Oddball Colt 1911

[Bailey Guns]

I ordered a Colt 1911 recently just because it's something different. The gun I ordered is an O1911C...Colt's "Classic" 1911. What's different about it is that it's intended for the European Union countries where legal so it's marked to meet import requirements. It has the SN and "US23" roll marked on the slide, barrel and frame. It was supposed to look like this:






The gun I got is pictured below. The slide has absolutely no markings, inside or out. None. There is a "1" on the firing pin stop plate and the barrel hood is marked "Colt .45 ACP" and the lug is marked "PM" (like other recent Colt pistols).






Honestly, I kinda like the uniqueness of the "sterile" look on the slide. But, at the same time, I'm concerned there is nothing to identify the slide as being from Colt. The seller has already sent me a return label. I'm just trying to decide if I should keep it or return it.

What would Colorado AR do?

[OneGuy67]

I like its look. I'd keep it.

[Bailey Guns]

I like its look. I'd keep it.

Yeah, I do, too. I'm seeing a few of these on GunBroker. They have a different model #, though. Mine has the correct model # for what it should be..."O1911C-EC"...just like the seller's online photos. There are a few on GB that are showing a different model #..."O1911C-Z". None of them have sights installed from the Colt factory like mine does, but Colt did include them with the gun. Some guys are saying these unmarked guns are meant for engraving or customizations...sort of a base gun. I don't know. All of the prices are pretty much the same so this is definitely not some one-off that'll be a collector item.

It's just different. I've never seen one before.

[Scanker19]

I don’t know, if I’m paying colt prices I want the four letters I’m paying for engraved on it. Uniqueness can be had for cheaper. Colts cost money. I’d return it. Unless there was some weird collector’s reason for it.

[beast556]

If it's not anything special or rare I would return it and get the one you thought you were getting.

[ray1970]

Looks like you got a generic one. Maybe they don?t get the US23 mark unless they are actually destined for export?

If I bought it hoping for unique marks and didn?t get them, I would probably be disappointed.

[Bailey Guns]

I think it's kinda cool. But, it's going back. I appreciate the feedback.

[Little Dutch]

I think it's kinda cool. But, it's going back. I appreciate the feedback.

I'm late to the party but I agree. There's no shortage of 1911's. If I order a colt rollmark I expect to see a pony. If the price is low enough I'd consider keeping it, but I wouldn't consider it worth Colt money.

[Sawin]

I think it's kinda cool. But, it's going back. I appreciate the feedback.

I second your decision.

[TEAMRICO]

It’s for the flex, I like it with the clean look.

https://youtu.be/9yiakp3JJ8c?si=1YY0wDzNjZtCEjLK