Sistema Colt Rebuild......pic heavy - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

jetsiphon · 08-29-2007, 01:32 PM

My budd Rob has my 1945 Sistema Colt. For those of you that aren't familure with Sistema, here is some good info....
http://www.1911forum.com/forums/show...hlight=Sistema
http://www.1911forum.com/forums/show...hlight=Sistema
This gun was my Old Man's. He gave it to me when he got his new Colt Combat Target in '99. I'm not sure the exact round count through the gun, but, it's not low by any means.
This is and was a working gun. Beat to ****, sure, but even up till now would run pretty well and keep 'em in the black at 15'. Yeah, it's not great, but hey, it did it's job to the best of it's ability.
The trigger bow was bent, that's why I stopped shooting it. It would only really cycle and fire while using the original mag, so, I decided it was time to go in for a check up.
Again, last time I shot it, which was about 6 months ago, it would run about 6 or 7 out of 8 before having a problem of some sorts. I chocked it up to the trigger and needed to be resprung. No biggie.
Well, I'll leave all the findings for Rob to post. Here are some pics.....
Before.....

Rob did discover that sometime ago, the gun was used as a hammer.....the frame is bent a tad.....

It made me laugh when he pointed this out. Just goes to prove...

I'll keep the pics updated as we move along in the process.

Parts list...

Colt hammer (checkered instead of serated, better steel, right look)
Wilson Combat Sear
Wilson Bullet Proof Extractor, Blue
Wilson Barrel Bushing, Blue
Trijicon Front Sight
Stainless Match Barrel
Y/B Retro Rear Sight
Over Sized Grip Bushing Kit
Wilson Disconnector
Wilson Sear Pin
Wilson Mag Catch Lock
New Main recoil spring cap
New Guide Rod
All new springs
Barrel Link
Barrel Link Pin

More pics to come soon.

speedracer211 · 08-29-2007, 02:06 PM

I am rather fond of the worn look. Fix the things that need to be fixed and leave the finish and grips the way they are.

**jnclement** · 08-29-2007, 08:13 PM

I've got enough money in my Sistema to buy an STI Spartan, and have some custom work done on it. Wish I would have. Of course, mine isn't a Hartford, it's a cheapie.

invssgt · 08-29-2007, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedracer211

I am rather fond of the worn look. Fix the things that need to be fixed and leave the finish and grips the way they are.

Amen to that. You've got a piece of old classic iron there, and there are actually people in this world would spray it with glorified rustoleum and put dragon-head grips on it.

Protecting its character is a fine thing to so.

**Frenchy** · 08-30-2007, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by invssgt

Amen to that. You've got a piece of old classic iron there, and there are actually people in this world would spray it with glorified rustoleum and put dragon-head grips on it.

Protecting its character is a fine thing to so.

I'm of the same mindset. These pistols when first imported were relatively cheap, and many were modified.
Today...They are harder to find in original condition. As was said...Replace or upgrade the internals, and leave it a nice historic shooter. You will be glad you did.

Krackels · 08-30-2007, 06:15 AM

I'd keep it as it was. Just shell out $300 for a RIA if you want to build a pistol from the ground up.

jetsiphon · 08-30-2007, 07:01 AM

I may not have made my point clear. This isn't some gun that I just came upon, it was my Old Man's. The only thing that is going to change with the appearance is the sights and only because I want it to be a shooter again.

The finish will be parkarized. Sure, the worn look is cool, but this gun isn't a collectable, it's a shooter. Always has been and always will be.

To leave it like it is now means that it's out of service. The sear, disconnect and trigger are sooo far out of spec that it's not safe to shoot it. So it's time for a rebuild.

Brickboy240 · 08-30-2007, 07:53 AM

I like this pistol. Theres something cool about a worn looking 1911...like a faded pair of jeans. Honest wear adds character.

Still, theres no harm in re-furbing this pistol.

Why?

Well, the frame is a Sistema frame. I can tell by the scroll-like serial number on the side. The slide is from a WWI (or shortly thereafter) Hartford made M1911. Most Sistemas were made in Argentina, but the very early Sistemas WERE made in the Hartford factory by Colt, but the markings were very different. If this was an original Sistema slide, it would NOT say US Army, but "Ejercito Argentino" or possibly Argentine Navy or police markings. The slide would also have the scroll-like serial number stamped on the ejection port side as well as vertically on the top of the slide, rear of the ejection port.

