The Commander!

Beauetienne · #**101** 08-01-2020, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandyrandy

How does the inside of that Colt look? I dont buy the iconic Colts anymore because I keep finding them with way to many machining marks inside the frame and I personally dont find that acceptable for what u pay.

I haven't paid very close attention to machine marks on the interior, but I did a thorough cleaning twice so far and nothing jumped out at me except what a fine job they did shaping and polishing the mouth of the barrel (the entire barrel is beautifully done).

tlawler · #**102** 08-01-2020, 07:32 AM

Here are my two Commanders: an early billboard S&W 1911SC and a Sig RCS.

stansdds · #**103** 08-01-2020, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandyrandy

ATI Commander by Dandy Randy, on Flickr

So we are back with the Commander series of pistols. I just finished the upgrade process on the new ATI Wilson Combat Commander Po Man Special. I was going to lower and flare the ejection port but after shooting the gun it does not look like its necessary plus I would have to re-parkerize the pistol. Maybe many moons down the road Ill do that but not now. I may put in a new extractor though. I did have a failure to eject but not on live rounds it was on my heavily worn plastic snap caps. I believe the FTE was due to worn out and damaged old snap caps and not the pistol extractor. I had 100% reliable on all 500 FMJ and HP rounds. Had one issue with failure to eject magazine but that was due to a knock off rip off "Colt" junk magazine I had layin around for many moons. They work however the metal and paint was very thick on the mag so it got stuck in there. Stay away from those knock off "Colt" mags! I can tell you later how to identify them if anyone is curious. Basically if the price is too good to be true its probably a fake Colt mag.

Very nice!
That ejection port is what I would consider to already be lowered. The original 1911 port barely extended into the flat of the slide and even those can be reliable for ejection, they just leave a dent on the case mouth. Flaring the back edge of the port can help in preventing the cases from getting dented in the case head area, but beyond that, the flare is not necessary.

Most factory produced 1911's have a sloppy fit to the firing pin retainer and extractor. This allows the extractor to rotate slightly, which can affect extraction and ejection. A 1911 that ejects brass over a wide area is almost certain to have an extractor that is rotating. A fitted firing pin retainer and possibly a new extractor are the answers to this problem.

1911 feed reliability horror stories often come from crummy magazines. The 1911 needs a quality magazine, held to fairly tight specifications, and the magazine needs to be held at the correct height within the receiver. I have experience with an old Thompson Auto-Ordnance 1911 (1980's production) that had receiver with a poorly positioned magazine catch hole. It worked if you applied pressure to the bottom of the magazine when firing, but without upward pressure, a feed jam was likely to occur.

Poorly made magazines are the bane of the 1911. Gun shows are often filled with cheap knock off mags, sometimes in military style wrapping paper and with a NSN number on the base plate. A 1911 magazine that costs you only $5 is going to give you a $5 performance. You get what you pay for. For reliable and affordable magazines, genuine Colt magazines are good as are Springfield Armory, Mec-Gar, Metalform and Checkmate. There are others, but they will cost more.

If you want to know a whole lot more about 1911 magazine identification, check out this thread over at the m1911.org Forums.
1911 Magazine Identification

dandyrandy · #**104** 08-01-2020, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stansdds

Very nice!
That ejection port is what I would consider to already be lowered. The original 1911 port barely extended into the flat of the slide and even those can be reliable for ejection, they just leave a dent on the case mouth. Flaring the back edge of the port can help in preventing the cases from getting dented in the case head area, but beyond that, the flare is not necessary.

Most factory produced 1911's have a sloppy fit to the firing pin retainer and extractor. This allows the extractor to rotate slightly, which can affect extraction and ejection. A 1911 that ejects brass over a wide area is almost certain to have an extractor that is rotating. A fitted firing pin retainer and possibly a new extractor are the answers to this problem.

1911 feed reliability horror stories often come from crummy magazines. The 1911 needs a quality magazine, held to fairly tight specifications, and the magazine needs to be held at the correct height within the receiver. I have experience with an old Thompson Auto-Ordnance 1911 (1980's production) that had receiver with a poorly positioned magazine catch hole. It worked if you applied pressure to the bottom of the magazine when firing, but without upward pressure, a feed jam was likely to occur.

