Russian Contract Colt 1911

Published on August 6, 2020
Duration: 17:47

This video provides an in-depth historical review of a rare Colt 1911 pistol issued to the Russian government in 1916. The presenter, with apparent expertise in historical firearms, details the gun's journey through World War I, the Russian Revolution, and World War II, highlighting its significance as a commercial contract firearm. The review covers the pistol's condition, markings, and the broader historical context of its use, offering insights into its rarity and value.

Quick Summary

This 1916 Russian Contract Colt 1911 is a rare find due to historical US-Russia trade restrictions. Ordered for WWI, many were seized during the Russian Revolution and saw service through WWII. The pistol exhibits significant wear but retains strong rifling, though .45 ACP ammunition availability was a major issue for its use.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction: Rare Colt 1911
  2. 00:38Comparison to Springfield 1911
  3. 01:00Collector's Item: 'Ed's' Colt 1911
  4. 01:30Birth Year and Russian Issue (1916)
  5. 02:01Researching Similar Firearms
  6. 02:19Russian Contract Specifics
  7. 03:04Close Look at the Colt 1911
  8. 03:50Bore Condition Assessment
  9. 04:21Commercial Gun Identification
  10. 04:42Disassembly and Internal Inspection
  11. 05:35Historical Context: World War I
  12. 06:48Royal Family Obligations and War's Start
  13. 07:09Russian Society and War Preparedness
  14. 08:10Weapon Shortages in Russia
  15. 08:25Other Russian Contract Firearms (Luger)
  16. 09:35Searching for Available Weapons
  17. 09:49Cyrillic Writing and English Contract
  18. 10:10Order Logistics: England and J.P. Morgan
  19. 10:36Marking Variations
  20. 11:04Arrival and Seizure in Russia
  21. 11:51The Romanov Family and the Czar's Execution
  22. 12:52.45 Caliber Ammunition Issues
  23. 13:11Delivery and Troop Mutiny
  24. 13:59World War II and Renewed Use
  25. 14:51Second Lend-Lease Program
  26. 15:31Post-War Storage and Export
  27. 16:17Distribution to Soviet Satellite States
  28. 16:48This Gun's Journey to Iraq
  29. 17:01Import Challenges
  30. 17:23Conclusion: A Gun with a Story

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Colt 1911 rare?

This Colt 1911 is rare because it was part of a specific contract issued to the Russian government in 1916. Due to historical trade restrictions between the US and Russia, these firearms rarely made their way back to the United States.

What was the historical context of the Russian contract Colt 1911s?

These pistols were ordered by Russia for World War I. However, due to logistical issues and the Russian Revolution, many were seized by revolutionaries and saw service in a tumultuous period before potentially being used again in World War II.

What is the condition of this 1916 Russian contract Colt 1911?

The pistol shows significant wear, with most of its original bluing gone, revealing the underlying metal. The bore is rated 7 out of 10, with strong rifling but some frosting and corrosion. Despite the wear, it's noted as being well-maintained to prevent pitting.

Did these Russian contract 1911s have ammunition availability issues?

Yes, a significant issue was that Russia did not domestically produce .45 ACP ammunition. This meant that once the initial supply ran out, the pistols could only be used for a limited time.

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