The hammer lacks the wide spur that was common on all WWI Colt M1911s and on all Argentine Sistemas. That was replaced at some time...probably because the hammer hooks got worn past a safe tolerance and the oroginal spur hammer was tossed out.

The barrel lacks the serial number that is usually visible through he ejection port - another Argentine Sistema trait.

Your pistol is definately a "Frankenstein" of some sort. When it was re-built is anybody's guess. Doesn't make it a bad pistol at all, but you're pretty safe in doing some work to it to make it a safe and good shooter.

If your 1911 WAS an original WWI Colt M1911 or an all original Hartford or Argentine Sistema...I'd say do NOT make any major alterations, but this is not the case.

I am sure that when you're done, you will have a great shooter. I have a 1953 Argentine Sistema (with Buenes Aires Policia markings) that I have internally modded for safe function and reliability and it is a fantastic shooter. I am keeping its worn exterior look becaue it has character and lends to the history of the piece.

Have fun with it...the early 1911s were made of good steel and can be turned into fantastic shooters with minimal work.

- Brickboy240

jetsiphon · 08-30-2007, 08:11 AM

Yep, the original slide cracked long ago. The barrel was changed years ago, but just with something that fit, not something that was fitted....

Brickboy240 · 08-30-2007, 08:28 AM

If you replace some of the internals (sear, sear spring, etc.) and add a Wilson spring kit and a good barrel/bushing, it might shock you how good that thing will shoot.

Maybe swap the extractor for a Wilson Bulletproof Extractor and add a Wilson magazine, too.

My ratty looking Sistema with some internal parts swapping and the original barrel that has very worn rifling, throws 3" groups at 15yds all day long and feeds everything I throw in it. Looking at the piece, you'd swear it was ready for the crusher but that is not the case.

- Brickboy240

08-29-2007, 01:32 PM	#1
jetsiphon XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,192	Sistema Colt Rebuild......pic heavy My budd Rob has my 1945 Sistema Colt. For those of you that aren't familure with Sistema, here is some good info.... http://www.1911forum.com/forums/show...hlight=Sistema http://www.1911forum.com/forums/show...hlight=Sistema This gun was my Old Man's. He gave it to me when he got his new Colt Combat Target in '99. I'm not sure the exact round count through the gun, but, it's not low by any means. This is and was a working gun. Beat to ****, sure, but even up till now would run pretty well and keep 'em in the black at 15'. Yeah, it's not great, but hey, it did it's job to the best of it's ability. The trigger bow was bent, that's why I stopped shooting it. It would only really cycle and fire while using the original mag, so, I decided it was time to go in for a check up. Again, last time I shot it, which was about 6 months ago, it would run about 6 or 7 out of 8 before having a problem of some sorts. I chocked it up to the trigger and needed to be resprung. No biggie. Well, I'll leave all the findings for Rob to post. Here are some pics..... Before..... Rob did discover that sometime ago, the gun was used as a hammer.....the frame is bent a tad..... It made me laugh when he pointed this out. Just goes to prove... I'll keep the pics updated as we move along in the process. Parts list... Colt hammer (checkered instead of serated, better steel, right look) Wilson Combat Sear Wilson Bullet Proof Extractor, Blue Wilson Barrel Bushing, Blue Trijicon Front Sight Stainless Match Barrel Y/B Retro Rear Sight Over Sized Grip Bushing Kit Wilson Disconnector Wilson Sear Pin Wilson Mag Catch Lock New Main recoil spring cap New Guide Rod All new springs Barrel Link Barrel Link Pin More pics to come soon. __________________ XD9 Service Black - XD45 Service Dark Earth 1945 Sistema 1911 - Para Ordnance LTC Steyr M9A1 - Glock 17

08-29-2007, 02:06 PM	#2
speedracer211 XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bradenton Florida Posts: 2,406	I am rather fond of the worn look. Fix the things that need to be fixed and leave the finish and grips the way they are. __________________ "You can't fix stupid" Great reloading site and tell them I sent you. www.glockpost.com

08-29-2007, 08:13 PM	#3
jnclement XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: West Texas Posts: 2,492	I've got enough money in my Sistema to buy an STI Spartan, and have some custom work done on it. Wish I would have. Of course, mine isn't a Hartford, it's a cheapie. __________________ Contrary to what sells magazines, not all of us are, or want to be SpecOps, SEAL, Recon, Delta, CQB, Ninja, firearm-knife-tactical-death-touch instructors.

08-30-2007, 06:15 AM	#6
Krackels XDTalk 15K Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Southeastern PA Posts: 19,001 Blog Entries: 5	I'd keep it as it was. Just shell out $300 for a RIA if you want to build a pistol from the ground up. __________________ "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." --Benjamin Franklin America's Third Parties --- Duping the Foolish and Idealistic since 1832. PA Roll Call .................... My Blog

08-30-2007, 07:01 AM	#7
jetsiphon XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,192	I may not have made my point clear. This isn't some gun that I just came upon, it was my Old Man's. The only thing that is going to change with the appearance is the sights and only because I want it to be a shooter again. The finish will be parkarized. Sure, the worn look is cool, but this gun isn't a collectable, it's a shooter. Always has been and always will be. To leave it like it is now means that it's out of service. The sear, disconnect and trigger are sooo far out of spec that it's not safe to shoot it. So it's time for a rebuild. __________________ XD9 Service Black - XD45 Service Dark Earth 1945 Sistema 1911 - Para Ordnance LTC Steyr M9A1 - Glock 17

08-30-2007, 07:53 AM	#8
Brickboy240 XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 9,264	I like this pistol. Theres something cool about a worn looking 1911...like a faded pair of jeans. Honest wear adds character. Still, theres no harm in re-furbing this pistol. Why? Well, the frame is a Sistema frame. I can tell by the scroll-like serial number on the side. The slide is from a WWI (or shortly thereafter) Hartford made M1911. Most Sistemas were made in Argentina, but the very early Sistemas WERE made in the Hartford factory by Colt, but the markings were very different. If this was an original Sistema slide, it would NOT say US Army, but "Ejercito Argentino" or possibly Argentine Navy or police markings. The slide would also have the scroll-like serial number stamped on the ejection port side as well as vertically on the top of the slide, rear of the ejection port. The hammer lacks the wide spur that was common on all WWI Colt M1911s and on all Argentine Sistemas. That was replaced at some time...probably because the hammer hooks got worn past a safe tolerance and the oroginal spur hammer was tossed out. The barrel lacks the serial number that is usually visible through he ejection port - another Argentine Sistema trait. Your pistol is definately a "Frankenstein" of some sort. When it was re-built is anybody's guess. Doesn't make it a bad pistol at all, but you're pretty safe in doing some work to it to make it a safe and good shooter. If your 1911 WAS an original WWI Colt M1911 or an all original Hartford or Argentine Sistema...I'd say do NOT make any major alterations, but this is not the case. I am sure that when you're done, you will have a great shooter. I have a 1953 Argentine Sistema (with Buenes Aires Policia markings) that I have internally modded for safe function and reliability and it is a fantastic shooter. I am keeping its worn exterior look becaue it has character and lends to the history of the piece. Have fun with it...the early 1911s were made of good steel and can be turned into fantastic shooters with minimal work. - Brickboy240 __________________ The top 25% of wage earners in America pay 86% of all federal income taxes collected. (according to 2007 IRS website data) Es mejor morir a pie que vivir arrodillado Volvo...the Swedish Brick!

08-30-2007, 08:11 AM	#9
jetsiphon XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,192	Yep, the original slide cracked long ago. The barrel was changed years ago, but just with something that fit, not something that was fitted.... __________________ XD9 Service Black - XD45 Service Dark Earth 1945 Sistema 1911 - Para Ordnance LTC Steyr M9A1 - Glock 17

08-30-2007, 08:28 AM	#10
Brickboy240 XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 9,264	If you replace some of the internals (sear, sear spring, etc.) and add a Wilson spring kit and a good barrel/bushing, it might shock you how good that thing will shoot. Maybe swap the extractor for a Wilson Bulletproof Extractor and add a Wilson magazine, too. My ratty looking Sistema with some internal parts swapping and the original barrel that has very worn rifling, throws 3" groups at 15yds all day long and feeds everything I throw in it. Looking at the piece, you'd swear it was ready for the crusher but that is not the case. - Brickboy240 __________________ The top 25% of wage earners in America pay 86% of all federal income taxes collected. (according to 2007 IRS website data) Es mejor morir a pie que vivir arrodillado Volvo...the Swedish Brick!

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