Poorly made magazines are the bane of the 1911. Gun shows are often filled with cheap knock off mags, sometimes in military style wrapping paper and with a NSN number on the base plate. A 1911 magazine that costs you only $5 is going to give you a $5 performance. You get what you pay for. For reliable and affordable magazines, genuine Colt magazines are good as are Springfield Armory, Mec-Gar, Metalform and Checkmate. There are others, but they will cost more.

If you want to know a whole lot more about 1911 magazine identification, check out this thread over at the m1911.org Forums.
1911 Magazine Identification

One thing I can say about the ATI Commander is that it makes a great cave man club once your ammo runs out... Can you imagine being clubbed by that thing??? Geez.. Using the gun as a club is something not talked about much in self defense courses for some reason. I can tell you this its very effective. Especially a full sized 1911. A strike from your fist is not going to be as effective as a swing from an all steel 1911 frame.

ContinentalOp · #**105** 08-01-2020, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandyrandy

One thing I can say about the ATI Commander is that it makes a great cave man club once your ammo runs out... Can you imagine being clubbed by that thing??? Geez.. Using the gun as a club is something not talked about much in self defense courses for some reason. I can tell you this its very effective. Especially a full sized 1911. A strike from your fist is not going to be as effective as a swing from an all steel 1911 frame.

Here you go:

https://www.personaldefensenetwork.c...n-in-a-fight/#

stansdds · #**106** 08-02-2020, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandyrandy

One thing I can say about the ATI Commander is that it makes a great cave man club once your ammo runs out... Can you imagine being clubbed by that thing??? Geez.. Using the gun as a club is something not talked about much in self defense courses for some reason. I can tell you this its very effective. Especially a full sized 1911. A strike from your fist is not going to be as effective as a swing from an all steel 1911 frame.

That's one reason why I have yet to embrace the plastic pistols.

gnystrom · #**107** 08-02-2020, 02:12 PM

Only one commander for me, (so far).

dandyrandy · #**108** 01-27-2021, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandyrandy

IMG_0747 by Dandy Randy, on Flickr

Commander refers to all Colt 1911s with a barrel of about 4.25 inches and has a shorter slide to accommodate that barrel. Now a days Commander refers to most any 1911 pistol with that same Colt configuration or close to it. They all have roughly the same barrel length. Colt is usually the standard reference for all 1911 pistols.

All I can say is Im a big fan of the Commander size 1911s. Im going to be reviewing some Commander size 1911s here in the near future and starting things out I have a pair of Commanders. One is a Colt and the other is a Desert Eagle. One is an 80 series and the other is a 70 series. Another Colt reference that usually designates whether or not the gun has a firing pin safety or not. I would like to talk about that next.

It has been said that the 70 series is the more desirable since it has the best trigger and ease of disassembly and re assembly. The Desert Eagle Commander shown above would be considered
a 70 series since its lacking a firing pin safety. The Colt has an original 80 series Colt design firing pin safety. I have heard that this 80 series is the undesirable system of the two but I dont see that as the case. So far I dont see or feel any real difference in the two triggers. I also dont have any real problem reassembling any of these pistols regardless of the firing pin safety or not.

Theres also the argument that the extra firing pin safety "gizmos" is just another thing that will break and its one of those consistent themes Ive heard in the 1911 community. To me the 1911 is just another pistol just like any other pistol. There is other styles that incorporate all types of different features, some features better than others, but nonetheless most of these guns function well. So why the big stink with 1911s? I personally dont get it and it should just be buyers choice. The problem is once it becomes a common themed "misconception" in the firearms world that this is the "go to type of thing" and "avoid that at all costs" when it really dosent amount to anything real. I personally dont see any "striking" difference or an issue in the two "none firing pin safety" and "firing pin safety" style 1911s. That includes some of the other styles of firing pin safeties like in the Kimber brand. Ive also never had one of these "safeties" fail on me ever. Not saying it cant happen but if we are going that route while your concerned of shooting your 80 series style pistol you could be squashed by a stripped and winged meteor from space shaped like a 57 Chevy Bel Air...

By the way this Magnum Research Israeli made Desert Eagle has been absolutely EXCELLENT! Ive had this gun for awhile now and it still looks and functions PERFECT! One of the nicest triggers I ever had on a 1911 EVER but good luck finding one! They have all gone bye bye! I suggest to everyone get your firearms while you can because new in stock pistols are dwindling faster than the do do bird.

walter o · #**109** 01-27-2021, 11:38 PM

1 of my series 80 light wt.commander/Iviry grips with 24 c gold pesos jnlayed

38super commander/Ivories

.357magger · #**110** 01-28-2021, 02:22 AM

I like Commanders too.

