Model 1911 IMBEL JUBA

[superglide]

Just acquired this 1911. Trying to interpret the markings under the right grip panel.
2004 IMBEL ITAJUBA. I can't find what the ITAJUBA means.
Anybody?

Thanks
Joe Brown

 

[cico7]

Itajubá is a municipality in southeastern Minas Gerais state of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

 

[cico7]

IMBEL was founded on July 16, 1934, in the city of Itajubá, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

My guess is that is where it was built.

 

[Sld1959]

Ding Ding. Give da man a lollipop. My understanding was Springfield built thier pistols with imported frames and slides.

I have not heard but do they still do this or are they made here in the states?

 

[superglide]

I knew that IMBEL was Brazil. Didn't know the city was part of the id. Interesting, thanks cico7.

 

[Annihilator]

There all made in the USA now, but the older Springfield’s frames, slide and such were forged in Brazil. If I am not mistaken, any serial number that starts with NM are USA made.

 

[superglide]

I just looked up Itajuba. Looks like a nice place. They made many different weapons. Including mausers and other long guns.

 

[HansGruber]

Bingo.

Up until 5-10 years ago, Springfield used imported frames to build the majority of their 1911’s.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is a thing.

 

[Bassbob]

Well, it's not as if Brasil doesn't have a fairly lengthy history of building 1911s. At one point they were building Llamas down there on old Colt machinery.

 

[HansGruber]

Well, it's not as if Brasil doesn't have a fairly lengthy history of building 1911s. At one point they were building Llamas down there on old Colt machinery.

Not quite true.

Argentina did pay Colt to set up a 1911 production line, this is true.

But it was not Colt’s old equipment…they were still using the original mills in the 1990’s, iirc.

That being said—the Systema Colts (and FM High Powers, for that matter) are some of the highest quality “clones” available.

In fact, the only better period non-Colt 1911’s are probably the Kongsberg m.1914’s from Norway.

 

[Bassbob]

Not quite true.

Argentina did pay Colt to set up a 1911 production line, this is true.

But it was not Colt’s old equipment…they were still using the original mills in the 1990’s, iirc.

That being said—the Systema Colts (and FM High Powers, for that matter) are some of the highest quality “clones” available.

In fact, the only better period non-Colt 1911’s are probably the Kongsberg m.1914’s from Norway.

Ah. Well whatever machinery my Max 2 was made on, I got no complaints. It was no more fussy than any other GI grade 1911. Needed a little love on the feed ramp and it doesn't like the aftermarket mags I had for it. Other than that it has been flawless. 4" 13 rd. And if I run out of ammo I can just throw it at you, it weighs about 50 lbs.