Remington Rand 1911a1 Markings Jun 2026

Crucial Warning: If a pistol has a serial number below 916,405, it is a Remington Rand frame (it’s likely Colt, Ithaca, or Singer). If it is above 2.26 million, it’s post-war.

Remington Rand did not make every screw and spring. To meet quotas, they sourced parts from subcontractors. These tiny marks are the linchpin of authentic collection.

Before you buy or sell, grab a magnifying glass, check the against the slide type , verify the subcontractor codes , and search for the dreaded arsenal stamp . In the world of vintage 1911s, knowledge of these markings separates the casual owner from the serious historian.

A genuine Remington Rand frame features specific stamps that distinguish it from other manufacturers like Colt or Ithaca. Remington Rand 1911A1 Evolution Not all are created equal. remington rand 1911a1 markings

Disclaimer: Firearm collecting involves laws that vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified appraiser for valuation and a gunsmith for safety verification before firing a vintage M1911A1.

If you tell me the or describe the slide logo , I can help you: Identify the year of manufacture Verify the correctness of the parts Estimate the historical rarity

A small "P" is typically found on the top of the slide (near the rear sight) and on the left side of the frame near the magazine release. These indicate the pistol passed high-pressure test firings. Crucial Warning: If a pistol has a serial

This article will dissect every stamp, rollmark, and electro-pencil etching you will find on a genuine Remington Rand M1911A1.

The serialized frame is the "birth certificate" of the pistol. Remington Rand frames were manufactured by Remington Rand, Union Switch & Signal (very rare), or Colt (in the very early contracts).

By late 1944, Remington Rand was making everything in-house. The company introduced its iconic rollmark. To meet quotas, they sourced parts from subcontractors

The font style changed slightly over the production run, but the text remained consistent. The "F" suffix serial number range (approx. 900,000 to 1,000,000) and the subsequent "no letter" suffix ranges are typical of Remington Rand.

Most original barrels will be marked with a "P" on one side of the lug and an "HS" (High Standard) on the other. Remington Rand did not make their own barrels; High Standard was their primary supplier.

Production began in late 1942. The company faced a steep learning curve, leading to significant changes in subcontractors, internal parts, and inspection procedures over a short period. Because these changes happened rapidly and were documented by specific stampings, Remington Rand pistols are arguably the most collectible variations of the 1911A1 platform. Each marking tells a story of a specific factory line, a specific subcontractor, or a specific Army inspector.

The earliest Remington Rand pistols used leftover slide forgings and roll dies provided by the Ordnance Department. These slides are often misidentified as Colt slides because they share a nearly identical font and layout.

REMINGTON RAND INC. SYRACUSE, N.Y. U.S.A. PATENTED