1991a1 Colt Combat Commander
Colt XSE Combat Commander

Both in stainless and 45 acp, just like God and JMB intended.

Straightshooter2 · #**111** 01-28-2021, 03:28 AM

Late 1980s Combat Commander, 3.5 pound trigger pull. Cocobolo grips by Esmerelda.

2011 Commander. Water buffalo grips have now been replaced also with cocobolo grips by Esmerelda.

S-W4EVER · #**112** 01-28-2021, 06:54 AM

Almost all of my 1911’s are full size 5” bbl steel frame pistols. I’ve never understood the need for a Combat Commander but when Colt introduced the Wiley Clapp I purchased the Government Model, Commander, and Officer’s versions (all blued .45 ACP’s). The (Lightweight) Commander feels the best in my hand (and balances the best).

SuperMan · #**113** 01-28-2021, 09:17 AM

Commanders in .38 Super are my favorite semi-auto pistol. Have carried one daily since 1980.

And has been said, Commanders have aluminum frames...Combat Commanders have steel frames.. I own and shoot both but have only carried a Commander. Why Colt couldn't have kept this straight is beyond me...

Have had Commanders (or CCs) in just about every caliber made...9mm, .38 Super, 9x23 Winchester, .357 SIG, 10mm and .45.

At this point I have:
Commanders: 5-Colt 2-Dan Wesson
Combat Commanders: 4-Colt 1-SIG

Crazy I know, but I'm working on a Commander in 10mm...

Bob

SAFireman · #**114** 01-28-2021, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperMan

Commanders in .38 Super are my favorite semi-auto pistol. Have carried one daily since 1980.

And has been said, Commanders have aluminum frames...Combat Commanders have steel frames.. I own and shoot both but have only carried a Commander. Why Colt couldn't have kept this straight is beyond me...

Have had Commanders (or CCs) in just about every caliber made...9mm, .38 Super, 9x23 Winchester, .357 SIG, 10mm and .45.

At this point I have:
Commanders: 5-Colt 2-Dan Wesson
Combat Commanders: 4-Colt 1-SIG

Crazy I know, but I'm working on a Commander in 10mm...

Bob

Bob,

During my 10mm phase, I lusted after a Dan Wesson CBOB in 10mm. I never found one priced reasonably, and only had govt size Colts.

I spoke to Bob Serva about making one for me, but he was twice what the most expensive CBOB would have cost at the time.

I think a multi-caliber Commander would be just the thing for SHTF as I can still find 38 Super and 10mm on the shelves

AJ · #**115** 01-28-2021, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAFireman

I think a multi-caliber Commander would be just the thing for SHTF as I can still find 38 Super and 10mm on the shelves

On shelves? Load your own......solves the problem of buying off the shelf.

oysterer · #**116** 01-28-2021, 02:20 PM

Dan Wesson has a range of Compact Commanders like my PM-C 9mm. Love it. Tight, accurate and beautiful.

SuperMan · #**117** 01-29-2021, 09:42 AM

SAF...I have a TALO Commander that has extra barrels in 9mm and 9x23 Winchester.

Also just bought a SIG Nightmare Carry in .357 SIG and added a .38 Super barrel to. It was impressive enough that 10mm and .40 S&W barrels will be added this year....and maybe even 9mm. But it is a steel framed gun...

Looking into somehow converting the DW Guardian into 10mm...I think the easiest way would be finding a 10/.40 slide assembly instead of having the breechface opened up...

Bob

gunsnrovers · #**118** 01-29-2021, 10:23 AM

Early 90's combat commander tweaked by Bain & Davis and dressed up and refinished by Virgil Tripp.

Marshal tom · #**119** 01-29-2021, 01:43 PM

I have owned and carried full size, Commander, Combat Commander and Officer length Colt and customs over the years. I only own one full size complete custom now. Of all of them, I like the Commander length the best and for carry I prefer a Commander.
If any of you get American Handgunner, there is an article about a custom that I came up with the idea for while visiting with C.T. Brian in his shop one day. See Mar/April 2006 issue. I came up with the perfect 1911 combo pistol that has a Commander length 4.25 slide with two complete lowers.A steel frame for more weight and control for shooting, duty use etc and a Titanium Officer lower for concealment and lighter weight for carry. Just change out the slide.All controls were exactly the same.
Tim built the gun for the upcoming American Handgunner article and offered the gun to me when completed. I did not feel I could afford it at the time so he took it to Shot Show and sold it immediately. I am in the article and was given full credit for the idea by American Handgunner. Looking back on it now, I wish I had purchased the pistol.

