Colt M1911A1 Improved Model (1924 Transitional) U.S. Army Contract .45 ACP, 5-inch, Blued, 7+1, with 4 Magazines
This 1924 Colt M1911A1 Improved Model (Transitional) is a U.S. Army contract pistol from the first production year to implement the M1911A1 feature set. Built in a limited 10,000-pistol run, it carries hallmark transitional details, U.S. military property markings, and a single-letter inspection stamp on top of the slide. Its features, markings, and contract provenance place it squarely within Colt's 1924 Army block, making it a notable example for enthusiasts of early A1-era Colts.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The pistol is in solid shape considering its age and history. There are scratches and blemishes present, with widespread finish wear, patina, and blemishing. The action cycles smoothly, and the trigger pull remains crisp.
What's Included
- Colt M1911A1 Improved Model (1924 Transitional) pistol
- Four 7-round steel single-stack magazines (one marked "MADE IN ITALY" with numbered witness holes)
This U.S. Army contract Colt represents the 1924 transitional shift to the M1911A1 configuration. It falls within Colt's 1924 Army contract block (700001–710000) and features the period-correct combination of early A1 updates and retained M1911 characteristics.
Key A1 elements include frame relief cuts behind the trigger, a short trigger, and an arched, checkered mainspring housing with lanyard loop. It also has a wide, shortened, checkered spur hammer, along with checkered thumb safety, slide stop, and checkered magazine release.
The blued carbon-steel slide and frame show vertical rear slide serrations and an early, un-lowered ejection port. Sighting is the fixed GI pattern with a staked front blade and GI-pattern rear. Grips are checkered walnut panels without the double-diamond pattern, consistent with this transitional period.
Military markings include "M1911A1 U.S. ARMY" on the slide and "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" on the receiver, plus a single-letter proof/inspection stamp on the top of the slide. The Government-size 5-inch barrel and 7+1 capacity complete the classic .45 ACP configuration.
This pistol comes with four 7-round magazines, one of which is marked "MADE IN ITALY" and features numbered witness holes.