colt 1911 help

[Foxinator]

I was just curious if anyone here is or knows someone with some expertise on the original Colt 1911's ?
I was lucky enough to have just inherited one that from everything I read online is one of the Original US military models.
The only problem I have is there is no serial number.
From what I hear, that was a common thing back then with the military fellas bringing them back from the war.
Does anyone know if and where I can get another one issued if It's even possible ?

[rondog]

Jesus, what a bummer. To possess an original WWI Colt, with an altered s/n? AFAIK, that gun is now illegal as hell because of that. And no, you can't get another s/n assigned to it and restamped. You have a quandry, my friend.

[10x]

I believe the ATF might assign one. I suggest that you do a bit of internet research on the subject before calling them.

[BPTactical]

Don't stress it too badly quite yet.
While it is unlawful to posess a firearm with a defaced serial number as you discovered it was very common practice with war trophies and bring backs.
Sometimes SN removal was done at an arsenal level when a weapon was rebuilt. Usually a new number was stamped at that time.
You say this weapon was inherited. How long has the weapon been in the family?
Prior to 1968 firearms were not required to have a serial number.
You have a few choices:
Throw the devil to the wind and leave things as they are and take your chances.
Destroy the frame.
Rebuild it on a lawful, serialized frame and destroy the old frame.
Contact the BATF and ask for guidance on lawfully assigning a new number to it. Explain the situation fully and have documentation to back you up.
They can issue a letter with a new number assigned by them that you will then take to a 07 FFL (manufacturer) and have the new number stamped/engraved.
Believe it or not if you contact them first, they are generally happy to help and they are sympathetic to war trophies and bring backs.

[BPTactical]

Foxinator-
I contacted my BATF gent here in Denver and asked what procedure is involved in a case as this to get a new SN assigned.
You need to contact the Colorado Springs office @ 719-473-0166 and explain the situation to them. They will assign an investigator who will contact you to do a physical inspection of the item and ask a few question. Basically they will want assurance that the removal was not done with criminal intent.
Once those requirements have been fulfilled they will issue a document with a new ATF issued serial number to take to a qualified FFL to have the new number stamped/engraved.

Sounds scary but as long as you have all your ducks in a row and have any pertinent documentation in order it will be a painless process.

This really is a situation where asking for permission first is much better than begging for forgiveness after.

[sroz]

Now that's going outta your way to help out a forum member!

Way to go, BP!

[Foxinator]

Thanks for the insight on this fellas.
Sounds like I'm gonna be getting out the cutting torch in the morning and looking for a new frame.
I have no desire to deal with these kind of issues.
I like my legal guns to much and I don't need that kind of heat in my life.
Any ideas on finding a new legal frame for one ?
I know this gun has been in the family for years and was definatly before 1968.
Hell for all I know it may of never had a serial number from the war days.
I say to hell with it, It's turning into liquid metal in the morning. It's just not worth the hassle.

[Foxinator]

Thanks Bp I really do appreciate the help. I think for all the trouble and BS I would rather invest My time and money in a new Kimber 1911.
Having a gun that you can't even take to the range without having to wonder if your gonna get popped for breaking the law isn't worth having.
If I could find a legal frame for a halfway decent price it might be worth doing. Even if you could get a new number issued, it wouldn't look or be the same as the original.
If you know of or come across a replacement frame, keep Me in mind cause I'm gonna have some spare 1911 parts now.

[BigNick73]

Any ideas on finding a new legal frame for one ?

That depends on if you want colt or not. For colt frame best I can give you is to keep an eye out on gunsamerica/gunbroker/riverofguns etc...

Aftermarket you got options. Caspian, Foster (caspian bemish frames), fusion, remsport mfg, les bear.

I built a Fusion, one of the few left doing forged frames, and I'm still happy with it, and just ordered a Remsport (they're having a sale on commander frames and I've read mostly good about them). Keep in mind you'll be finishing them as there will probably be some tooling marks and burs left from the machining. Some slide to frame fitting may also have to be done.

[Foxinator]

Bignick73 I would love to have an actual Colt lower to replace it with, but cost may not be worth it.
As it is now this gun is basically worth nothing more than a pile of parts. An aftermarket lower might be the way to go. At least I would be able to own it with some legal piece of mind.
I will definatly look at this option.
Thanks !!!!