1911 Argentine Model

A

armschannel

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So I just picked up a Colt Argentine model up for a steal from a co-worker. It is in rough shape.....meaning all the bluing is gone and there are scratches and knicks everywhere. However, for $200 I couldn't pass it up. I originally wanted to get it and do a custom duracoat job, however, I noticed these can bring a good amount of cash.

My dilema. Is it worth more if I leave it as is, in rough shape or will it be worth the same with a cool desert tan paint job?

Experts weigh in.....thanks!
 
Is it a "Hartford Colt", made by Colt for Argentina, or is it a "Sistema", made in Argentina?
The former are worth more, and the prices on the latter have gone up considerably in the last five years or so, but a gun in "rough shape" doesn't have much value as anything but a shooter.
 
200 bucks is a steal on a Sistema no matter what shape its in, I would clean it up and leave it as is, not everybody thinks tan guns are cool.
 
Before I bastardize it, I figured I'd run it by the forum. I like the idea of painting it, but would hate to find out by doing so I dropped the value by $500 or so.
 
It's likely already lost as much collector value as it ever will. Dura-coating it won't change that or increase its value. It's a shooter and that's all. Just being a shooter isn't exactly a horrible thing though.
I'd be inclined to clean up the surface damage first. No files or rotary tools though.
Sistema's do vary in value. Colt made 'em but there were also Argentine made under licence pistols. There's one on Armslist that has been ravaged(finish polished entire off) the guy thinks is worth $475. Another on Gunbroker, from a Florida pawn shop, in good to excellent condition they're asking $275 for.
 
My dilema. Is it worth more if I leave it as is, in rough shape or will it be worth the same with a cool desert tan paint job?
Click to expand...
That gun has been highly customized (sights, trigger, hammer, safety lever, grip safety, etc.)...there is zero collector value left. Do what you want to it...you cannot do any harm to it with even more modifications.
 
Awesome. Thanks for the help. I am actually kind of glad. I really wanted to duracoat one of these with some cool colors.

Cheers!!
 
One more thing (btw you have all been really helpful, so thanks for that). Will most parts be interchangeable like grips, mags, etc?
 
One other option is to Flitz polish it until it gleams,
then dunk it in a nice synthetic oil overnight :)

Have care though, use a flat surface for polishing over/around lettering.
 
Based on the slide markings, it's a Sistema, and NOT a Colt-built, Hartford contract pistol. I have no idea what it's worth, but I'm pretty sure a desert tan paint job will reduce the value rather than add to it.
 
I'm not sure I would put any money at all into that gun. It is a beater, just use it as such (truck gun, beat around gun, etc.).

Jim
 
I think that for that gun to have any value other than as a truck or beater gun would be to replace all the modifications that have been done with correct parts.

I don't know how you would "age" them to match the current finish, maybe drag them behind your truck on a gravel road for a mile or two.

This one looks to be pretty close to the condition that a paint job would increase the value.

If it were mine and I thought I'd like to see a paint job refinish on it, I'd do it.
 
Yeah it is a 1960's sistema. All the serial numbers match. Going to shoot it this weekend. Probably going to clean it up, paint it, and throw some cool grips on it. Should be the best $200 1911 out there!...lol
 
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