WWI 1911 advice

[tman]

The steel these guns were made with might not hold up.

A cracked frame would make me cry.

You should check out http://www.1911forum.com.

Modern .45 ammo is about 5 to 10 % lighter than that of 100 years ago, a cracked frame is pretty unlikely.
I shoot my 1893 Webley Mk1 about 3 or 4 times a year...too much fun.

If you know where to look, you'll find pics of me dual wielding arsenal rebuilds of a WWII RR and Colt last year.

[FJ540]

I'd hate to have anything happen to the gun, so it would be held near and dear. I wouldn't risk a range incident with it, and I wouldn't want to put any more wear on it either.

[Hammer99...]

These guys came recommended in a G&A publication.

http://www.turnbullmfg.com/store.asp?pid=20791

Looks like they do good work. The article said they only do restorations if it improves the value of the gun. If its one of the rare ones they just let you know.