Colt Combat Commander 1911 9mm

[joeintexas]

I have the Colt Combat Commander in 45acp, it shoots very accurate but the trigger isn't as smooth as the Ruger SR1911 with no moderations to either. Best trigger of the 1911s I have, believe it or not is the RIA. Heavy as a boat anchor but accurate and a fantastic trigger. Go figure.

 

[hardluk1]

Triggers on 1911's are not hard to improve to what fits your needs , smooth or lighten the pull weight . The most it will take is a new trigger and some labor from the owner .

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

That steel frame does a nice job of dampening recoil. If you are going to work on your own trigger, get every manual and visual aid you can find. And a generous supply of spare parts. Use them to learn on.
The 9MMP takes a bit more work to get good accuracy from, but the results are worth it.

 

[stansdds]

1911 triggers can be fairly easy to tune.


1911 triggers are incredibly easy to mess up.


When messed up, they may create a full-auto 1911 machine pistol. I know someone who did his own trigger job. It went full-auto and unloaded a full magazine. Even worse, he also managed to get his off-hand in front of the muzzle and nearly lost a thumb.


Be very careful when performing a trigger job on any firearm. In the case of the 1911, there are trigger kits that include hammer and sear that already have nicely prepared engagement surfaces. These kits can provide a very nice, yet very safe trigger pull.


Unless you are willing to invest in the proper tools and obtaining the knowledge of how to perform a trigger job, either buy a kit or take the pistol to a gunsmith who is well versed in the 1911.

 

[M29since14]

A great thread and responses that remind me of the "old days."

I do not have a modern Commander in 9mm and haven't had the chance to shoot one. Do have a really nice .45, which is an excellent gun. In general, I think the new Colts I have seen are better than the older ones, if not in finish, definitely in fit. That's just my impression. My experience with the newer guns is limited, but I like the ones I have seen and fired.

Yes, IMO, the 1911 trigger does take a bit of getting used to for us S&W revolver shooters. I've been shooting pistols since I was of age that now would be considered "child abuse" to let handle, let alone fire, a handgun. Even now, I still have a bit of trouble putting down the revolver and picking up a 1911, so I usually shoot the 1911 first, when I take both to the range. I have seen others who claim otherwise, but most of these folks seem not particularly interested in precision shooting, or maybe they have a different concept of it. That said, I realize some will disagree and can switch back and forth easily.

My opinion on Commanders, in general, is that the new ones are set-up wrong. I much prefer them set-up like a 1911A1, which is to say with the standard length trigger and arched mainspring housing. I do like the beavertail safety, particularly the one S&W used on my 1911Sc Commander, since it allows the highest grip possible on the gun.

As for grip panels, I am no fan of particularly thin ones. The rougher the better, in my view. I have VZ panels on my lightweight guns. Nowadays, I consider them a "necessity" on a .45 Commander.

 

[TAROMAN]

My steel frame 9mm Commander isn't labeled "Combat".
Obviously rated for range use only..
Its a decent shooter, has the lawyer 5# Colt trigger.

However, it has been relegated to the back of the safe by this one:

 

[charles_the_hammer]

Heck yeah, I bought one of the newer ones in 9mm (ignore the other two pistolas in this picture):

Sorry cannot ignore. Is that a SIG P6 on the left? I just got one last week. I like it.

Never had a Commander but I would like to get one someday. Anything with Colt stamped on it seems out of my price range and will probably only grow more so.

 

[TheHobbyist]

I love the 1911 platform, its history, and all the variants.

It still amazes me how a design that is 100+ years old could still be as relevant and in demand. Rhetorically, how many other firearms could say the same? There are some; but, it is a short list.

 

[Bullet Bob]

"Sorry cannot ignore. Is that a SIG P6 on the left? I just got one last week. I like it. "
____________________________________________

Yes it is. I bought one when they flooded the country for about $300.00. As soon as I shot it, I drove back to the LGS and bought another one.

The only thing I don't like is that the grip length is too short for my hands, but I can say this about a lot of guns. A Browning High Power would be my perfect idea of a 9mm service handgun if the grip was 1/2" longer. I recently bought a Glock 19x for it's Commander-like dimensions.

 

[stansdds]

I love the 1911 platform, its history, and all the variants.

It still amazes me how a design that is 100+ years old could still be as relevant and in demand. Rhetorically, how many other firearms could say the same? There are some; but, it is a short list.

The Glock will likely end up on that list too, but not until after I have shuffled off from this mortal coil. The 1911 was and is a robust design and has proven to be quite adaptable so as to remain relevant to the times.

