Inherited 1911

[MPGlock]

Ok TGO 1911 experts. Need your help. I inherited a Springfield 1911 when my FIL died a few weeks ago. Based on serial #, anyone have any insight? Looks like a basic GI 1911. 

[derf]

I’m no 1911 expert but the NM in the serial number may stand for National Match. In that case it wouldn’t be a standard mil-spec. I’m sure someone will jump in on this. 

[expendable]

I think some of the mil-spec Springfield Armory 1911’s had the NM prefix. 
It use to be a rumor that the NM prefix meant the gun was made or at least finished in the US as opposed to Brazil. 
Don’t know if any of this is true. 

[Ronald_55]

Just contact Springfield and they can tell you all the info. They did with one I bought.

https://www.springfield-armory.com/contact/

 

Edited June 8, 2023 by Ronald_55

[Garufa]

6 minutes ago, derf said:

I’m no 1911 expert but the NM in the serial number may stand for National Match. In that case it wouldn’t be a standard mil-spec. I’m sure someone will jump in on this. 

It in no way stands for National Match.  At one time it did mean that the majority of final production was completed in the US.   I don’t know if that still holds true or not.

[DJTC45]

Some more pictures would help, does it have standard GI Sights, and is the slide marked with A1 if so it's the standard basic GI Mod. As stated the NM destination mark means it was finished in the USA. They are good guns, I've had a few SA's and they shot great, they also make a good base gun for a custom build. 

[FUJIMO]

Based on the information given I'd say you inherited an older mil spec Springfield 1911. Congrats !

[et45]

If it’s a Milspec they are good guns.I consider them a step above any Tisas or Rock Island on the market.

Edited June 11, 2023 by et45

[hipower]

Looks similar, from what I see, to a Springer I got from my Dad. Korean ar era he said. But the serial number is higher than on yours.

[MPGlock]

On 6/7/2023 at 8:14 PM, Ronald_55 said:

Just contact Springfield and they can tell you all the info. They did with one I bought.

https://www.springfield-armory.com/contact/

 

Appreciate it, will do!

[MPGlock]

On 6/10/2023 at 11:18 PM, hipower said:

Looks similar, from what I see, to a Springer I got from my Dad. Korean ar era he said. But the serial number is higher than on yours.

Thanks Larry, he got it from his dad who was Navy during WWII and re-enlisted as Marine for Korea. Might be around same era?

[DJTC45]

The WWll models weren't marked like that, the style of serial number is what they use in modern times. Here is a pic of an original SA 1915 War era 1911. Notice the Slide Markings, and the Frame Markings with the Inspector Stamps, and the way the serial number is done, plus the finish. The second set of pics are of a 2020 SA WWll Reproduction they made. Notice how everything is marked on it compared to the original. Hope this helps, like I stated they are great guns and make a great base for custom build's, I had several of the basic GI versions and they were great guns.

Pictures of the original 1915.

 

[DJTC45]

Now the pictures of the SA 2020 WWll Reproduction mod. hope this helps you out.

[gregintenn]

To be clear, this is a commercially produced model, not a military arm. 

[DJTC45]

That's why I posted those pictures to show the difference in an old war horse and a newer version. 

[hipower]

9 hours ago, MPGlock said:

Thanks Larry, he got it from his dad who was Navy during WWII and re-enlisted as Marine for Korea. Might be around same era?

Possible. Maybe. Never really checked into this one. Just shoot it and go on.

[MPGlock]

8 hours ago, gregintenn said:

To be clear, this is a commercially produced model, not a military arm. 

Didn’t think it was, just more interested in age

[Garufa]

1 hour ago, MPGlock said:

Didn’t think it was, just more interested in age

Have you called Springfield to ask?

[MPGlock]

1 hour ago, Garufa said:

Have you called Springfield to ask?

Emailed them per Ronald_55 recommendation

[ken_mays]

Based on the SN I would estimate it’s post 2000.