The Commander!

[JohnnieBoy]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[NukeRef]

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.

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.

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]

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]

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.

 

[Chubbo]

Lost abilities

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

Sorry about the delay in answering. I wanted to answer your kind reply to my post, about plastic triggers.

I lost my gunsmithing abilities along with my computing abilities. I no longer drive, or shoot my guns, and have decided to enjoy fondling them just the way that they are. Thanks.
Chubbo

 

[AJ]

Sorry about the delay in answering. I wanted to answer your kind reply to my post, about plastic triggers.

I lost my gunsmithing abilities along with my computing abilities. I no longer drive, or shoot my guns, and have decided to enjoy fondling them just the way that they are. Thanks.
Chubbo

Chubbo,

No problem. I have not been in your area in a long time. If I was I would be happy to change out the triggers if you wanted.
I still can do that stuff, but I still enjoy fondling them. Like Cherry Valance said in Red River: There are only two things more beautiful than a good gun: a Swiss watch or a woman from anywhere. Ever had a good... Swiss watch?

Take Care,
AJ

 

[crsides]

I found a stainless Commander for my buddy at local gunshow. MONTHS later I learned it was Electroless nickel. Offered to buy it back, he said HELL NO !!!

 

[crsides]

In the past 6 years I have been trying out and evaluating many pistols shotguns and rifles. Its been mostly pistols since I am an avid pistol collector however all these firearms are NEW model guns. With that being said I will be posting a list of what I have found to be EXCELLENT quality, value, and reliable firearms. Since we are talking about the "Commander" style guns I will start with those. First on the list is no surprise to anyone if you been following my posts.

1. Dan Wesson Pointman Carry 45 acp:
If you want a gun that will outlast you and all your children until the sun blows up and destroys this planet get a Dan Wesson enough said! All forged steel frame slide and parts that are hand fitted something you dont see in manufactures any more. 70 series and easy to work on. One thing people might find negative on them. Tight tolerances because these are hand fitted semi custom guns! Do not take the gun right out of the box and shoot it unless you enjoy sending the gun back due to galling warranty work and wasting peoples time. The slide must be greased just use what Dan Wesson recommends. TW-25 grease or FP-10. If you got a prob with that dont buy one! The only Commander on the list that comes in the 10 mm Panzer Anti Tank howitzer round but good luck trying to afford the money for one.

2. Colt Commander:
Very reliable and they use pretty decent parts with no need to upgrade anything unless you want to. Slide to frame fit is good and they are forged nicely. Something to be aware of is that most NEW Colt Commanders will be 80 series. Downside is only one year warranty and MACHINING MARKS MACHINING MARKS MACHINING MARKS ALL UP IN THOSE SUCKERS! For what you pay it shouldnt look like a caveman milled the inside of the frame with a triceratops bone and a rock.

3. Springfield Armory Range Officer Series
Good reliable guns with a good warranty. 70 series guns and easy to work on deal with. Nicely machined inside and out however frame to slide fit is always terrible on the back side of the guns and extractors always stick out. Once again for what you pay someone should of fit those properly. Also they use lots of MIM parts and less forged parts unlike the above mentioned makers. One feature I really like about SA 1911s is the fact they use ramped barrels especially on there light alloy framed guns unlike the above mentioned Colt that does not put ramped barrels on the light aluminum frames which I personally think is a VERY BAD idea.

4. ATI and Rock Island 1911 "Commander" Series Philippine Guns
Excellent value for what you get. The machine work is very nice inside and out. I believe S.A.M. use old Colt equipment left behind in the Philippines. If thats the case I think Colt needs to get there equipment back from them because there work in the States has been piss poor! Guns are easy to upgrade and all of them are usually 70 series style. Rock Islands tend to be very accurate however I dont care for there weird billboarding they put on the guns. ATI accuracy can be hit or miss with slightly spongy triggers. Decent parts however you might get a junky part here and there that needs replacement. Don't have a clue about Metro Arms but Im sure there about the same and someone can chime in on those.

5. Magnum Research Desert Eagle
Excellent 1911 series of guns! For what you pay they seem to be nicer than the more expensive Colts in many ways mainly in the fit and finish department. Accuracy and reliability seem to be good! Downsides is they have cast frames which usually translate to not a problem. Also they have bull barrels which not everyone is fond of and they have the DREADED COOL GUY FRONT SLIDE SERRATIONS.

6. Kimber Pro Series
Decent value, reliability, and quality for a gun that is less than a thousand bucks. Slide to frame fit is EXCELLENT with all parts fitted quite nicely. Kimbers milling machines seem to be very good. No need to modify the guns any since they come with decent parts out of the box with match grade barrels already installed. On the reverse side of the coin upgrading will be difficult on these guns. They use the "Schwartz style" firing pin safety which is okay but hard to deal with when gunsmithing. Once again they use ramped barrels which is a really good thing however most difficult gun on this list to disassemble due to there captured guide rod design and unique features. If you got arthritis or weak hands this is not the gun for you!

7. S&W 1911 E Series
One of the best guns on the list. EXCELLENT forged and fit guns. The only 1911 gun on the list with an external extractor. I like that feature! EXCELLENT warranty and customer service. Downside they have to many goofy features that will appeal to small crowds. Goofy front slide serrations and all bobtailed which is a feature that will limit grip options for you. Has the dreaded "Hey bonehead dont do stupid things with guns!" label on the side.

8. Ruger SR1911 "Commander"
Excellent caliber choices on this model! They got the 45 tyrannosaurus killer and the 9mm Farfegnugen. Excellent customer service and warranty. Very reliable and may be the most reliable 1911 on this list. I think its mostly due to sloppy frame to slide fit. Every SR1911 I ever had shaked more than a Mexican maraca. They come in ghetto shoe boxes though which for what you pay should be better. Also they have the dreaded "Hey bonehead dont do bonehead!" under the dust cover which bothers me.

Thanks for taking the time to write this. Should be a stickly.