A Colt story with a happy ending...

[SPEEDGUNNER]

I am a big 1911 fan. Even moreso when it comes to LW Commanders. Whether it be a Colt, a S&W 1911SC, a Ruger, or any of the other makers offering a Commander size 1911 with a lightweight frame I have an interest. Great carry guns, wonderful shooters, they check a lot of boxes.

A few months ago I purchased a Colt LW Commander from a fellow member here that I have done business with before with good success. Not a safe queen, but a nice looking example that I expected I could get some enjoyment out of. Imagine my surprise when, during my first trip to the range, I could NOT hit a thing with the little gem. I am usually a pretty good shot with a 1911, but I could not get this Colt on paper to save my life. I finished up shooting several other guns I had brought along and then headed home to disassemble to Colt to see if I could get to the bottom of this "miss"tery. (see what I did there?)

Upon closer examination I noticed that the front sight had a cant to it, which became more pronounced when I put a straightedge up to it. I also noticed that someone had be beating on the rear sight, probably in an effort to adjust the windage. Removing the slide revealed an abomination of an install on the front sight and the answer to why I couldn't hit anything was evident.

Here are a few pictures:

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

Over the years I have had good luck with Novak Sight Design so I sent them an e-mail detailing my dilemma along with a couple of pictures of the slide and Mike was quick to respond with a positive as to their ability to correct the issue along with recommendations for sight choices. Since the slide was already butchered I had no qualms with them milling the slide and affecting the collectibility of the old Colt, my desire was to make it functional.

Let's talk about customer service for a moment. After a few e-mails back and forth with Mike I packed up my slide and put it in the mail (USPS Priority) on a Wednesday, SEPA to WV. The package arrived at Novak's on Thursday and they called me that afternoon (Matt, who was going to work on my slide with the installation) to verify the sights I had chosen and to go over the scope of the work. After approving the work and cost Matt told me he would let me know when the job was complete. Imagine my surprise when he called Friday to tell me my slide was on the way back to me!! I cannot say enough about the wonderful experience with Novak's, if you have been considering upgrading sights on one of your guns don't hesitate to give them a call.

Pictures of the finished product:

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

Last pictures:

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Novak's is an awesome business that knows 1911s and how to enhance them. I sent them a Lightweight Commander and a Combat Elite over thirty years ago for their sights and to enhance. For all those years the pistols have been superbly accurate and reliable even if they show a bit a wear.

They took pistols already great and made them spectacular.

 

[JohnRippert]

I prefer Heinie sights over Novak's but that is exactly what I would have done if that were my pistol. Two thumbs up.

 

[Walter Rego]

I was never happy with the standard sights on my 1984 Lightweight Commander .45 so about 15 years ago I sent it off to them for their LoMount sight package. I detail stripped the slide and sent it in a small USPS Priority Mail box and had it back within a couple of weeks. I told them that I wanted the sights regulated for 230 gr. hardball point of aim/point of impact at 15 yards and they came back perfectly regulated.
They do good work. Here's a couple of pics.

 

[31FordA]

That Lightweight Commander turned out nice. I'm a big fan of Novak sights, have them on several of my Colt's. Everyone I know who has dealt with Novak's has been happy with the service.

 

[arjay]

Send it to Harrison Designs and have him install a retro rear with a matching front sight

 

[LongTom.44]

Novak has done work for me. They are indeed "top notch;" flawless work & perfect attention to detail.

 

[Inusuit]

My lightweight Commander is a .38 Super. I have a Ruger in 9mm and a Combat Commander also in .38 Super. Fine guns.

 

[Grayfox]

I also love the Commander sized 1911s. This 1959 Colt has been my primary carry for some 30 years now. Many years ago when I decided to upgrade the sights on mine, I just went with a simple set of King's on mine. But they work just fine.