Springfield Armory Serial Number Lookup

The Colt pistol was formally adopted by the Army on March 29, 1911, thus gaining its designation, M1911 (Model of 1911). It was adopted by the Navy and Marine Corps in 1913. Originally manufactured only by Colt, demand for the firearm in World War I saw the expansion of manufacture to the government-owned Springfield Armory.

Serial numbers that begin with a “C” were.45 ACP and serial numbers that begin with a “W” were.455 Webley calibers. 4) Colt M1911 British RAF Contract: S/N W91,100 to W110,696 = Jan. 22, 1918 to April 28, 1919 (Approx. 10,000 pistols were shipped to the Royal Air Force from this serial number range and were.455 Webley caliber.). The serial numbers for the Springfield Armory M1911 pistols ranged between 72,571 and 133,186. The left sides of the receivers were marked “United States Property” in the same location as were the Colt-made M1911 pistols.

Battlefield experience in the First World War led to some more small external changes, completed in 1924. The new version received a modified type classification, M1911A1. Changes to the original design were minor and consisted of a shorter trigger, cutouts in the frame behind the trigger, an arched mainspring housing, a longer grip safety spur (to prevent hammer bite), a wider front sight, a shorter spur on the hammer, and simplified grip checkering by eliminating the 'Double Diamond' reliefs.

Springfield 1911 Serial Number Location

Those unfamiliar with the design are often unable to tell the difference between the two versions at a glance. No significant internal changes were made, and parts remained interchangeable between the two.