The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: TFox2112 on June 22, 2010, 07:59:34 PM

Title: essex Arms .45 ACP
Post by: TFox2112 on June 22, 2010, 07:59:34 PM

A buddy in need of some cash offered up a .45 auto to me for $300.00. The gun appears to be in very good shape. It is very smooth and tight and appears to have been fired very little. I almost tore off my pocket getting out the cash. now I have need of some input from the all knowing 1911 gurus out there.  I can only find three marks on the gun.  Essex Arms on the frame, Pachmayer insignia on the grips and Colt stamp on the magazine. my buddy said the gun was made by a gunsmith in Savannah for his dad. Neither of whom are around anymore. Any thoughts?

Title: Re: essex Arms .45 ACP
Post by: Big Frank on June 22, 2010, 08:19:23 PM

All I know is that Essex made frames and slides for gunsmiths to make pistols from. I hope someone else knows more. M25?

Title: Re: essex Arms .45 ACP
Post by: m25operator on June 22, 2010, 08:21:26 PM

TFox, its yours, so go shoot it, Essex frames are soft in my experience, but workable, if it works, you got a good 1911, that will do a decent job, I have 1 pistol built on one, and after massaging, is a pretty cool pistol. At 300, if it works, you got a good deal. If you are thinking 1500 rounds without wear, well, it probably won't happen, still might work though.

Title: Re: essex Arms .45 ACP
Post by: bafsu92 on June 23, 2010, 08:46:49 AM

I've had pretty good luck with the stainless Essex frames, not as much with their cro-mo frames but still decent. I've got a 1911 i built with a Colt series 70 slide on a stainless Essex frame with at least 20k through it and no excessive wear showing. M25 is spot on on the softness issues with some of their cro-mo frames and slides but they've also put out some really good stuff too. Quality control seems to be an issue. If it was built by a decent smith he hopefully caught any issues before building it. I know I've sent some stuff back from them.

Title: Re: essex Arms .45 ACP
Post by: PegLeg45 on June 23, 2010, 05:27:48 PM

I know Brownells sells them and at their price for the base slide and frame, sounds like you got a great deal.


http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/cid=0/k=essex/t=P/ksubmit=y/Products/All/search=essex

Title: Re: essex Arms .45 ACP
Post by: ericire12 on June 23, 2010, 05:35:50 PM

If you dont like it, I'll give ya $100 for it ;)

Title: Re: essex Arms .45 ACP
Post by: bafsu92 on June 23, 2010, 09:29:23 PM

Quote from: ericire12 on June 23, 2010, 05:35:50 PM

If you dont like it, I'll give ya $100 for it ;)

If you don't like it I'll give you the $300 you paid... ;D

Title: Re: essex Arms .45 ACP
Post by: tombogan03884 on June 24, 2010, 01:18:24 AM

I've got the same grips on my Rock Island. I love them.
The local GS has one for $600