"Property of the U.S. Government"....1911's

Rembrandt

Please educate me on this....I've seen a number of 1911 .45's with "Property of U.S.Government" stamped on the slide. I've been a little leary of buying something that might have been "borrowed" by a GI....what should I be watching for before buying? Does the government have serial numbers of stolen guns to check against?

Edited by - Rembrandt on 06/12/2002 17:06:23

competentone

Since the 1911 is no longer a Service weapon--and it hasn't been for a long enough time that the statute of limitations would have run out on any that were stolen, I'd say you're safe in buying any of them.

Infact, the marking will probably only add to its collectability in the future.

JudgeColt

All of the above is true, except for the part about the statute of limitations. That does not run against the Government recovering its property, as some people who bought HUMMERS thinking they were legitmate surplus. They were not, and the Government took them back. There were some noises recently about this issue with firearms, but I do not recall the particulars. It had to do with title to surplus equipment, probably regarding foreign aid or the like, and someone realized it could apply to CMP M-1 Garands, etc.. I think the issue is dead or otherwise resolved. Someone here will know the particulars I am sure.

I would not hesitate to buy anything service related, unless I knew for sure it was stolen.

competentone

That's correct, Judge--one would not run the risk of criminal prosecution (statute of limitations would apply then) but the property could still be siezed if it could be proven it was stolen.

And I think what you're thinking of--I read it in Josey's posts--was a bill introduced that would have required all military surplus items, even those sold previously, to be "rendered unusable" or surrendered back to the government immediately for "proper de-milling" or destruction--or something like that.

My understanding is, the bill never went anywhere.

gunpaq

My neighbor had a 1911 Gov. Issue and the local police confiscated it from his house along with all his other guns when 911 was called due to him accidently shooting himself with a .22 revolver that dropped. The 1911 and a Garand were never returned to his family, infact the police mysteriously had no record of them.

Pack slow, fall stable, pull high, hit dead center.

Texas Jaguar

During a traffic stop in 1971 (when I was younger and getting thrills from fast cars instead of sex) dads 1911a1 was found in my trunk by an enthusiastic young cop. It was marked "Propert of US Gov't". He was curious as to its origins and I explained that dad stole it from the army at the the end of WWII and that the statute of limitations had expired. His partner was not convinced and ran it on NCIC. It came back clean and was returned to me with a warning and a traffic citation. This was a fortunate occurance and could easily have ended much differently. The gun was returned to my dad to let him deal with its legality. In this case if you got it don't flaunt it. In your situation I recommend "caveat emptor" or let the buyer beware.

davem3

In the 60's an NRA member could buy 1911's from the Govt. for $17.00, I still have the sales receipt. Interesting DCM Price List dated 1 July 1964 ~ 1911A1 National Match .45 $84.70, 1963 Model $103.00. National Match M1$148.00, standard issue M1, $94.30. How times have changed!

davem3

Xracer

....and you could buy 98K Mausers for $12.95 from Ye Olde Hunter and Virginia Arms......ah yes, the good old days!

Rembrandt

Gentlemen...Thank you for the information, much appreciated...I won't hesitate to buy if the right one comes around...