Colt National Match .45

[cch2a]

Pretty much got the best Christmas present ever from my grandfather in-law. It's a Colt National Match .45 ACP with an additional .22 cal conversion. Don't really know much about it other than he said an old Shelby County Sheriff at one time owned it. It appears the safety and slide stop are aftermarket but there is a bag of originals in the box. Not sure how old it is if someone could help me out, the serial number is 24XX-NM. Anything I should know. I don't really believe in safe queens so need to know if it is safe to run regular loads. I do know he shot it with duty ammo and the spring is aftermarket (have original too) but he didn't know what spring he had put in it. The finish seems very good minus a few scratches from maybe a wedding ring on the grip and no noticeable holster wear. I'm not really knowledgeable on 1911 models in the Colt line as they have always been unattainable. Let me know your thoughts. Big question is what factory ball ammo can i safely run with say a 16/18 lb recoil spring. Crappy phone pic:

Edited December 25, 2013 by cch2a

[DMark]

24XX-NM = 1959.

 

Well Done and Kudos to your FIL.  :up:

 

Shouldn't be any problem shooting regular 230g ball ammo.  Just to be safe, I would change the recoil spring out with a standard 16 lb setup.  1911s like to be run wet, so lube it up good.

 

If you have never taken down a 1911 before there are a number of good examples of how to do it on YouTube.  Just be very, Very, VERY careful when removing the slide release or you will come to know the term "Idiot Scratch."

 

Enjoy!

Edited December 25, 2013 by DMark

[Monkeyman2500]

Wow, just wow. That's super nice.

[cch2a]

Thanks guys. I have owned a 1911 before just not one this nice. I will definitely baby this thing but still want to shoot it at least every couple of months. I was just concerned since this one seems more geared for target shooting, something I know nothing about. Do you think I should run the 16lb spring and one of those shock buffers. Never used one but read online some people recommend them for this model.

[gregintenn]

You could likely swap that setup for a pretty nice car! Man, that's some Christmas present. I have a later 70 series Gold Cup, and with a standard weight recoil spring, it shoots ball ammo fine. I expect with the factory reduced weight spring, ball ammo would be hard on the frame.

 

Seriously, that thing is worth some serious coin. Is the 22 conversion a Colt Ace, Marvel, or other brand? We'd like to see it too.

[cch2a]

Added pic of the .22 conversion marked Colt. Finish matches the .45 perfectly. Mags also say Colt. What do you think total set up is worth? Will never sell just curious.

[hipower]

Great grandfather-in-law you have! That's an awesome gun and should be treated as a family treasure. But don't be afraid to shoot it.

 

I had an orginal Colt ACE, the 22 cal model and it absolutely was a blast. But also a fain in the patootie. Almost had to be dripping oil to run more than a mag thru it. And Tight, very tight lockup on it. In the hands of a good pistolero, and that wasn't me, it would shoot one hole groups at 25 to 50 yards. 

 

The National Match should be capable of that as well, I'd think.

 

But in any case, enjoy it.

 

Merry Christmas.

[gregintenn]

Added pic of the .22 conversion marked Colt. Finish matches the .45 perfectly. Mags also say Colt. What do you think total set up is worth? Will never sell just curious.

I'd say somewhere in the neighborhood of three grand. The thing is, they ain't makin em anymore, and prices continue to climb each year.

 

I'd stick with standard velocity target ammo in the 22 conversion, and if you really want to see what the 45 will do, find some 185 grain mid-range target ammo.

Edited December 25, 2013 by gregintenn

[DAdams]

Very nice. That's quite a present.

[DannyH57]

Awsome... you made out like a bandit ! Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk