Why didn't the WW2 M1911A1 mfg.'s keep going?

[Shooter5]

It seems RemRand and Ithaca, at least, could have kept up production lines to market a civilian pistol. Or, make other gun models and compete with the other mfg.'s in the post war era. Why did completely stop?

[Faulkner]

The government contracts were terminated and there was no civilian market. Not too many years after the war surplus 1911's were selling pretty cheap.

[ignats]

Colt started commercial production during October, 1946 per Clawson producing around 2000 Government Models. In the following three years, they produced over 18,000 pistols. Although, this is nowhere near the numbers the Big Three made during the war years, I'm guessing the demand just wasn't there. I suspect quite a few were stolen from the military and as previously mentioned, there were quite a few sold off to the public.

Ithaca's strong suit was shotguns and they returned to that. Remington-Rand got involved with early computer systems and other office equipment which I'm sure preoccupied them.

I'm don't if there were any patent or royalties as Colt did hold the early rights to that pistol. That may have prevented others from manufacturing the Government Model for the commercial market once the war ended. Which makes me wonder if there were any other gun companies making a Government Model pistol in this country at that time. It seems like most of the clones came much later, the 70's and 80's?

On another note, does anyone know what a new Colt Government Model was going for in the late 1940's and early 1950's?

[broom jockey]

When I was in 'Nam (66-67), 1911's were going out the back door as fast as they were coming in thru legitiment means. Everyone wanted one!

[raymeketa]

Businesses were in business to make money. If there was market, they would have continued making what they did under the government contracts. The same applies to every company at the close of the war, whether they were making cannons or condoms.

The 1950 Stoeger's catalog lists the Govt Model .45 and 38 @ $65.00.

[ignats]

Thanks for that info. Your explanation makes sense regarding business. Using an inflation calculator that amount is the equivalent of $631.52 in today's dollars. Most of them now run closer to $850 to $900.

[Ltdave]

...
The 1950 Stoeger's catalog lists the Govt Model .45 and 38 @ $65.00.

my dad would have worked (on the railroad Grand Trunk Western) for over 2 weeks to have had the money for one of those and he was a skilled worker...

he was offered a USGI pistol sometime after he got back from the Navy (51-55) but the guy got cold feet and threw it in the local river...

[Mike Josephic]

I recall that back I the mid 60's that nice WWII .45's could be had for around $50.00 at the local gun store. Some were re-parked
and/or rebuilt but some were originals with slight wear. Also, a 50 round box of surplus .45 ACP ball ammo could be had for $4.00.

Mike

[ignats]

1977, I looked at a nice Gov't Model that was like new in the box at a pawn shop in Birmingham, AL. The guy was asking $125 which just seemed a little high to me. I didn't know as much then as I have learned over the years about bargaining and decided to let it pass. My inflation calculator says that equals $482 in today's money. So, I guess that wasn't too bad of deal. BTW, $50 in 1965 equals $371 currently. I think I was making around $1000 a month back in 1977 so $125 wouldn't have broke the bank. That would have been my first personal .45 pistol if I had bought it and I guess that's why I remember it. I wanted one because I was issued one while in the service, but just didn't feel like parting with $125 bucks.

[Cosine26]

In 1940 Stoger lists the Government model for $41.60. The Natiional M atch with adjustable sights was priced at $50.00 and with fixed sights at $45.00.
After WWII everyone ,except target shooters, were interested in Lugers and P-38's. Not much market for the M1911A1. The prizes were the Walter PP and the PPK.
That's the way I remember it. I traded a P-38 in good condition for a M1911A1 , a real Colt with matching parts, in almost new conditon.
FWIW