AJ · #**120** 01-29-2021, 01:53 PM

First M1911 that I ever bought was a Colt Combat Commander. I bought it and never really warmed up to it. It cost $175 OTD in 1974. Sold it and bought a S&W M29-2. Still do not have another Commander, but have owned about 50 M1911's over the years.

arjay · #**121** 01-29-2021, 02:00 PM

My only commander,an early 70s cc that I found at a gun show 15 yrs ago

dandyrandy · #**122** 01-29-2021, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marshal tom

I have owned and carried full size, Commander, Combat Commander and Officer length Colt and customs over the years. I only own one full size complete custom now. Of all of them, I like the Commander length the best and for carry I prefer a Commander.
If any of you get American Handgunner, there is an article about a custom that I came up with the idea for while visiting with C.T. Brian in his shop one day. See Mar/April 2006 issue. I came up with the perfect 1911 combo pistol that has a Commander length 4.25 slide with two complete lowers.A steel frame for more weight and control for shooting, duty use etc and a Titanium Officer lower for concealment and lighter weight for carry. Just change out the slide.All controls were exactly the same.
Tim built the gun for the upcoming American Handgunner article and offered the gun to me when completed. I did not feel I could afford it at the time so he took it to Shot Show and sold it immediately. I am in the article and was given full credit for the idea by American Handgunner. Looking back on it now, I wish I had purchased the pistol.

For light weight Commander framed guns I stick to 9mm. Reason being is they are usually always a ramped barrel. I dont care for aluminum alloy ramps on 45 acp handguns. Just my personal preference.

dandyrandy · #**123** 01-29-2021, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arjay

My only commander,an early 70s cc that I found at a gun show 15 yrs ago

Original or not dont make any difference to me I stay away from Colts these days or from ANY time of manufacture mainly because of the machining marks I find inside them. I find that unacceptable for what one would pay for one. When my cheap Philippine and Turk guns look better than the Colts that cost 3 to 4 times more we have a problem folks! When I ask Colt about it they pretty much give me the attitude that they dont care so why would I EVER stand with a product were they dont stand behind there own product or care at all about what they are making??? Therefore Colt is a big NO in my book. I stick to Dan Wessons for this very reason. Why buy a Colt when I could pay just a 100 bucks more and have a gun thats a MILLION times better?

dandyrandy · #**124** 01-29-2021, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunsnrovers

Early 90's combat commander tweaked by Bain & Davis and dressed up and refinished by Virgil Tripp.

Cool gun but I stay away from 80 series guns these days that I plan on doing stuff to. Mostly because it gets old fidgeting with the firing pin safety components all the time putting them back in and out. It gets old quick.

dandyrandy · #**125** 01-29-2021, 02:52 PM

IMG_0730 by Dandy Randy, on Flickr

After messing with all these different "Commanders" of all different types this Dan Wesson CCO is still the winner chicken dinner! The gun exhibits perfection in just about every attribute I can think of. Only short coming of the gun is the hammers tend to rust on this gun. Im aware of the problem and keep the gun oiled and never had a problem from one of my own but it is something to watch out for. Other than that it performs the best out of all the Commanders I messed with. Good luck tryin to find one though its gonna be tough for ya these days!

dandyrandy · #**126** 01-29-2021, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oysterer

Dan Wesson has a range of Compact Commanders like my PM-C 9mm. Love it. Tight, accurate and beautiful.

The DWs are top of the line in my book tip of the spear for mass PRODUCTION made 1911s. The accuracy and craftsmanship out of all mine is unheard of these days in a production pistol. Everyone thinks they are too much for some reason and buy a Colt or Springfield Armory instead for cheaper however why would you do that when you can pay just a few hundred dollars more and have a gun that is SOOOO much better in so many ways. I mean it makes sense to me??? My Dan Wesson Heritage was about $1200 bucks... Theres Colts that are more expensive than that and coudnt even touch how nice this Heritage 45 is!

ladder13 · #**127** 01-29-2021, 03:27 PM

If you could only have one, Colt. Blah blah blah blah.

dandyrandy · #**128** 01-29-2021, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJ

First M1911 that I ever bought was a Colt Combat Commander. I bought it and never really warmed up to it. It cost $175 OTD in 1974. Sold it and bought a S&W M29-2. Still do not have another Commander, but have owned about 50 M1911's over the years.