 

[creekman]

Thicker grip

Your handgun has the Colt "Lawyer's dictated pull." You can have a pistolsmith put a much better pull on it right down to ridiculously low poundage. There is/was a big industry out there in modifying Colt 1911s. They can be the best of a self defense handguns or superb target handguns or something in between the two. IMHO a trigger pull that is crisp and averages about 4 lbs. is the optimum for a home defense and plinker. The ergonomics of the 1911 are easily modified for your size of hand and finger length by a knowledgeable pistolsmith. The slim sizing of the frame and slide lend to being easily concealed by most any sized person.

I made my living for several years pistolsmithing 1911s for most all common end usage. I have a Colt 1911 70 series Commander that was original in 38 Super. Just because I could, I fitted a 9 mm barrel and a 9 x 21 mm barrel. I don't reload much anymore so I practice with 9 mm but carry that handgun as a 38 Super. There is very good self defense ammo made in both 9 mm and 38 Super.

I like night sight sets made in the Novak style with Trijicon inserts. I have smallish hands so I use thin grip panels and a short fitted trigger.

Your original Colt 1911 is like a blank piece of canvas to an artist. Any modification that you believe will help your shooting accuracy can be done. And, some are very cheap. Find a competent Instructor that knows 1911 shooting for accuracy and get a few lessons. It will be money well spent.

By the Way; the heavy trigger will get better with thousands of rounds down range. But, you very well could save money by getting a competent pistolsmith to 'breath on it just a little'. ..........

Got gunsmith to do trigger job...now- the grips on Combat commander are a little thin for me....suggestions, please...maybe Hogue grips?

 

[usmc2427765]

I carried a 1911 and trained LEO's with this weapon during my career as a cop. I carried 45 acp and never felt uncomfortable with with it. I made very few modifications on it , good sights, good trigger,polished ramp that would feed a an empty case. It takes training and practice to keep up to speed.
As far as the 9mm goes, in my opinion, was worthless 30 years ago, however with the FBI adopting the caliber there are now some excellent personal defense rounds, Hornady Critical Defense and others.
It all boils down to Training and practice, over and over again. I believe it was Bill Jordan who stated " nobody ever died from a quick loud noise

 

[Andyd]

I am always amazed at how many gun enthusiasts and shooters have never tried to learn the basics of pistol craft. Practice alone will not make perfect unless the mistakes in stance, grip, and trigger pull are properly diagnosed and corrected. In order to do that, the basics have to be learnt, remembered and frequently revisited.

That said, my old 1911 Commander is a great gun, accurate, with a great trigger and a pleasure to shoot.



I cannot recommend this simple lecture often enough!

Encyclopedia of Bullseye Pistol

 

[stansdds]

I am always amazed at how many gun enthusiasts and shooters have never tried to learn the basics of pistol craft. Practice alone will not make perfect unless the mistakes in stance, grip, and trigger pull are properly diagnosed and corrected. In order to do that, the basics have to be learnt, remembered and frequently revisited.

That said, my old 1911 Commander is a great gun, accurate, with a great trigger and a pleasure to shoot.



I cannot recommend this simple lecture often enough!

Encyclopedia of Bullseye Pistol

Based on the length of the dust cover, that looks more like a Commander top on a Government Model receiver.

 

[Old Corp]

"Got gunsmith to do trigger job...now- the grips on Combat commander are a little thin for me....suggestions, please...maybe Hogue grips?"

creekman - I've been fooling with 1911's longer than I'd wanna admit - and will have to say the series of grips I've settled on have become my go-to for them, -
Look at VZ grips. They have some that look pretty good and you select the texture and how aggressive that texture is.
My latest pair look exactly like the old 'double diamond; design n Rosewood but are their proprietary laminated material and nearly indestructible. Look just right on a stock-block (other than sights) 5" .38 Super.

My first 1911 was a new/used Series 70 in the early 70's ($175)
At the time the only serious grips being put on in my area were Pachmayrs. Homely, but worked.

 

[jwk]

A couple of tricks for 1911s

1. 3 types of mainspring housings: arched, flat or wedge. Figure out which one works for you and don't worry which one is considered cool this week. There is also a bobtail mod that is kinda like a M39 shaped frame but that is major surgery not a parts swap.

2. 3 lengths of triggers. Again pick which one works best and the heck w which one is considered cool. Long ultralight w holes in it to lighten is the thing but a short round face trigger works best for me. Your hand your gun.

3. Buy grips that feel good in your hand. Ultra thin is cool but not good for my paw. It makes a big difference. Function over form. Your hand your gun!

4. Front strap checkering improves traction but can chew your hand up. Pretty checkering is cool but ugly stlippling works best for me.

5. Pick sights you can see well. Just because they have a famous name doesn't mean they will work for you.

6. If you aren't getting hammer bit you don't need a beavertail grip safety. That changes handling dynamics. I've got them on some of my 1911s but not on others.

7. 1911 suffers from Tommy Tactical cool factoritis. Make sure any modifications work for YOU and YOUR HAND. For instance relieving under the trigger guard to get your hand higher on the frame is big cool factor. Doesn't work for me. May work for you.

8. Good basic trigger job not a 2lb trigger. I want smooth w just a touch of take up on a carry gun. People tend to want 2lb target triggers on all their 1911s. For a lot of gunsmiths that is a bragging rights deal so talk to your gunsmith before he does a target trigger for you.

9. Super tight is good for accuracy. Accuracy is overrated on a self defense pistol. I've had 1911s that would rattle when shook. 100% dependable and more than accurate enough for intended purpose. Function over form except for dedicated target pistols. My 1st custom 1911 would eat a ragged hole in a target. Wouldn't run for me even though it would run fine for other folks. 5 of us including the gunsmith went to the range. Worked for everyone but me w same ammo and mags. Finally I looked at gunsmith and told him to hand me his 1911. I ripped through 3 mags, 1 w both hands, then 1 each w 1 hand strong and weak. Gun karma exists. Quit trying to figure it out and sold it. Again your hand your gun.

10. Use quality magazines.

11. Ambidextrous safety if you need it but the mindset of what if I can't use my right hand and have to reach behind my back and draw left handed so I need a big gas pedal set of ambidextrous safeties is akin to a 20x mildot scope on a M4 carbine w a lite 16" barrel bc it's more accurate off a shooting bench. Don't make it into something it's not. Go as small as works for you. Personally I wish someone made an old style GI tab thumb safety that was ambidextrous. Big ambidextrous safeties are cool but I don't like them. My gunsmith used to trim down Wilson's small ambidextrous safeties for me.

The ABSOLUTE best guy I ever shot against back when IPSA was still somewhat realistic won some flavor of world wide speed shooting match. He was seriously good and regularly beat guys shooting fancy raceguns. He was shooting one of the ugliest 1911s I ever saw. We got to comparing pistols. I was using a stock Norinco w these mods - ambidextrous safety bc I shoot left handed, bigger sights w the rear notch wide enough for plenty of daylight and a basic trigger job. It was what i had. He asked who my smith was and said he like my basic 1911. Thought he was being nice even though I had been warned at the ISPA club he was a jerk. Stopped in at my gunsmith later that week. He asked me if I had my 1911 in my truck bc the guy had been by and ordered a pistol saying he had met me, shot my 1911 and wanted one built the same way except no ambi safety for a carry gun. This guy was good enough to shoot professionally and had enough money to buy any 1911 he wanted. Reason I mention that is find what really works for you rather than what's cool and PRACTICE! I don't know him but Ross Seyfried won one the early ISPA World Shoots with a 1911 that rattled when shook and the barrel was essentially worn out. Basic trigger job and a S&W rear revolver sight. Barrel was basically worn out from practice. The guy that I knew had an ugly 1911 from practicing a lot too.

 

[creekman]

Better with Colt Combat Commander-now holster??

Got good trigger job on my Combat Commander, now like shooting with thumb riding safety....much happier with the gun.

Now does anyone have holster suggestions for this gun for concealed carry?

 

[creekman]

VZ or other grips for Colt combat commander

A great thread and responses that remind me of the "old days."

I do not have a modern Commander in 9mm and haven't had the chance to shoot one. Do have a really nice .45, which is an excellent gun. In general, I think the new Colts I have seen are better than the older ones, if not in finish, definitely in fit. That's just my impression. My experience with the newer guns is limited, but I like the ones I have seen and fired.

Yes, IMO, the 1911 trigger does take a bit of getting used to for us S&W revolver shooters. I've been shooting pistols since I was of age that now would be considered "child abuse" to let handle, let alone fire, a handgun. Even now, I still have a bit of trouble putting down the revolver and picking up a 1911, so I usually shoot the 1911 first, when I take both to the range. I have seen others who claim otherwise, but most of these folks seem not particularly interested in precision shooting, or maybe they have a different concept of it. That said, I realize some will disagree and can switch back and forth easily.

My opinion on Commanders, in general, is that the new ones are set-up wrong. I much prefer them set-up like a 1911A1, which is to say with the standard length trigger and arched mainspring housing. I do like the beavertail safety, particularly the one S&W used on my 1911Sc Commander, since it allows the highest grip possible on the gun.

As for grip panels, I am no fan of particularly thin ones. The rougher the better, in my view. I have VZ panels on my lightweight guns. Nowadays, I consider them a "necessity" on a .45 Commander.

I would like thicker grips on my Colt ...feel too thin for me. Can you give me suggestions - Are VZ panels for that? If so, where can I find them ...advice appreciated