Need Info

[securecarry76]

so who do you think is correct here?

[wolfhunter]

SC76,
The pistol is probably perfectly legal. To be safe, ask your FFL to run the two serial numbers, from the frame and the slide. If they both are clean and the price is right, buy the gun.

[gdcleanfun]

I have a similar situation. I bought my Colt .45 from a FFL dealer a very long time ago. Built with parts from here and there, it's a nice hand gun, but not a true Colt 1911, but traceable with the serial numbers and legal just the same. Buying something from a private party, though, is different. How can you be sure that it's not hot?

[tattedupboy]

Unfortunately, there are members here who are quick to say anything just to increase their post counts. This is one forum where comments must be verified elsewhere before their veracity can be trusted. It would really help if those without information would withhold commenting upon topics outside their knowledge.

Not sure who you're directing this at, but don't you think it's important to be sure that the gun you're purchasing checks out, and if you're not sure, then either take it to an FFL or don't buy it at all?

[Red Hat]

If you are buying a firearm from someone you don't know you take a chance on it being hot. If you know someone and trust them then I see no problem buying it. securecarry76 undoubtedly knows the individual that's selling the firearm and he should have an idea how trustworthy that individual is. From what I read securecarry76 was confused by the mismatched parts and wanted to know what serial number is used to register it. Now if he had said it's a Colt 1911 with all matching parts then I doubt anyone here would have made any negative comments. Essex only makes receivers and not complete firearms. Any Essex 1911 you find will be made from parts. Most FFL's don't have a way to check a firearm by serial number. Usually the local PD comes in and gets a list of trade-in serial numbers looking for stolen firearms. Unless they have a friend in the local dept you are out of luck.

[NDS]

1911s have been built from various parts for years. Essex has made a huge number of frames used by builders over the years and they were mated to whatever parts were available. If you wish, you can purchase a frame and a set of parts from various sources and build your own 1911. To act as though there were something special and scary about this shows a lack of knowledge. No more care would need to be taken with this handgun than with any other.
Sarco has sold many Essex frames and sets of parts. Go down the list to " 1911 .45, Auto Builders Kit "
Colt Government Model



I now have a list of posters here whose opinion has no value to me because they quickly post nonsense when they have no facts. For reference see:
Shipping guns to yourself--Have You Done So?
wherein I had to needlessly quote the ATF website because of such nonsense. As for who I was referring to, it's my list...

[astute]

My 1911 is a Frankenstein. The serial number on the frame is all that matters. That is the legal number regardless of the numbers on the other parts.
Many 1911's are custom built. In most cases it is only an improvement.

GOOD LUCK!!!

[securecarry76]

My intentions were clarify my own ignorance on this gun. Not to incite a dispute. As far as knowing the person I am buying the gun from trust is no issue. However he recieved the gun from a family member many years before. The gun has wear on it and seams to be in good order otherwise. The only exception is the slide has a microscopic rattle in the fron of the frame. Is this a problem. I am a tactical gun owner and never owned any handgun that is not a polymer frame. I take all advise with thanks.

[wolfhunter]

1911s are supposed to rattle a little bit. A tight 1911 may shoot a smaller group, but may be finicky about the ammo you feed it.

[Red Hat]

If you have any concerns on the functionality of the firearm take it to a gunsmith and have them check it out. Some slide play is common on kit built 1911's. The receiver is a generically sized and will fit standard slides without lapping it so some rattle is to be expected. If you are in a gun store check out some of the new 1911's and see how much play they have. You'll be surprised. Again if you have any doubts have it checked out.