I would much rather have the S&W model 29 so you did good there.

dandyrandy · #**129** 01-29-2021, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladder13

If you could only have one, Colt. Blah blah blah blah.

The original Colt 1911 is probably the most overrated gun in the history of the gun market on planet Earth. I consider Colt 1911s to be "ok" guns and would probably rather have a Springfield Armory 1911 for the same price point (that Ronin Commander is lookin pretty sweet) or pay a little more to have something nicer to be honest.

dandyrandy · #**130** 01-29-2021, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperMan

SAF...I have a TALO Commander that has extra barrels in 9mm and 9x23 Winchester.

Also just bought a SIG Nightmare Carry in .357 SIG and added a .38 Super barrel to. It was impressive enough that 10mm and .40 S&W barrels will be added this year....and maybe even 9mm. But it is a steel framed gun...

Looking into somehow converting the DW Guardian into 10mm...I think the easiest way would be finding a 10/.40 slide assembly instead of having the breechface opened up...

Bob

10 mm Commander pistols are hard to find. DW did make one but good luck trying to find one and its going to be expensive if you do!

dandyrandy · #**131** 01-29-2021, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAFireman

Bob,

During my 10mm phase, I lusted after a Dan Wesson CBOB in 10mm. I never found one priced reasonably, and only had govt size Colts.

I spoke to Bob Serva about making one for me, but he was twice what the most expensive CBOB would have cost at the time.

I think a multi-caliber Commander would be just the thing for SHTF as I can still find 38 Super and 10mm on the shelves

You should of bought the 10mm DW Commander while you had the chance. They are worth twice as much now.

SuperMan · #**132** 01-30-2021, 09:21 AM

DR...I did look at the DW 10mm Combat Commander but for whatever reason just never did pull the trigger. At the time I had a RIA TAC II that was their version of a Combat Commander in 10mm. Paid $505 for it. Bobbled the first round and never failed to cycle gain. Accuracy was excellent...just as good as the guns I had that cost three times as much. Sold it only because I hated the nose heavy balance that the bull barrel caused. Put it on GB last fall and it sold for almost $900.

A year ago I found a .38 Super Colt Competition in stainless. It was NIB but someone at the gun store had put an idiot scratch on the frame and I got it for $830.00. Couldn't be happier with the gun. Dropped a Colt made 9x23 barrel in it and heavier springs and it really hums...

But you are correct, the best 1911 on the market for the money is the Dan Wesson. I'm wondering what will happen with Colt if CZ buys them...hopefully the first thing they will do is move them out of Connectistan...

Bob

bunkie12 · #**133** 01-30-2021, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLACKHAWKNJ

Yes, in 1970 they introduced the Combat Commander with a steel frame.
I have a satin finish Combat Commander, when I was in the National Guard an NCO had a Commander. We let people fire both, everyone said they liked mine better.

I, too, have a satin nickel finish Combat Commander, mine manufactured in 1974. Much nicer to shoot than a friend's Commander.

ogso · #**134** 01-30-2021, 12:02 PM

My very first pistol was a 9mm commander from 1981. Added a 9mm government a few years later and it became my competition gun... all the while taking flack from the “real” pistol gunners. No one has mentioned magazines. I have only used Colt 9mm mags and never ever have had an issue with either of my pistols. The govt is a lesser used safe queen but the commander still gets carried and used.

bunkie12 · #**135** 01-30-2021, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -db-

I think I'd like a Government Model, and probably a Colt, next.

I have a Colt Rail Gun with added Wilson Combat 10-round magazines that, among other guns, I use for home defense. Might be worth considering as your Colt Government Model unless you want a classic.

CDL357 · #**136** 01-30-2021, 11:05 PM

I have a S&W 1911 pd gunsight edition, it’s the best 1911 I have ever owned. And there have been a lot.

Chubbo · #**137** 02-01-2021, 03:10 PM

I've lost my ability to operate my computer efficiently, and consequently don't try to post pictures of my firearms, or show my ignorance, by posting often, and stupidly setting myself up to recieve infractions.

