WWII 1911-search for grandfather's gun

[karatekid]

I need some help. I am looking for my grandfather's WW2 service 1911 (may be an A1 model?). I do not know much about the history of surplus firearms. I have the Serial No., year, and make. Is there a way to see if it is in storage or out on the market?

I would love some general info and/or specific tips to help my search.

Thanks

 

[Deleted member 79987]

Sorry but if you only have the model and serial number info, there is absolutely no way to find out where that gun is. It may be lost, destroyed, or in someone's own collection.

 

[palmettomoon]

Hopeless task I'm afraid.

 

[AC-130 Above]

sounds like trying to find a needle in a stack of needles

 

[karatekid]

Yeah, sure seems hopeless. Did/Does the gov. destroy/store/sell them? Where can I learn more?

 

[AC-130 Above]

Yeah, sure seems hopeless. Did/Does the gov. destroy/store/sell them? Where can I learn more?

I am sure someone here can answer this better than I can but from what I understand most of the time military firearms are sent to other allied countries for a host of different reasons. A lot are stored/issued to our personnel but once they become outdated or are no longer serviceable they are deemed gov. surplus and are usually sent to countries in need.

Sometimes those guns get sent back to the US, unusual but it did happen fairly recently where a load of M1 Garand's came back from the Philippines. These guns are channeled though a place called the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program). This agency is authorized by the US Gov to re-service and sell US surplus guns to the public. I think some 1911's were in the mix too but they fetched high prices, I think over 1000 bucks. The guns that came back were in good to fair to unusable shape, you gotta think once these guns make it back here, they are worn the hell out.

Not sure if that answers your question but just what I know on the topic.

 

[karatekid]

I am sure someone here can answer this better than I can but from what I understand most of the time military firearms are sent to other allied countries for a host of different reasons. A lot are stored/issued to our personnel but once they become outdated or are no longer serviceable they are deemed gov. surplus and are usually sent to countries in need.

Sometimes those guns get sent back to the US, unusual but it did happen fairly recently where a load of M1 Garand's came back from the Philippines. These guns are channeled though a place called the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program). This agency is authorized by the US Gov to re-service and sell US surplus guns to the public. I think some 1911's were in the mix too but they fetched high prices, I think over 1000 bucks. The guns that came back were in good to fair to unusable shape, you gotta think once these guns make it back here, they are worn the hell out.

Not sure if that answers your question but just what I know on the topic.

I didn't know most of that, thanks for the input.

 

[alleycat]

I didn't know most of that, thanks for the input.

It’s a long shot but you can contact the CMP in Anniston, Alabama to see if it has ever been in their possession (or still is). They are closed right now because of the flu but you can give them a call when things get better at 256-835-8455 or email them at custserve@thecmp.org

https://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/cmp-stores/

 

[AC-130 Above]

put it this way if you somehow miraculously found it, the first thing you should do after buying it is go play the mega millions with that serial number lol

 

[karatekid]

It’s a long shot but you can contact the CMP in Anniston, Alabama to see if it has ever been in their possession (or still is). They are closed right now because of the flu but you can give them a call when things get better at 256-835-8455 or email them at custserve@thecmp.org

https://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/cmp-stores/

I'll do that. Thank you. Yes, hope everyone is staying safe.