It grew out of an arsenal established in springfield by the revolutionary government in 1777, the site being chosen partly for its inaccessibility to british forces. Lavishly illustrated, the m1911 complete assembly guide is far more than a traditional howto book. It was the first federal armory and one of the first factories in the united states dedicated to the manufacture of weapons. They used to list a complete array of 3 and 4 1911s. The right side of the slide is marked springfield armory and with a springfield armory logo. Apr 03, 2020 within decades, springfield armory had perfected pioneering manufacturing methods that were critical to american industrialization. The entire book has a bright red background behind the guns that bleeds over the entire piece. Yes, i was referring to all of springfields shorter than 5 barrel 1911s. Dec 19, 2007 when was my springfield armory 45 made discussion in general handgun discussion started by 01ws6, dec 19, 2007. Springfield armory need info on a 1911a1 1911addicts. Jun 16, 20 springfield armory sn nm126096 mod 1911a1 cal.
The long storehouse at springfield armory is a 764foot structure, built in four stages between 1846 and 1863. Springfield armory shoulder weapons 17951968 9780930625740. Make a taxdeductible gift today to provide a brighter future for our national parks. The model 1911 and model 1911a1 military and commercial pistols for collectors.
It is a nice gun in its original box from the factory. For collectors only series of books on collectors and antique firearms. A lot of debate has gone around on the internet about what the nm serial number prefix stands for. For over a century, john brownings classic 1911 pistol has been a top choice for competition and combat shootersand springfields pistols set the standard. In 1974, springfield armory offered the m1a a civilian semiautomatic version of the m14, allowing the gun buying public to experience its reliability and accuracy. Heck the 1903 springfield is just a tweaked mauser 98. The site is preserved as the springfield armory national historic site, western. As part of the original negotiations for the model 1911 contract, the ordnance department secured the right to manufacture the pistol at springfield armory. It includes 84 tables detailing parts and markings and 678 photos and drawings. Not any more, they only have one 4 champion listed, the rest are gone as well as all of the 3 models. Finish is parkerized and it has the usual brown plastic grips. Aug 16, 2011 a lot of debate has gone around on the internet about what the nm serial number prefix stands for.
For general sites, such as the springfield armory national historic site, we discover the strategic role women played there. Apr 27, 2015 the original site of springfield armory became a national historic site in the 1970s and preserves its rich history through public access to museums, programs, collections, and other activities. Springfield armory 1911 milspec semiauto pistol bass pro. This began what was to become the greatest production effort in the armory s history. Springfield armory national historic site is the nations first armory, and holds the worlds largest collection of u. Because all of the modifications, except for the cuts in the frame, involved component parts or subassemblies, the years between the two world wars saw the use of surplus m1911 slides, mated to m1911a1 frames. After nearly two centuries of continuous production of rifles and muskets used by americas armed forces in every war in the nations history, the armory closed its gates and fell silent. Thanks ahead of time for looking and commenting on my post. This an early springfield armory 1911a1 in the nm439xx serial range.
In 1985, after the military began retiring the 1911 model, springfield armory began to manufacture them for purchase by the public. The 1911 semiautomatic pistol was invented by john moses. Although an attempt has been made to describe the firearms as accurately as possible there may be details or defects not found on initial inspection. The model 1911 and model 1911a1 military and commercial pistols. The army adopted the rifle in 1936, and production began the next year.
Begun as a major arsenal under the authority of general george washington early in the revolutionary war, the first national armory began manufacturing muskets in 1794. The loaded series includes features such as precisionfit forged frames, slides and barrels, front and rear slide cocking serrations, flat serrated mainspring housing, lowered and flared ejection port, delta lightweight hammer, loaded chamber indicator, titanium. With a huge selection of pistols and rifles, springfield armory is the premier manufacturer of quality handguns for protection and competitive shooting. Alternatively does anyone else offer the 1911a1 that you could recommend. In 1924, the 1911 was modified slightly and redesignated the 1911a1. Springfield armory 1911a1 just out of interest do springfield still offer the model 1911a1. Springfield armory historic buildings of massachusetts. At springfield armory national historic site, you can tour the largest collection of shoulder arms outside britain, and see how these weapons were made at the armory that supplied the u. If using a gps, do not use the physical address of the museum. Springfield armorys 1911 serial number prefix page 2. The left side of the slide is marked model 1911a1 cal.
