1911 Issue

swampfoxx · Jul 18, 2014

I have a WWII Colt M1911A1 that I inherited. I am a pretty good shot, but I can't hit the side of a barn with this firearm. Everything works fine except that it won't feed hollow points. I have totally disassembled, cleaned, oiled and reassembled it, but it still has issues. Wondering if the barrel is shot out. Who is a good 1911 smith in the Baton Rouge area?

Thanks

bonewagon · Jul 18, 2014

There is lots of info out there on these fine firearms. The original John Browning designed war time issued side arms were designed to fire ball ammunition exclusively (230 gr). The GI models were not designed to fire any other weight or style of bullets, especially modern jacket hollow point ammo. Some brands may work in these original classics if they mimic the same bullet shape and length of the cartridge. Good luck with your 1911A1 and add a photo or two for us to drool over.

More learned members will chime in here and help you out with the info you requested regarding gunsmiths that may assist you in BR area. Welcome aboard.

swampfoxx · Jul 18, 2014

My pop was a reserve deputy and this was his duty weapon. According to the story he told me when I was 13 (I'm 60+ now), he bought it from a wino for $100. It was already plated when he got it. According to the guys on 1911.org, it may be a Lend Lease weapon, because it has British proof marks on many parts (barrel, slide, frame, etc.). The S/N puts it manufactured in 1944, and it has United States Property and M1911A1 US Army on the frame. The plating makes it less valuable as a collector I've been told.

BOSS351 · Jul 18, 2014

When you said you couldn't hit the side of a barn with it it reminded me of what my Dad said about them when he was in the Army during Korea. He hated shooting them but adored the Garand..Directly out of his mouth was "...I couldn't hit the side of a barn with the damn thing.....". Funny!!

spec50trout · Jul 18, 2014

Plated or not it a nice piece sir. One I would be proud to own. Try bigjakewelch he's a smith and BS member here in BR.

bonewagon · Jul 18, 2014

I agree. Beautiful piece of history. Great story as well.

sgt z · Jul 18, 2014

Stick with ball ammo should be no issues. A gun of that vintage should probably be looked at by someone competent, at its age may need a spring or two.

jguilletjr · Jul 19, 2014

swampfoxx said:
I have a WWII Colt M1911A1 that I inherited. I am a pretty good shot, but I can't hit the side of a barn with this firearm. Everything works fine except that it won't feed hollow points. I have totally disassembled, cleaned, oiled and reassembled it, but it still has issues. Wondering if the barrel is shot out. Who is a good 1911 smith in the Baton Rouge area?

Thanks

These old guns were built with a looser slide to frame fit so they would function reliably in all sorts of conditions. I had one and it was a "close range" weapon. I am sure it can be improved by a competent gunsmith. I don't know about any collector value, but it is a fine old gun.

swampfoxx · Jul 19, 2014

Thanks to all for your responses, both public and private. I am going to investigate a new barrel and a good smith.

mooregp · Jul 21, 2014

Try a bushing first, single most important factor for accuracy in a 1911.

TomW · Jul 21, 2014

mooregp said:
Try a bushing first, single most important factor for accuracy in a 1911.

This...it is relatively inexpensive part, easy to change, and you may be surprised by how much it will improve even taking a few thousandths of "play" out of the barrel will help your groups...

Gus McCrae · Jul 22, 2014

As far as hollow points, you might try some speer gold dots. They are known to be a good hollow point, but they follow a ball pattern. They generally work pretty well when other HPs won't.

You also might get Lloyd Landry to take a look at your gun.

swampfoxx · Jul 22, 2014

You also might get Lloyd Landry to take a look at your gun.

Is he on this board? Screen name?

JBP55 · Jul 22, 2014

Gus McCrae said:
As far as hollow points, you might try some speer gold dots. They are known to be a good hollow point, but they follow a ball pattern. They generally work pretty well when other HPs won't.

You also might get Lloyd Landry to take a look at your gun.

Good advice.

JBP55 · Jul 22, 2014

swampfoxx said:
Is he on this board? Screen name?

PM BeauxDog on BS for a contact number.

swampfoxx · Jul 23, 2014

Try a bushing first, single most important factor for accuracy in a 1911.

I am going to pick up a bushing this weekend and see how that works out first. Wish me luck.

Rainsdrops · Jul 25, 2014

The hollow point failure is a failure to feed, or failure to go into battery?

swampfoxx · Jul 25, 2014

The hollow point failure is a failure to feed, or failure to go into battery?

Round jams when the slide is closing. Seems to hang on the feed ramp. Never had any issues with any brand of ball ammo.

audioshooter · Jul 25, 2014

most types of hollow point do not feed well. more so if it is a truncated cone hp. try something like goldensaber or fed hst. they are close to the same shape as ball and tend to feed better

nwmousegunner · Jul 25, 2014

All of the responses are correct. Hollow points with the same general shape as hard ball will probably feed without jamming. Accuracy and reliability can be improved in a lot of the older 1911's. Part of the price in models with higher price tags is the custom work that goes into them. A lot of gunsmiths specialize in 1911's. I would suggest that you talk to some about what you want out of your gun, and get some prices. Your options will depend on how much you want to spend. Good luck and good shooting. David Hood

1911 Issue

The Best online firearms community in Louisiana.

Member Benefits:

Well-Known Member

Carbon Sasquatch

Well-Known Member

CZech It Out

Well-Known Member

Carbon Sasquatch

Well-Known Member

Saw Bones

Well-Known Member

Member

Recreational Shooter

No sir, I ain't.

Well-Known Member

La. CHP Instructor #409

La. CHP Instructor #409

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

On Target. Send It.

Well-Known Member

Log in

Forum statistics