Colt 1911 .38 Super... should I?

[Taurus Fan]

Originally Posted by oldjarhead

Take it!!
If that is original Colt engraving it will have tremendous value.

I've never seen a Colt 1911 in .380; Colt did make a .380 but it was a much smaller pistol than the 1911. Where did you see these?

I'm sure he meant the .38 ACP, forerunner of the .38 Super, and it wouldn't have been a 1911, but an earlier version (1906?) of Colt's autoloader.

Edit: Here's a tidbit I'd forgotten, while the 1911 was never offered in .380, Colt did make some of the Commander/Combat Commanders in .30 Luger for export ! Wonder if those have any collector value? Who would've wanted one?

[Mooseman684]

I would already have that Engraved .38 Super Colt if the opportunity arose...
Not Many around... value minimum is 2500 and may go as high as 5000 depending on Provenance , if available...
Its a Dandy...
and .38 Super is a whole different cartridge than a .380...The Gangsters of the 20's liked the 38 Super...
Rich

[Capt'n Mil Coll]

Id have the reciept written up so fast the paper would be starting on fire. I _________ am trading dirt bike serial number xxxxxxx as is for Colt 1911 Super serial number xxxxxxx as is from ____________ even up with no other payments or liens.
My name ____________
Idiot trading the fine firearm________________ date.

DONE DEAL. Hell after seeing that pic I wouldnt think twice.

[Taurus Fan]

That gun's probably worth more than most of the cars I've owned.

[rondog]

Interesting spread of opinions you're getting, on this site and the others. And did you notice that the gold strip is missing on the bottom edge of the right grip? Guess the bottom line will be drawn when you see it in person. Please keep us posted!

[GlockMeister]

Don't go and meet this guy alone and meet somewhere public. Lot of whackos out there. I just error on the side of caution is all. I read both what's written here and at the other site.

The concerns that were brought up about him possibly purposely (which looks to me like done on purpose also) of what he blocked out on the middle of the left slide and looked like on the right side by the trigger.

First thing I'd do, is try and get the right serial #, since on the other site you said Colt had nothing, and once I knew it, I'd make sure it isn't/wasn't stolen or used in a crime. Receiving stolen property is the same no matter what excuse you have.

I always try to error on the side of caution, especially in this day and age. It's worth repeating. If at all possible, don't go alone and try and meet somewhere public if at all possible. But that's just me. Good Luck

[Taurus Fan]

Originally Posted by rondog

Interesting spread of opinions you're getting, on this site and the others. And did you notice that the gold strip is missing on the bottom edge of the right grip? Guess the bottom line will be drawn when you see it in person. Please keep us posted!

I missed that gold strip on the right grip not being there, good catch, and the bottom of the magazine looks like it's corroded or something? The people on the 1911 site didn't go quite as ga-ga over it.

[madcratebuilder]

Originally Posted by oldjarhead

Take it!!

I've never seen a Colt 1911 in .380; Colt did make a .380 but it was a much smaller pistol than the 1911. Where did you see these?

It may have been a commander size frame, I'm sure about the them being .380. I'll pay more attention next time I see one.

[Taurus Fan]

Originally Posted by madcratebuilder

It may have been a commander size frame, I'm sure about the them being .380. I'll pay more attention next time I see one.

Commanders are the same 1911 size frame with 3/4" shorter barrel. They were offered in 9mm, 38 Super, .45 ACP, and even 30 Luger (not many of those, they were made for export), but .380 ACP never. I'm sure of that. More likely is the gun shop mislabled them.

[ander254]

So any word on the trade or better pics? I think that gun would look great with some exotic burlewood grips on it.

[curtis73]

We actually postponed it till today... he's on his way right now so I should have an update in a few hours.

[madcratebuilder]

Originally Posted by Taurus Fan

Commanders are the same 1911 size frame with 3/4" shorter barrel. They were offered in 9mm, 38 Super, .45 ACP, and even 30 Luger (not many of those, they were made for export), but .380 ACP never. I'm sure of that. More likely is the gun shop mislabled them.

I was at the gun shop yesterday to pick up a S&W m15, they still had that 1911 I was looking at. You are correct, 38 super. I don't know how I got 380acp out of that, must be the meds. Anyway I made them a lowball offer that they declined.

[Taurus Fan]

Originally Posted by madcratebuilder

I was at the gun shop yesterday to pick up a S&W m15, they still had that 1911 I was looking at. You are correct, 38 super. I don't know how I got 380acp out of that, must be the meds. Anyway I made them a lowball offer that they declined.

No problem, I've gotten twisted up and been caught being wrong about much simpler "everybody knows that" sort of things too many times to count. I envy the casual way you said you "picked up" a S&W Model 15, like you just went out to get a quart of milk. I'm trying to figure out how to tell my wife I want a .22 revolver for cheap plinking.

[rondog]

Originally Posted by Taurus Fan

I'm trying to figure out how to tell my wife I want a .22 revolver for cheap plinking.

"What, this old .22? I've had this for years."

THAT'S how you tell her!

[Capt'n Mil Coll]

Do you have a basement window Taurus fan???

[Taurus Fan]

Originally Posted by Capt'n Mil Coll

Do you have a basement window Taurus fan???

No, no basement at all. How would that solve my problem?

[meatloaf]

hell I'll buy it.

[rondog]

Originally Posted by Taurus Fan

No, no basement at all. How would that solve my problem?

Sneak your new guns in through the basement window! Set up a catch area inside, drop the package in, and retrieve it later!

[curtis73]

Ok... so here's the update. The engraving is super top notch work. I don't care if its Colt custom or Joe Schmo with a dremel, its sexy.
Two problems. 1) there is some rust down in the nooks and crannies of the engraving, and 2) I called Colt with the correct serial and its a 1995 gun. It can't be all that special.
I passed, and I can't thank the forum members enough for steering my through this. Without you folks I may have made a rather tragic mistake.
Thank you ALL for your help.

[Taurus Fan]

Originally Posted by curtis73

Ok... so here's the update. The engraving is super top notch work. I don't care if its Colt custom or Joe Schmo with a dremel, its sexy.
Two problems. 1) there is some rust down in the nooks and crannies of the engraving, and 2) I called Colt with the correct serial and its a 1995 gun. It can't be all that special.
I passed, and I can't thank the forum members enough for steering my through this. Without you folks I may have made a rather tragic mistake.
Thank you ALL for your help.

It's a 1995 and the owner let it rust? Obviously wasn't owned by someone who appreciated it. Too bad. I noticed in the photo the bottom of the magazine looked like it had some corrosion also, so it must've been abused and neglected by a real shmoe.