Rebuild or retire?

[Pshooty]

I have a Colt 1911-A1. According to the serial #, it was made at the Colt factory in December of 1941. It was issued to my father when he joined the Army Air Corps right after Pearl Harbor. He shot out the original barrel, had it replaced, and half wore out the second barrel. After I got it after he passed away, I finished off the second barrel. The gun works perfectly, and has never failed in any way. It seems so much better than the trash that our gun manufacturers are making these days. I am wondering if you guys would rebuild this old gun, or would you hang it on the wall. :2guns:

[Metaldoc]

I'm a sentimental cuss so I for darn sure would be keeping a gun with that much personal history and I gather that's what you intend to do.

I would probably get a new barrel since the original was already replaced and any internal worn parts. The outside I would leave alone as to me the appearance of a well used (not abused) gun is not unpleasant.

It's your gun and family heirloom. Whatever you do you can take a lot of pride in it.

Here's to your father and his service to our country :usa: :beer: :usa:

Metaldoc :usa:

[surbat6]

I second the motion.
If I were in your situation, I'd do a couple of things. First, I'd get ahold of any photos of Dad with the pistol (during the war, as well as afterwards), then I'd get a replacement barrel and do a limited amount of shooting with it. Mostly, it would reside in a display case with photos and other memorabilia Dad saved from his time in the service.

[Pshooty]

Thanks for the kind words about my father. I think I will get this pistol back to machanically sound condition. It has always been a good shooter. I like the idea about keeping the finish as is. It does carry a lot of history. I only wish it could talk. Since the war was over, it has always been ready to defend the family home, and that is the role that it will continue. I have two sons that can carry on with it after I'm gone. I would like to get better sights on it though, perhaps a set of Millets. :2guns:

[nagalfar]

Yep I have to go along with everyone.. it would be a sin to not keep it was Colt made it.. to much history, and its not your history, but your family history, it belongs to your future.

:usa:

[Pug Puppy]

Unless the frame is cracked, a pistol can be rebuilt alot of times.
Send it to a Wilson-certified gunsmith, and restore it to fully utility.

[Taquito971]

If it's just the barrel I'd drop in a new a new one and continue with it's previous use. I would never refinish the slide or frame unless I had to to prevent rust or something. Leave it as is. I don't think I'd display it either though.

Brian

[kravman4]

You're holdin' a piece of history there. It's incredible the workmanship used in the making of those guns. I mean, I see guys using M1903's all the time in competition, hunting, whatever! Although I don't see 1911's as often, I'm sure they hold up just as well. They're a tribute to the quality and attention to detail the people of that generation put into making firearms to defend our country.

I would love to see a pic of it, if possible. Please? :unsure: