Originally Posted by MacCool

If we're talking about a new-in-box gun, probably. If we're talking a used gun, that's true of the frame only, with its rollmark and serial number. More importantly, you have to beware of accessories or added parts. It's not impossible to get some really crappy aftermarket parts as add-ons or as "enhancememts", and this could be especially problematic on 1911's, probably the most "customized" firearm on the market. And it's not just parts quality you have to worry about, but also the possibility that it's been "worked on" by someone with less-than-stellar gunsmithing skills. I'm certainly not a 1911 fan, but if I were to buy one, I would be very leery of buying it from someone I didn't know to be honest and reliable.