Excuse the newbie

[rockyrude]

All you firearm owners

When my Dad passed I became the owner of his firearm collection. Among the pieces was his service Ithaca 45 cal, he served in Okinawa, do you think this is still a viable weapon that can still be fired or should it be put in a case as a show piece?

 

[Cat nip]

I would take it to a gun smith and have them check it over and make sure its safe to fire .

 

[kenk63]

yes, have a gunsmith look it over, fire it a few rounds, clean it,then buy a nice presentation case for it, with your fathers flag and picture in the back round

 

[jwdavis28]

yes, have a gunsmith look it over, fire it a few rounds, clean it,then buy a nice presentation case for it, with your fathers flag and picture in the back round

This.

 

[82rude]

Something seriously wrong with this thread.Oh yah,no pictures

 

[MTboatguy]

1911's are pretty durable guns, take it to a gun smith to check out then learn how to break down clean and maintain it, if it is a true service weapon from WWII, it is quite valuable. Now one thing, to remember, if you take it to a gun smith, you will probably be required to fill out form 4473 to get it back when you pick it up. That is not a problem as long as you don't have anything in your background that could raise questions, I just mention it, because if there is a glitch in their system, which I see from time to time, then the gun smith would be required by law to retain the firearm, I am not passing any judgements, I would just hate to see someone loose an older valuable gun because their system messed up on something.

 

[rockyrude]

Thanks for the info, would the form 4473 show something different from the FOID application since I do hold a current FOID card?

 

[MTboatguy]

4473 is the form you have to fill out to purchase a gun, depending on the laws in your area, your state may have a system in place that would not require you to fill it out again.

 

[JaCrispy]

If you're mechanically inclined at all, you can look up videos/forums on how to detail strip, clean, lube and reassemble the gun. Then just function check it...you can actually do the function check now if you wanted.

 

[Tnstratofam]

On a side note don't have it refinished or be to aggressive cleaning it up. It will actually take away from the value of the firearm. A good cleaning and oiling is all that should be required to preserve this wonderful piece of your father's history.

 

[MTboatguy]

If you're mechanically inclined at all, you can look up videos/forums on how to detail strip, clean, lube and reassemble the gun. Then just function check it...you can actually do the function check now if you wanted.

I agree, they are actually pretty simple guns and if you strip clean and do a function check, and all seems good, pick up some .45 ball and start banging away!

 

[Bob_VT]

Sorry to hear about your loss of your Dad.

Are you a shooter? Yes the 1911's are really great but the decision needs to be made if it is to be a shooter or a memorial piece. The other question you need to ask is where will it go after you are gone? Got kids?

My grandfather was in WW I and my mom donated his military memorabilia to a museum.

If I was passed a 1911 I would probably shoot it annually dedicated to the memory of the person who passed it along. A nice way to remember Dad's birthday by exercising his weapons.

 

[rockyrude]

Thanks for the sentiment Bob_VT, I'm not in the class of shooter the rest of you are. I would like to though. I do have kids for the pieces to go to, I don't think I want it to be a regular shooter but this is the first "real" firearm that I've come in possession of and am considering it for protection purposes.

 

[MTboatguy]

A 1911 is a great protection gun, many of the police officers I know carry a .45 ACP for personal protection and it is the weapon I choose when I carry, it might be a slower moving bullet, but it packs a punch when it hits something. I also inherited all of my Dad's guns when he passed back in October and I have cleaned and shot each of them since, of course I grew up with his guns so was quite familiar with them and know how my father took care of them.

As my father said, don't store them, shoot them, guns were meant to be shot! So Dad I am doing what you told me to.

Rude, sorry for your loss, I understand and feel right there with you, but shoot it, he would be proud!

 

[rockyrude]

Thanks for the advice, to show how things have changed, I also got a pair of matching Colt six-shooters one a 22 cal the other a 357 my Dad got back in the 80's for opening a savings account. Neither has had a round through them and I don't intend on violating them.

 

[gm280]

I've read all of these comments on this thread, at least I think I did now. :noidea: And I see there was some interest and concern about an older WWII 1911 45 ACP semi-auto pistol. If I am correct, there was never a production 1911 made by any suspect manufacturer. Every one of them were build strong and very capable. So I would disassemble it, clean it and reassemble and go shooting without worry. They are amazing guns and still one of the absolute best John Browning designed guns ever made. And that simplicity is because it is NOT a gas operated gun, It is a blow back design so there is never an issue with dirt buildup or piston issues. It was designed to be field strip-able and easy to reassembly after cleaning. And because all government contracts to build that pistol had to pass certified pressure tests and such, you can be sure it still is a quality semi-automatic pistol without issues. I wouldn't hesitate to shoot it myself. I actually have an old government issue one myself, along with a top of the line custom built Springfield Armory one with ever custom accessory one can imagine. And even though one cost well over a thousand dollars more then the other, I love them both and would never part with either of them. JMHO!

 

[Water logged]

I believe Illinois has some very restrictive gun laws, be careful how you proceed with it. At least go to a gun shop and ask some questions before letting it out of your control.
​
I've Been shooting 1911s for a long time, strip it, if it's not all gunked up, clean it up, I wouldn't be afraid of it. You can get a manual off Amazon.

​Glenn

 

[JaCrispy]

am considering it for protection purposes.

Be sure to look into self defense ammo. Ball ammo penetrates too much. Can travel into adjoining rooms or houses. Lucky Gunner has a huuuuuge writeup on different ammo. When you think you decided on what you want, buy a few boxed and make sure your firearm cycles it. Some guns can be picky about what you feed it. Also a simple Google with the model gun and ammo you're looking at will probably give some results.

 

[MTboatguy]

Ball for practice and I use hollow points for carry and home protection.

 

[gm280]

Ball for practice and I use hollow points for carry and home protection.

I like Hornady XTP bullets. But then I hand load everything too. I don't know if Hornady markets those bulleted rounds for those that don't reload. :noidea: