Vietnam Captured Ithaca Model 1911

Published on June 4, 2024
Duration: 14:10

This video details the disassembly and comparison of a captured North Vietnamese variant of the Ithaca Model 1911 pistol. The presenter highlights significant differences in craftsmanship, machining, and tolerances between the original Ithaca and the captured firearm, which is believed to be either Chinese-made or North Vietnamese-reworked. Key observations include crude finishing, reversed sights, and poor part fitment, indicating a counterfeit or heavily modified weapon.

Quick Summary

A captured North Vietnamese Ithaca Model 1911 variant, likely used during the Vietnam War, displays significant deviations from original specifications. Key flaws include crude machining, reversed front sights, poor part fitment, and a barrel described as a 'sewer pipe' with no rifling, indicating it was either a counterfeit or heavily modified.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Vietnam Captured Ithaca Model 1911
  2. 00:16History of the Captured Firearm
  3. 01:14Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Soldier's Weapon
  4. 01:23Gunsmithing and Repair of the Captured Pistol
  5. 02:15Comparison: Real Ithaca vs. Vietnamese Copy
  6. 03:01Chinese Counterfeiting: The 'Wowser' Pistol
  7. 04:43Origin of the Ithaca Variant: China or North Vietnam?
  8. 05:53Exterior Examination of the Captured Pistol
  9. 06:39Tolerances and Machining Defects
  10. 07:45Disassembly and Part Analysis
  11. 08:33Detailed Comparison of Internal Parts
  12. 09:48Barrel and Bore Condition
  13. 10:30Magazine Comparison
  14. 11:03Frame Comparison
  15. 11:44Hammer and Housing Differences
  16. 12:03Reworked World War II Issued Gun
  17. 12:15The Mystery of Counterfeit Markings
  18. 13:21Availability and Sale of the Captured Firearm
  19. 13:41New Variation: The 'Iagon'
  20. 13:48Conclusion and Channel Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history behind the captured Ithaca Model 1911 variant shown in the video?

This captured Ithaca Model 1911 variant is believed to have been used by a North Vietnamese or Viet Cong soldier during the Vietnam War. It's speculated to be either manufactured in China during WWII or reworked in North Vietnam using original Ithaca parts as a template.

What are the key differences between the captured Ithaca variant and a genuine Ithaca Model 1911?

The captured variant exhibits significantly poorer machining, looser tolerances, a reversed front sight, a squared trigger guard, and a poorly fitting magazine. Its frame and slide have been ground down, making it thinner and shorter than an original Ithaca.

Why would someone counterfeit an Ithaca Model 1911 with such obvious flaws?

The video suggests that these counterfeits were likely intended for soldiers who may not have had prior exposure to genuine American firearms. The crude markings, like the 'Wowser' logo on a Mauser copy, indicate an attempt to mimic the original without achieving accuracy, possibly to deceive less informed users.

What is the condition of the barrel and bore on the captured Ithaca variant?

The barrel on the captured variant is described as a 'sewer pipe' with no discernible rifling. The few visible lines are straight, not turned, and the bore is not shiny, indicating extremely poor manufacturing or damage.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Legacy Collectibles

View all →