Springfield Armory

[Chaz]

Just how many 1911s did the Armory manufacture from the beginning to the end of normal production (in 1916)?

[Mikecp]

Well, I saw different data on this subject, I would say from early 1914 to the middle of 1917
25,767 M1911 Springfield Armory made.

[Chaz]

Thanks, "...different data..." sums it up. I've looked in Clawson's small book and Cool Gun Site and haven't been able to come up with a definitive number. I just looked at Karl Karash's data and he writes "totaling about 35,000 guns."

[Johnny P]

I don't recall if Clawson has a total production figure in his big book, but Meadows gives the 25,767 figure as total Springfield Armory production. Have no idea where the 35,000 figure came from.

[Chaz]

Thanks JP and Mike.

[Rick the Librarian]

Well, I saw different data on this subject, I would say from early 1914 to the middle of 1917
25,767 M1911 Springfield Armory made.

...and all I'm looking for is one.

[Chaz]

The one I recently bought is the first I've ever seen! Someday I'll get around to taking photos that I can post.

[Johnny P]

The Springfield Armory Model 1911 was rust blued instead of the heat blue used by Colt and Remington-UMC. Also, the front sight was an integral part of the slide, milled from a boss left on the slide.

[Scott Gahimer]

I don't recall if Clawson has a total production figure in his big book, but Meadows gives the 25,767 figure as total Springfield Armory production. Have no idea where the 35,000 figure came from.

Yes, Clawson shows SA production at 25,767, too. I wonder if Karl was including military NM pistols, too? But I haven't checked production numbers on those to know how close that might come to 35,000. I just can't imagine him stating they made ca. 35K M1911 pistols. I can hear him saying of the 25,767 produced, there are only ca. 35K remaining.

[Chaz]

In his CD, Karl Karash states under the photo of s/n 80,000: "The Armory...made 1911 pistols in four batches totaling about 30,000." (My error previously quoting "35,000."). Unfortunately, I don't have Clawson's "big" book but data in the "small" book show production of 25+ thousand. Thanks for prompting me to dig a little deeper into Clawson's text.

[Chaz]

Here is my old girl. Nothing special, lots of wear but I am now the steward caring for her.

[Chaz]

Sorry about the deletion. If anyone has an interest in seeing them, just email me at longcheck@reagan.com and I'll send them. C

[glindes]

SA 1911 for sale...

...and all I'm looking for is one.

Rick, there is a shop in SE Pa with SA 107469 for sale. Nice honest wear. It's price tag says $4500.00. I have no interest/ownership in this weapon. I stop there in my travels. Geoff

[Chaz]

Reposting pix of 107078

[John C]

Good photos Chaz.............you have a nice looking pistol and certainly one you can be proud of!!