RAF Colt

[Mp40Bran]

Here I have a Royal Air force Colt for review. I will be getting more pictures but I was wondering your initial thoughts on it? Thank you everyone for your help.

[Johnny Peppers]

The British ordered Colt Government Models went up to the W100700 serial number range. That appears to be one of the late ones issued to the RAF. The british used a black enamel like paint to refinish small arms called "Suncorite", and that one appears to have some small parts painted that way.

[jujuy]

normally they are nicely colt "blued". this appears to be a non modified 1911 to A1. they are in .455webley but can fire classical .45

[Johnny Peppers]

All the British pistols were Colt Government Models, and not the U.S. military 1911.

The .45 ACP and .455 Webley Self Loading were not the same cartridge. Chamber dimensions of the .455 were different, the magazine was larger, and the magazine well in the receiver was larger. Not a good idea to try and fire .45ACP in in a .455 Webley SL chambered Colt Government Model.

It is common to find the British pistols with the barrels, magazines, and extractors changed out to fire the .45 ACP cartridge. .455 Webley SL is very pricey.

[jujuy]

yes I know, but due to military standarts and tolerances, you can do it if you need. did not say it was recommended. Some us military cartridges have almost the same design

[Johnny Peppers]

Just because something can be fired in a weapon doesn't mean it should be.

[Mp40Bran]

Here are some more pictures. Looks like it is in original .455. The seller is asking for $3500. I understand these are rare but do you think that price is too high? Thank you everyone for your help!

[Mp40Bran]

Also the action is tight and the barrel doesn't have a marking. Bore was dirty and fuzzy but didn't look rusted.

[Johnny Peppers]

I would question the barrel having no markings. Best do some research on that, as the barrel may be .45 ACP.

Even if the barrel is the correct .455, the price is at the top of the ladder considering the condition.

[tmca05]

Barrel should be marked .455, if not, it will effect the price significantly. If it’s a .45 barrel, you will have a tough time finding the right barrel and will pay dearly for it when you do. The magazine is correct and a rare plus to the gun.
It is still a very desirable pistol and very collectible.
As far as price? Though to say, sounds at the top end but not something you see everyday. 100% correct and untouched, none reworked RAF M1911’s have brought over $5,000 in auctions.

[Mp40Bran]

Thank you everyone for your help. We couldn't find any .455 barrel markings. I attached some pictures of the barrel and internals. Looks like there is a "H6" mark. Can anyone confirm if this is a .455 barrel? The seller is asking for $3000.

[Douglas Jr.]

I am sure Johnny Pepper will jump in, but the "HS" marking means that this barrel was made by the High Standard company. So this barrel is probably .45 ACP, as these were made only during WWII.
But I am far from being an expert on Government Models.
Let's see what the other will say.

[Mp40Bran]

Thank you for your help! Do you think its even worth buying with a .45 barrel?

[Douglas Jr.]

Thank you for your help! Do you think its even worth buying with a .45 barrel?

It all depends on the price tag. Not for $3,000.00 as it is not in its original configuration anymore. And, as far as I know it is very difficult to find a correct spare .455 Eley barrel. But that's just me.

[Johnny Peppers]

As Douglas Jr. mentioned, the barrel is WWII vintage made by High Standard for the Remington Rand, Ithaca, and US&S Model 1911A1 pistols as well as field replacements. The Colt .455 barrels are harder to find that the pistols, and if it were me I would wait until a correct pistol came along if I wanted a RAF Colt. I would not put $3000 in that one.