Watch springfield armory 1911 nra pistol this model 1911 was sold to a national rifle association member prior to the first world war and bears the n. I originally though the post had to do with national match quality weapons. Springfield armory national historic site commemorates the critical role of the nations first armory by preserving and. The illinois company usurped the name of the us government armory in springfield, ma that closed in 1968. Reopened in 1978 as the springfield armory national historic site, the original 1840s arsenal houses the worlds largest collection of historic american military firearms. A friend of mine is wanting to sell me a springfield armory 1911a1, it looks a little unique with some side inscriptions on it. The united states was adopting new firearms at a phenomenal rate. Springfield uses the prefixes of n and nm to designate 1911 a1 type pistols, just as we used am as the prefix for the p9 series of pistols.
Springfield armory national historic site home facebook. In 1974, springfield armory offered the m1a a civilian semiautomatic version of the m14, allowing the gun buying public to. Springfield armory national historic site tripadvisor. James ripleys improvement campaign and was originally a storehouse for the wood used in making gun stocks. Apr 03, 2020 the springfield armory national historic site is located on the campus of springfield technical community college. The armory, which manufactured and tested firearms for the u. Some kept making them until the 80s and colt tried the 1991a1 pistol in. Hi fellas and ladies, this is my first time on this site, i just got activated. Once on campus, please follow the signs directing you to the museum. Basic information springfield armory national historic site. Altogether some 31,000 m1911s were built at springfield prior to the u.
Aug 06, 2006 i happen to own a springfield armory 1911 military spec in 45 apc great gun love it but i was kinda disappointed when i found out it was made in brazil i thought they. Clawsons big book is very good, and covers the 1911a1 also, but rather pricey since it has been out of print for quite a few years. Ive always wanted to add a 1911 to my collection and i wanted to know if this one is worth it. The 90s series pistols differed from the early springfield pistols in the high visibility sights, lowered ejection port yes it is lower than the ealier standard sas, they were throatedpolished from the factory, and may have a few other improvements they came out in 89 or 90 i cant remember. The armory has a number of foreign firearms showcased including the german stg 44, arguably the worlds first modern assault rifle.
The m1s accuracy and durability in battle earned it high praise. Springfield armory m1a1nra 1911a1 pistol camp perry nra 100th. This very early 1915 production springfield armory m1911was manufactured at the armory at springfield massachusetts located near the connecticut river. Aug 27, 2015 autoordnances 1911pkzse, and nine others, gives shooters a fresh take on uncle sams battleproven classic. The company revitalized history by reproducing some of the original springfield armory s most distinguished designs, including the m1 garand, the 1911a1, and the m14. The displays include rare weapons and the largest collection of confederate weapons. Taylors 1911 series features a number of different pistol reproduction that are nearly identical to the u. The firearms are purchased as is and without warranty. I dont have pics yet but would like a general value of a ww1 springfield 45. For 174 years, the men and women of springfield armory shaped americas destiny through pioneering technological innovation, improved manufacturing processes, and increased use of laborsaving machines. The buildings third stage provided stables for the armorys horses and the entire structure has also been known as a casern, or cavalry. Enhanced 3dot combat sights provide rapid sight acquisition, and a lowered ejection port aids in reliable function. It was built at the springfield armory and was probably more commonly known as a 1895 springfield.
The m1911 pistol originated in the late 1890s as the result of a search for a suitable selfloading or semiautomatic pistol to replace the variety of revolvers then in service. Meadowss book is more the history of the 1911, and contains the other automatic pistols used and tested by the ordnance department. This m1911a1 limited edition is a fully functional national match 1911 with target sights rear adjustable, adjustable match trigger and more. The m1911 complete assembly guide is a companion volume to the authors the m1911 complete owners guide.
