What options in a Commander-sized variant?

[mcdxd]

I have been considering buying a Commander or variant for some time now and would gladly accept suggestions on my future purchase. I have a budget of $1,000 but, if necessary, am willing to save in order to get it "my way." I would prefer a "series 70" in a true Commander configuration (4.25" barrel, internal extractor, w/bushing, etc.) with minimal amounts of MIM to change out.

I would guess that the obvious choice would be to buy a Colt and de-"series 80" the pistol. If this is my only option, how costly is this? Are there other options, given what I am asking for in a pistol?

Gentlemen, thank you for your experience and thoughtful responses in advance.

[Nalapombu]

The Series 70 Commander will certainly be a lot more expensive than the Series 80 and the NRM Commander. I too have alwys loved the Commander and I bought one about 2 months ago, it is the Colt XSE stainless Combat Commander. It is a beauty and it has just about everything I could want on a Commander except for a few minor parts changes.
As for the TRUE commander size, your choices are a bit limited there. Your option is either Colt, Para Ordinance, Dan Wesson or Les Baer, they all make the 4.25" barrel Commander instead of the ever popular 4 inch version. You may want to consider the new Dan Wesson Commander. It is a forged frame and slide, Series 70, match barrel, top notch parts and is available with a Bobtail on the mainspring housing. If I had it to do over, that is the way I would go. DW are very good to deal with too. You can deal directly with them and have them change anything you might want different on your Commander and then have it shipped to your dealer.
If you want to go the most economical route, I would get one of the matte Mark IV versions and then go out and shoot it a bunch. That way you won't be out that much money and you'll know much better what you want on your Commander and what you don't want on it. You could then sell it and not be out much money and start over with whatever base gun you want.
Let us know what you decide. You can also go to the 1911 forum to ask any 1911 and Commander specific questions, check it out at www.1911forum.com Dan Wesson Commanders can be checked out at their site www.danwessonfirearms.com

Later
Nala

[BillK@tcmhmrs.o]

I have no complaints out of my Colts' Commander 1991 Model. The series 80 trigger is no problem. I have sent the original parkerized gun to W T Birdsong in Florence MS and he put the Black T finish on the gun and two mags for $140. I have replaced the slide spring after 5000 rounds with a Wolff brand. The gun is gorgeous, shoots consistent 3-4 inch groups at 25 yards and is utterly reliable. It works. A similar set up would come in lots less than $1000. This brohaha about the series 80 trigger is just that. My gun has a consistent let off between 4 and 5 pounds and resets no problem. I don't worry about an accidental discharge if I drop the thing either.


My other 45's are a G36 with nightsights that I use as a 'pocket' gun ( yeah, I got big pockets put in by a seamstress ), and a Ruger Blackhawk convertible in 45 ACP/45 Colt with a 4 3/4" barrel. Oh, the SHTF gun is the Marlin Camp Carbine in 45ACP with a red dot sight.

As you can tell, I am partial to the 45ACP

[Jim Watson]

I think Colt has gotten the bugs out of the S80 firing pin block and is more reliable than the Kimber and S&W knockoffs of the 1935 Swartz system. I would get a Colt in preference to the various clones and mutants. The 1991 version is available all steel (Combat Commander) in blue or stainless, the XSE in steel, stainless, or stainless over aluminum (Commander Model or Lightweight Commander.) At least that is what the Colt website shows today.

If you just can't stand the firing pin block, all that is required to defang it is to take the lawyer levers out of the receiver and put in a "shim" available from Brownell's for about $4 to fill the gap. Then disassemble the slide and remove the plunger and spring.

I think the new S&W Scandium Commander has a lot of promise, but I would worry more about its firing pin block than a Colt's, at least until the paying customers and warranty office have finished designing it for them.

[mcdxd]

Thank you for the responses. It is my understanding that Dan Wesson doesn't make their Commanders to spec.; and, of course, both S&W and Dan Wesson have external extractors, which disqualifies them (personal preference). So, it looks like a Colt Lightweight Commander for me, although I wish I could justify the purchase of a Kobra Carry. I still have a little saving to do but I'm looking forward to having a quality .45 and a horsey on the slide... kinda like the little horsey! :)

[rubijeep]

theres just something about that little horsey aint there? my 1991 commander old rollmark isnt the best looking model of commander, but it goes bang everytime i pull the trigger and thats what counts

[SamColtFan]

Originally posted by mcdxd
Thank you for the responses. It is my understanding that Dan Wesson doesn't make their Commanders to spec.;

True

and, of course, both S&W and Dan Wesson have external extractors, which disqualifies them (personal preference). So, it looks like a Colt Lightweight Commander for me, although I wish I could justify the purchase of a Kobra Carry. I still have a little saving to do but I'm looking forward to having a quality .45 and a horsey on the slide... kinda like the little horsey! :)

Colt LW Commander is a good choice!



Regards,
Sam