1920 Colt 1911

[Copross]

I have a 1920 Colt 1911 that was accurized by a guy in San Francisco back in the 1960’s. It was used competitively quite extensively years ago before I got it from a relative but I don’t fire it very often now. I noticed the slide stop notch has been deformed - still works fine - was wondering if the steel on these old Colts is softer than the modern ones?? Thanks!!

 

[Bender]

Define “deformed”....can you post a pic?

 

[ZoidMeister]

I have a 1920 Colt 1911 that was accurized by a guy in San Francisco back in the 1960’s. It was used competitively quite extensively years ago before I got it from a relative but I don’t fire it very often now. I noticed the slide stop notch has been deformed - still works fine - was wondering if the steel on these old Colts is softer than the modern ones?? Thanks!!

Is this the kind of "deformity" you are speaking about? A full cut in the frame?

 

[azpoolguy]

Is this the kind of "deformity" you are speaking about? A full cut in the frame?

View attachment 1841

I believe it is slide stop notch peening on the slide, not frame rail deformation.

 

[azpoolguy]

Define “deformed”....can you post a pic?

+1. Pictures please.

 

[Copross]

+1. Pictures please.

I will post a pic - the front portion of the notch in the slide that the stop lever fits in to lock the slide open is getting “smooshed” -

 

[Copross]

Here’s a pic...

 

[SparkyAZ]

I am thinking pretty normal wear for a well used 98 year old pistol...

 

[azpoolguy]

Yeah. That doesn’t look bad at all. I was expecting the rear corner to be mushroomed out.

 

[quantico]

that my friend is just wear... and i would shoot it as needed. i am guessing a couple hundred rounds per year that gun will outlive you and the person you leave it to... that gun has been shot quite a bit. i have my first colt series 80 that i bought new in 1980 that had about 85,000 rounds thru it 15 or 20 years ago. i don’t use it much anymore. my old colt has less wear than yours, but i am guessing very different steel. i don’t know enough about colt steel useage to make more comments. i bet someone who does could make some useful comments.

 

[ZoidMeister]

View attachment 1845 Here’s a pic...

Mine looks like this . . .

 

[azpoolguy]

This thread just makes me want an old war 1911 to fondle.

 

[Copross]

Thanks to all for your thoughtful and knowledgeable responses. Doc.

 

[Rogrrr]

I have a 1911 built in 1914 which is looking for a new home since I shoot all mine quite extensively. This one has been relegated to being a "safe queen".
There is a deformed ring the size of the primer around the firing pin hole in the breech face.
I was told by Walt Kuleck that the metallurgy before WW II was not nearly as good as after the war. There is no way to fix that. Simply put, the metal will wear causing ongoing problems if the gun is used extensively.

 

[Zipper046]

some good ole fashioned wear on those older Colts! Lovin' it!