That being said, my favorite length Colt auto' pistole is their commander length Pistols. To me, for a carry pistol they are the best balanced, best lookin pistols made. They fall in the same category as the 3.5" Mod. 27 revolvers do in the revolver class. I have only two Colt pistols that qualify for this discussion, a SS, Gold cup Commander, and a .38 Super Commander, and regard them very highly, with only one dislike. I detest Colts use of plastic triggers. I hate with a passion, anything used in the construction of a firearm made of plastic.

Chubbo

AJ · #**138** 02-01-2021, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chubbo

I've lost my ability to operate my computer efficiently, and consequently don't try to post pictures of my firearms, or show my ignorance, by posting often, and stupidly setting myself up to recieve infractions.

That being said, my favorite length Colt auto' pistole is their commander length Pistols. To me, for a carry pistol they are the best balanced, best lookin pistols made. They fall in the same category as the 3.5" Mod. 27 revolvers do in the revolver class. I have only two Colt pistols that qualify for this discussion, a SS, Gold cup Commander, and a .38 Super Commander, and regard them very highly, with only one dislike. I detest Colts use of plastic triggers. I hate with a passion, anything used in the construction of a firearm made of plastic.

Chubbo

Chubbo,

If you don't like the plastic triggers, then change them out. It is not rocket science to do. In fact it is pretty easy.

AJ

.357magger · #**139** 02-01-2021, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandyrandy

The original Colt 1911 is probably the most overrated gun in the history of the gun market on planet Earth. I consider Colt 1911s to be "ok" guns and would probably rather have a Springfield Armory 1911 for the same price point (that Ronin Commander is lookin pretty sweet) or pay a little more to have something nicer to be honest.

This is about the 3rd time you've made this statement, or something similar, in this thread.

The firearms market for the last 20 years would disagree with you.

If you will only own one, everyone is entitled to their opinion. You do your research, and make your choice. But many people, like me, will own, shoot for awhile, then sell/trade for something else that catches their fancy. I've owned Colts (everything from Officers to GMs in multiple calibers), Sigs, SAs, DWs, Rugers, and Wilson Combat. Imo, Colt does a more than adequate job in their production, will be able to outshoot anyone not named Ransom Rest, and is easily tweaked into whatever configuration strikes your fancy. Their products from 2001 thru 2015 or so were OUTSTANDING and noted for being so.

Rightly or wrongly, "The Pony " will resell 9 times out of 10 for higher than what you paid a couple of years earlier. Other production brands lose money the minute you drive them off the lot. Not always, but quite often.

That's the reality of the marketplace. And that's one main reason many will choose The Original.

Again, we're all entitled to our opinions. This is mine.

shell627 · #**140** 02-01-2021, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDL357

I have a S&W 1911 pd gunsight edition, it’s the best 1911 I have ever owned. And there have been a lot.

The gunsite edition s&w 1911 is my current off duty carry.Shoots better than I do.Carry’s like a dream and has never bobbled with anything I shoot out of it.

JohnnieBoy · #**141** 02-01-2021, 09:12 PM

This, my only 1911 style pistol, Officer's enhanced. Purchased new in '97 at a Salt Lake LGS, daily carry for years. Had Alan Tanaka do some trigger work and install sights several years back. Still a work horse. She's paid her dues, though.

NukeRef · #**142** 02-02-2021, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJ

First M1911 that I ever bought was a Colt Combat Commander. I bought it and never really warmed up to it. It cost $175 OTD in 1974. Sold it ...

I walked into an ACE Hardware one day in 1977 and saw a Stainless Steel Combat Commander in the display case. I bought it for $65. It came with one stainless and two blue steel magazines. Had you said 1975 (the year mine was built), perhaps I'd have you to thank, AJ. Like you, somebody didn't like his Colt to my good fortune.

My Combat Commander stayed bone stock until the pandemic struck. With more than enough time on my hands plus a little coaxing from YouTube, I installed a drop-in beavertail grip safety and a full length guide rod from Wilson Combat along with a Shok-Buff bumper. The beavertail makes a world of difference.

.357magger · #**143** 02-02-2021, 11:31 PM

NukeRef,

While a very nice Combat Commander, I think yours is actually Electroless Nickel.

