ricksanchez 1 Posted June 11, 2016 Hello Folks, I just got in my possession a beatup US Army 1911A1. It needs some TLC and I am looking for parts. Problem is I'm not really a 1911 guy. When looking around I see mention of series 70, series 80, pre-series 70. I have no idea what parts to get! Is anyone familiar with these guns that could point me in the right direction? The plunger tube, spring and pins are all busted and definitely need replacing. The ejector seems like it is missing. The firing pin doesn't look like it is long enough to actually strike a primer. I didn't break it down any further but I suspect there may be some other springs I want to replace. Any help is greatly appreciated! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted June 11, 2016 Nothing can be done. I'll get rid of it for you. Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
intercooler 41 Posted June 11, 2016 your pistol is USGI, pre series 70. go on gunbroker for your parts, be aware that some 1911 parts may need fitting Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyB 4,326 Posted June 11, 2016 http://www.billricca.com/45_auto.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRIZ 3,369 Posted June 11, 2016 http://www.billricca.com/45_auto.htm Bill Ricca only sells genuine GI parts. If you need something he doesn't have he will tell you where you can get it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRIZ 3,369 Posted June 12, 2016 Don't do anything to the finish. An original beat up finish on a GI 45 is worth more than a nice new parkerizing. Do a little research on values taking into account the condition of yours. You may be surprised. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bully 749 Posted June 13, 2016 Don't do anything to the finish. An original beat up finish on a GI 45 is worth more than a nice new parkerizing. Do a little research on values taking into account the condition of yours. You may be surprised. I'll add a "pretty please" to the don't change the finish. Wipe it down with some oil and keep it as is. It's beautiful like that. Congratulations. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ricksanchez 1 Posted June 14, 2016 I only have a few pics right now and they aren't that good, but I put them below. I'll have some more pics over the weekend. As for the finish, it's got rust spots on it so something needs to be done with it. It also has some spots where the finish is gouged away and the steel is exposed. Looks like someone dropped it or beat the hell out of it with a tool/vise. The barrel is a high standard and was filled with rust. Managed to brush the rust out and it looks passable, no pitting. You can see the smashed plunger tube on the 2nd pic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hiker88 22 Posted June 14, 2016 Looks like it has been re-parkerized at some point. Nevertheless, it's a great find. Try to keep it as close to original as you can. That will only increase its value. Congrats again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hiker88 22 Posted June 14, 2016 BTW, those gouges and marks only add to the character and history of the pistol. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BMWR12 35 Posted June 14, 2016 You can try John Foster for parts. He has a pretty good selection most of the time. He usually sells on eBay and gunbroker. I think his GB name is plywoodking or I can pm you his email. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ricksanchez 1 Posted June 26, 2016 So here it is in it's current state. I took it out and fired it today and it seems to be working, extraction and ejection is good. I was only able to fire single shots today as when I was reassembling it I noticed that the lock tab had broken off the mag release lock. Once that part comes in i'll test out how it feeds but so far I am happy with it. I need to decide to what to do with the finish. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
302w 83 Posted June 27, 2016 Did you paint the frame? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ricksanchez 1 Posted June 27, 2016 No, that is the frame in the condition that I received it, idiot scratch included. I did strip the finish from the slide as it was in really bad condition, lots of rust spots on one side. It may be hard to see in the picture but it's a dark greenish color, it may have been original I don't know. I'm thinking of just getting the whole thing refinished but not quite sure what to do yet. It may be really difficult to match the slide to the frame but i'm not against a two tone gun either. Anyone have any suggestions? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Schrödinger's cat 87 Posted June 28, 2016 I like how it looks. Wish I have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRIZ 3,369 Posted June 28, 2016 I would leave it as it is. Those are nice grips but I'd put a set of GI grips on it along with GI grip screws. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
302w 83 Posted June 28, 2016 I would park or cold blue the frame myself Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRyan 12 Posted July 12, 2016 Put some pink grips on it to match your personality Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dimitrge 10 Posted July 13, 2016 Looks like the frame has had some work done to it or it a mixmaster. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites