Remington Rand M1911A1

Based out of Syracuse, New York, Remington Rand produced M1911A1s on contract for the US Government alongside others such as Colt, Singer, and Ithica. They not only produced the most pistols, between 875,000-900,000, but also helped develop manufacturing methods to speed up pistol production.

Not be be confused with the Remington Arms Company, Remington Rand made typewriters before contributing to the war effort with its pistols.

The serial number dates this one to very early 1944 and exhibits the "type 3" slide markings.

The "United States Property" markings were intimidating to some who brought these pistols back to the United States in illegitimate ways. As such you will occasionally run into military pistols with these markings removed.

When I purchased this Rand from a local gun shop, the price tag had "Remington R1" on it as the owner confused this pistol with the recently produced M1911 style pistols from the Remington Arms Company. It was also priced accordingly.

Being the most numerous of M1911A1s, a Remington Rand is a pretty accessible gun to check off of your list of US Milsurp must-haves. I'd definitely recommend one.