Upgrading a Colt Combat Commander....where to go?

[eb07]

Here is a list.



Recommended 1911 gunsmith list | 1911 Firearm Addicts



And another



1911 Gunsmith/ Leather maker Master list | 1911 Firearm Addicts





Maybe you can find somebody close to you on that list. I noticed few on that list of either closed or passed away, but this is a good start.

 

[ColbyBruce]

My brother bought a jig that aligns the parts for stoning. Time to do this can vary per gun, but I doubt it takes more than a few hours. There are jigs for installing front sights too, if you care to try.

 

[AJ]

My brother bought a jig that aligns the parts for stoning. Time to do this can vary per gun, but I doubt it takes more than a few hours. There are jigs for installing front sights too, if you care to try.

More parts have been screwed up by stoning then you could believe. To lighten the trigger pull only takes a few minutes and requires no stoning.

 

[Xfuzz]

Keep the Commander original.

Buy another newer model
with your desired parts.

 

[Countrycuz]

Keep the Commander original.

Buy another newer model
with your desired parts.

This would be my vote. Check out recent posts on Tisas 1911.⁶

 

[chief38]

The Beaver Tail and Sights should basically be drop-in parts. Trigger work might also be accomplished by changing the Main Spring and the 3 finger leaf spring - again, drop in parts. Before sending off your gun, spending big bucks on work and shipping and then waiting a long period of time, I think trying these would make sense and more than likely get the job done to your satisfaction. We are not talking a lot of money here!

All you need are basic skills in disassembling the gun and there are many video's if you need help.

 

[AJ]

Save your money.......YouTube and assistance from the folks here will go a long way. No matter what do not alter the frame or slide. Keep all original parts as these will be a selling point if you ever decide to sell it. Have built 50+ M1911's and have done more trigger jobs than I can remember. This is not rocket science though the custom gunsmiths would like you to think so.

 

[arjay]

Fitting up the barrel hood,fitting a proper beaver tail (and reblueing) and a good trigger job take more skill than most diyerselfers have. Do it right the first time ;-)

 

[ColbyBruce]

More parts have been screwed up by stoning then you could believe. To lighten the trigger pull only takes a few minutes and requires no stoning.

Did you look closely at the surfaces in the photos? “Mil-spec” can also be defined as “good enough for government work”.

 

[StrawHat]

I have an article by some guy who sent out two pistols to a custom smith. The gist of it is, beavertail, visible sights, fit bushing to slide and barrel, standard chamber, were ordered. AND, it had to be loose enough to go bang everytime he pulled the trigger. No exceptions. When he got them back he said they almost rattled they were so loose, but they went bang and were accurate enough for him.

Just something to consider.

Kevin

 

[AJ]

I have an article by some guy who sent out two pistols to a custom smith. The gist of it is, beavertail, visible sights, fit bushing to slide and barrel, standard chamber, were ordered. AND, it had to be loose enough to go bang everytime he pulled the trigger. No exceptions. When he got them back he said they almost rattled they were so loose, but they went bang and were accurate enough for him.

Just something to consider.

Kevin

Sounds like he wanted a combat gun, not a bullseye gun.

 

[CH4]

I’ve used Tussey Custom many times. He’s passed, but his protégé, Kevin,
carries on Terry’s superb craftsmanship at reasonable prices.

Tussey Custom Guns Pistolsmithing by Terry Tussey

 

[Doug M.]

I wonder if member BMCM would be willing. I'd certainly ask him.

 

[AJ]

I wonder if member BMCM would be willing. I'd certainly ask him.

Anyone that is local to the OP could probably help him.

 

[harvester1]

Glenn Custom gunsmithing lists prices on web site. Frank Glenn owner. He is one of the go to gunsmith for Colts.

 

[rogerwnuss]

If that gun was twenty years older, I'd say leave it alone and get a different, newer gun to modify. Or get one already set up as you'd like. But it's all in what you want. If you already know this gun and trust it, go for it. Back in the 90s, I had a Combat Commander in 38S, I got from a friend who'd had it done by Cylinder & Slide. Bar-sto barrel, the whole nine yards, traded him a Gold Cup for it. Pride of ownership cannot be discounted with a nicely done piece.