Shooting an original.

[greenrivers]

How many of you are still shooting the original GI issue Colts and Remingtons? Do you use reduced loads or factory standard loads. I know these firearms are gaining in value and perhaps should be stored away.

[wolverine_1]

I have parked my Colt 1911 (1917 mfg) when I got an indication of what it is worth.  I've heard that the steel isn't as strong, but actually doubt that.  Just couldn't see risking the value by continuing to shoot it.

[Mike in Virginia]

If you were lucky enough to find a never-used GI model, it would be oh-so-valuable.  I wouldn't shoot it for that reason, but if you did, you would find it sadly lacking in accuracy.  They were what they were intended to be: a close up weapon to use in the trenches in World War I, and a last resort weapon in World War II.  You can shake them and see and feel the rattle.  None of them were tight fitting unless worked on by the armorer for target use.  The sloppy fit made them reliable.  I remember in the 70's when the gun shops were full of them, selling for under $100.  Who knew they would have become such sought after collectible pieces. 

[Smokin Joe]

I still shoot my Grandfather's Colt 1911, made in 1918 with regular ball ammo. Everytime I'm at the range, I can still hear him whisper "Watch the sights.....steady pull on the trigger..........slow and easy" 

 

[SharonAnne]

big  Joe

[Victor3]

 I regularly shoot my 1944 Remington Rand with any ammo I have on hand, but it's a CAI re-import that was refinished at some point. It's not anything rare or collectable.


 I also have a very nice original condition Argentine Sistema Colt that's higher quality, more accurate and tighter than any US GI 1911A1 I've ever examined. I often surprise guys at the range with what it can do. No rattle on this one.


 About 10 years ago I sold my 95% 1944 US Govt marked Colt because I never shot it and need the $1000. Wish I'd kept it now.