Systema .45 Anybody?

I bought a Systema Colt about a dozen years ago for about $100. This one was real junker but I only wanted it as base to build a race gun on.
The gunsmith I turned it over to had some real doubts about the wisdom of that but when he dug into it, it proved to be an excellent piece, perfectly machined and every bit as good as any Colt made in Hartford. He subsequently bought a dozen more of these (in similar shape - worn out junkers) as fodder to build guns on.
The finished gun was the most accurate I've ever owned, and of course I stupidly traded it off a couple of years ago...

There is one thing you need to know though. The Systema Colts are just like WWII era "gubmint" Colts and the slides are fairly soft. You wouldn't want to build one into a .45 Super or stick a Rowland conversion on it because it wouldn't be prudent - this opinion delivered from my gunsmith after he tested the metal. That's hardly a drawback since any Colt from that era would be the same. But it's been a long time since people were turning war surplus into a race guns and there are probably gunsmiths out there that don't know that. Keep your old guns in .45 acp and you'll never have to worry about eating a slide.
 
Coronach,

I doubt anyone know the real story, if you want one, I'd buy it now. I'm seriously considering a second one, just to put in the back of the safe for a rainy day. :)
 
I bought a grade I Sistema from Adam at Cruffler.com two weeks ago. It looks awsome, but I have not had a chance to clean it up and fire it yet. The fit and finish appear new, and it appears to have new walnut grips on it. I have a second one on order for this month.

Marty
 
Just ordered a Sistema today from David at CDNN. He asked me if I wanted one with the "crest". Not quite sure of what crest, but I said yeah anyway. I'm wondering if the CDNN pistols are as nice as the Crufflers? Anyone buy a CDNN Sistema? I was told that it was in "excellant" condition. Hopefully as nice as Johnwill's! I'm looking for a good shooter as well as a looker, so I'll keep you filled in.

Mike
 
Got my Sistema today from CDNN. It appears to be in almost new condition with only a few "dings" from normal carry. It came with new walnut grips, matching serial numbers on the slide, barrel and frame, and it was refinished. the marking on the right side of the slide says "POLICIA DE LA PROVINCIA DE BUENOS AIRES" along with a crest. Not being a spanish speaking person, I'm assuming this was a police gun! The only fault I can see with the gun is that it appears that the inside of the barrel was also partially coated or sprayed with whatever was used to refinish it.
Not completely coated, just "speckled". Anyone else notice this with their Sistema? I guess that 100 rounds of ball ammo with take care of this and I don't really think it's a problem. I'll give a range report tomorrow or Saturday.

Mike
 
Translation services:

Buenos Aires Provincial Police.

;)

Mike, Grand Master of Trivia and Restater of the Perfectly Obvious
 
I too am thinking of getting one of these fine pistols. I called CDNN yesterday and talked to David. He said when I place my order to ask for him and he will handpick the gun for me. It sounds like when anyone orders from CDNN, they should be asking for David.

I have never talked to David before, and am not one of their returning customers.

I would also be interested in a shop in Northern California that may have these pistols for sale.
 
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