IIRC, the first stainless 1911s were by AMT and introduced in 1977. Colt offered their first stainless models around 1985 as Series 80s. Electroless Nickel was a standard catalog offering for many, many years of Series 70 and pre Series 70 guns.

Still a nice Commander that many would like to own. Thanks for sharing it.

NukeRef · #**144** 02-03-2021, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .357magger

NukeRef,

While a very nice Combat Commander, I think yours is actually Electroless Nickel.

All these years I thought it was stainless ... Crushed! ... Heartbroken! ... LOL!

Tell me more about Electroless Nickel. I thought it was a plating process. What's the base material?

Beemerguy53 · #**145** 02-03-2021, 12:37 AM

Far and away, my favorite size 1911! The Commander-size pistols just seem to fit my hand better.

In addition to my Colts, I have a Les Baer Concept VII and an Ed Brown Kobra Carry...

.357magger · #**146** 02-03-2021, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NukeRef

All these years I thought it was stainless ... Crushed! ... Heartbroken! ... LOL!

Tell me more about Electroless Nickel. I thought it was a plating process. What's the base material?

I'm probably the wrong guy to ask about, "how do they do that".

History? Yes. How to? Not so much.

But with that being said, EN is a plating process, in Colts case, over carbon steel. It has a "softer" appearance than nickel or chrome. Colt tended to plate the entire gun, but in stainless models (other than bright, polished stainless offerings) the controls are usually bead blasted, as is the top of the slide. I've never seen a Colt in EN done with that type of bead blasting.

I'm sure there will be someone along momentarily that can better fully explain how EN is applied.

Hope this helps you.

stansdds · #**147** 02-03-2021, 08:22 AM

Colt's electroless nickle, although not a polished finish like that of S&W, is a good corrosion resistant finish.

NukeRef · #**148** 02-03-2021, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .357magger

NukeRef,

While a very nice Combat Commander, I think yours is actually Electroless Nickel.

Colt offered their first stainless models around 1985 as Series 80s. Electroless Nickel was a standard catalog offering for many, many years of Series 70 and pre Series 70 guns.

Quote:

Originally Posted by .357magger

But with that being said, EN is a plating process, in Colts case, over carbon steel. It has a "softer" appearance than nickel or chrome. Colt tended to plate the entire gun, but in stainless models (other than bright, polished stainless offerings) the controls are usually bead blasted, as is the top of the slide. I've never seen a Colt in EN done with that type of bead blasting.

Hope this helps you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stansdds

Colt's electroless nickle, although not a polished finish like that of S&W, is a good corrosion resistant finish.

Actually, this is very helpful and explains a lot, including the dumbass scratches. I was never quite sure what to call the finish but I assumed it was some version of stainless (hey, if it wasn't blue it must be stainless, eh?!). I've seen parts called "dull stainless" and on/in my pistol everything, and I do mean everything but the barrel link, is silver colored. Interior machined surfaces are bright silver, and mating surfaces don't look like they are losing a surface finish to wear. Although it's been around for a long, long time, the thought of a nickel plate finish never crossed my mind.

I appreciate the education on this.

AJ · #**149** 02-03-2021, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NukeRef

Actually, this is very helpful and explains a lot, including the dumbass scratches. I was never quite sure what to call the finish but I assumed it was some version of stainless (hey, if it wasn't blue it must be stainless, eh?!). I've seen parts called "dull stainless" and on/in my pistol everything, and I do mean everything but the barrel link, is silver colored. Interior machined surfaces are bright silver, and mating surfaces don't look like they are losing a surface finish to wear. Although it's been around for a long, long time, the thought of a nickel plate finish never crossed my mind.

I appreciate the education on this.

I had a Colt Government Model slide with this finish on it. Used the piece a lot, both in competition and as a carry piece. The finish held up well.

.357magger · #**150** 02-03-2021, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NukeRef

Actually, this is very helpful and explains a lot, including the dumbass scratches. I was never quite sure what to call the finish but I assumed it was some version of stainless (hey, if it wasn't blue it must be stainless, eh?!). I've seen parts called "dull stainless" and on/in my pistol everything, and I do mean everything but the barrel link, is silver colored. Interior machined surfaces are bright silver, and mating surfaces don't look like they are losing a surface finish to wear. Although it's been around for a long, long time, the thought of a nickel plate finish never crossed my mind.

I appreciate the education on this.

Glad it was helpful.