yesterday....and I've shot 1911s before...but the muzzle climb on that sucker is just awful. Seems worse that my .357 S&W revolver. If you had or have a 1911, have you or would you do any modifications to make it a little more civilized. I'm not looking to make it into a match or target pistol. I'm just wondering if it is worth it to do a few mods to make it more fun to shoot and possible a better self defense pistol. And if I should go that route, what basic mods would you do. I have a buddy that used to shoot combat competition matches with a highly modified custom 1911 and it had a thing on the end that I think he called a chimney. It routes exhaust gas upward to diminish muzzle climb. Is that a viable, affordable option? I'm assuming you have to modify the barrel or buy a new one.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.