Based on the experiences of a diversified build team, the tips, tricks, and pitfalls characteristic of walt kulecks previous complete assembly guides are more wideranging and. This is a moderatelength book that features something that some authors dont cover very well in some 1911 books that would be the history of the brave men. Basic information springfield armory national historic. Dont look for a mississippi rifle in the contents ass they were not made at the armory. Visitors are free to walk the grounds and tour the building, and to visit the museum, which includes a collection of the largest number of u. History and development of the m1911m1911al pistol. May 22, 2012 the armory has a number of foreign firearms showcased including the german stg 44, arguably the worlds first modern assault rifle.
The book had great potential that was spoiled for me by poor decisions and sloppy proofing. It served as the standardissue sidearm for the united states armed forces from 1911 to 1986. Featured in this listing is a springfield armory nib. Springfield armory did not let the history of the m14 fall by the wayside, either. The springfield 1911a1 series of pistols are faithful adaptations of the original 45 auto coltbrowning design. Contracts for production of 1911a1 pistols were doled out to civilian gun. Springfield armory 90s edition milspec model 1911a1 5. Dec 01, 2011 the long storehouse at springfield armory is a 764foot structure, built in four stages between 1846 and 1863. All gi models are built with a forged frame, slide and barrel and include lowprofile military sights, standard magazine well and spur hammer, standard ejection port, arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop, vertical slide serrations and titanium firing pin. Pistol comes with 2 blued mags and a blued steel cleaning rod with bore bristle brush attachment. These pistols have springfield custom etched on the slide, and will have the nm. The model 1911 and model 1911a1 military and commercial pistols, 3rd edition, totals 566 pages. The springfield armory, located in the city of springfield, massachusetts, was the primary center for the manufacture of united states military firearms from 1777 until its closing in 1968. These changes were all adopted in 1924, and the designation of the pistol was changed to model 1911a1.
Built on a forged frame and slide the milspec carries on springfield armory s long legacy of quality 1911s. The 1911lnyd model is close to the m1911 pistol and features a blued barrel. The before i came back to school wabash college, i went out and purchased a nib 1911 a1 gi. The m1911, also known as the colt government or government, is a singleaction, semiautomatic, magazinefed, recoiloperated pistol chambered for the. The total official m1911 production at springfield armory was 25,767 pistols. It is impoftant to understand in the national matches at camp perry the 50 yard pistol target the x ring is 1. Like bearded, flannelclad hipsters, a lot of 1911s out there only look the part. Apr 27, 2015 springfield armory did not let the history of the m14 fall by the wayside, either. Well thanks for your help guys looks like im going with the colt model 70 as recommended by u300blackoutsober, uheekma, and ucoyotebrown. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website.
The armory tooled up in 19 to make m1911s and help fill initial orders. The springfield armory 1911 milspec semiauto pistol replicates the gi issue 1911a1, with an arched mainspring housing and a standard spur hammer and grip safety, though constructed of modern steel machined to cnc tolerances. Begun as a major arsenal under the authority of general george washington early in the revolutionary war, the first national armory began manufacturing. The only pistols which use the national match frames are the complete custom pistols built through our custom shop. Model 1911a1 pistol is produced under contract by springfield armory for the. Begun as a major arsenal under the authority of general george washington early in the revolutionary war, the first national. How can i trace the history and production date of my springfield armory m1911 pistol.
Examples of the mp 44, mosinnagant 1891, nambu type 14 pistol. Pointing out the basic differences between the original 1911 and the later 1911 a1. How can i trace the history and production date of my. Vickers guide is a one of a kind tour of some of historys most interesting and rare. Single action, semiautomatic with removable magazine markings. I have been out of the swim and have no idea what may be currently on offer. Springfield armory national historic site article about. Springfield armory national parks conservation association. It was widely used in world war i, world war ii, the korean war, and the vietnam. Various manufacturers colt being the most famous, springfield probably second.
Throughout production at springfield there were only three changes that are apparent when viewing the fully assembled pistol. Some believe that it stands for national match, which is typically the case when you see that marking, however its not so with springfield 1911s. Page 1 of 2 m1911 springfield armory posted in m1911 pistols ref. Springfield armory national historic site, springfield, ma. The model 1911 and model 1911a1 military and commercial. Rare nra springfield armory 1911 pistol nra museums. Springfield armory, weapons factory established at springfield, mass. The m1911, also known as the colt government or government, is a single action.