Need some opinions on Carry Build Please

[bslamb]

First I want to say great site as I have been lurking for some time and have learned a ton, Thanks!

So here is my first post. I have a good problem to have and need some help. I am in the process of getting my CCW permit and want to build a new range / carry gun. In the last few weeks I have traded for / purchased two new to me Colts. The first is a NIB Colt Series 70, Full size Government Model MKIV, in the satin nickle finish with black hardware.
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeei99c/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/pix2810948625.jpg
As this gun is new in box I decided I may not want to build on it and bid on a 1973 Combat Commander also in the satin nickle finish in the hopes of winning with a minimum bid. To my surprise I won the auction! I hate to buy a gun and not shoot it, however, I just have a hard time cutting (Ed Brown beavertail and Novak Sights) on a NIB 70 series Colt. Do I stick with my original plan and build the MKIV, or keep it virgin and build the Combat Commander? Are the small parts on the built in the 70's colt MIM parts? I was planning on replacing them with HARDCORE parts from Ed Brown. I am really stoked to get one of these Colts sent off to Virgil Tripp for some Checkering, reliability work, new trigger, Speed-Shute, Wil Schuemann AET barell, and a hardchrome. If I end up sending the Commander I want have it brushed Hardchrome with Black Small parts so It looks similar to the MKIV.
PICS (http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeei99c/)

[John]

For a carry gun, I would build the Commander. For a range gun, I would build the Government.

[bslamb]

Thanks for the reply - It does give me an excuse to build them both wich I really haven't thought if :D . I just wasn't sure if I should do anything to the new Goverment model as it may have more value as a collector item.

[Dr. Dickie]

Thanks for the reply - It does give me an excuse to build them both wich I really haven't thought if :D . I just wasn't sure if I should do anything to the new Goverment model as it may have more value as a collector item.

Personally, I would shoot both and find which one you are most comfortable with (bring your holster and wear both for a while--even if it is only at home for now).
I have no problem carrying a full size government model. It is comfortable (with an IWB) and not noticeable. In fact this past weekend I was shooting IDPA, and before the match a guy for the last match that was in my group the month before was there and we talked for about an hour. When his friend arrived, he joined us and began to talk about his holster. I lifted my shirt and showed him mine. I said it felt real good in the location I had it, and the first guy said, "Yeah, I've been talking to you for the last hour and I had no idea you had your pistol on you until you just showed it now." This shirt was not excessively loose, nor was it body tight fitting, but comfortable (it would NOT flap in a good wind however).
Having said all that, I am going to pick-up a SS Commander this week that I expect to be my carry piece. Not because it is smaller (I don't thinkt he 0.75" makes that much difference), but because it is stainless steel and different :D

[Hawkmoon]

Go ahead and shoot the Government, but since your "built" pistol will be a carry pistol, I would build the Commander. If you want a beavertail for the Government, you can get a Wilson drop-in that won't require any alterations to the frame, which would allow you to put the pistol back to original configuration at any time.

[44 Man]

And those guns from that era had good quality parts in them, no need to replace parts unless you want to for a different style, etc. For carry, I prefer an aluminum frame to keep the wt. down a little. As I get older (and wider) my pants tend to want to go south with a heavier gun. Of course as I am writing this, I'm wearing a full size Gov't in a Bladetech IWB holster under a vest. I learned 25 years ago that you want to buy your pants one size larger to accomidate an IWB holster, which is generally the easiest to conceal. Sounds like a great pair of guns! Enjoy them both!! 44 Man.

[bslamb]

Great responses - I wished I would have found this web site sooner. I have been a 1911 shooter from the start as my first pistol was a Double Eagle - a few have come and gone, but I hope to be able to hold on to the ones that follow me home from here on out. I ordered a #16 INSIDE-OUTSIDE 2 from Jim Murnak to replace my Safariland range holster. The Safari land has been a decent holster but i finally am in a place to spring for a nice piece of leather. I worked out all of the shipping arangements today to get the Combat Commander sent off to Tripp Research. Thanks for the input! I will posts some Pics when it is completed!

[RickB]

I've heard nothing but good things about Tripp. I have heard decidedly mixed things about AET barrels. I don't know that Ed Brown's parts, or anyone else's, are going to be much of an upgrade on the S70 parts. I might sell the GM, to pay for the mods to the Commander, if you don't need both.

[191145]

You're saying the Government Model is an original Mk IV Series 70? I would not alter it. Actually, they're both collectable and going up in value every day. Get a Kimber or Springfield to mess up.

[shootist87122]

Here is some of what Colt is doing on a new production Series 70 (Blue) for me right now:

Model O custom package (carry bevel/dehorn, Novak sights, High Grip Beavertail)
Wilson extended thumb safety
Short aluminum trigger
Flat serrated MSH
Front strap serrated
Lower and Flair ejection port
Bevel Mag Well

Just food for thought and YMMV. Tripp is top notch, btw.

FWIW ($.02 or less), my preference is not to add an extended magwell (or ambi safety) on a carry gun. They are plently heavy and long in the butt as they are. With some reloading practice a MW is really not needed. I have the S&A on my old IPSC single stack, but mostly shoot the carry guns in the matches these days.

[bslamb]

I appreciate the responses
191145 - Long story but my messed up Kimbers is what finally made me figure out that a custom built Colt is a better way to spend my money up front. ($3K lesson :mad: )

Rick B - Thanks this is my first Custom Build and is nice to have someone second my choice of Gunsmiths. As far as barrels goes it has been one of my toughest decisions - Kart, Bomar, or Schuemann. I bought into the idea of how the AET spins the bullet up after it has a chance to engage the lands. Anything that will help me shoot well at the 25 yard line! However as this Pistol will be primarily a CCW, I am more worried about the accuracy at 21" or less. :D. Hope I never have to find out how well it shoots at that range under stress. I spoke with Mr. Wil Schuemann today and he had a commander length barrel in stock so I went ahead and placed the order, my next build I will try one of the others!

Shootist - make sure and post some pics of your blaster when it gets done! I have opted for many of the same mods that you are having done. I am going to get the the slide top flattened out and 30lpi serations and the bottom of the trigger checkered too. I really like those features on my LTPII. And I am adding the Low Mount adjustable Novak tritium sites. I just confirmed a set of Gaboon Ebony Grips from Esmeralda today a well.

At the end of the build My goal is to have a pistol that goes bang every time I pull the trigger, looks great, and will retire my 5" Kimber LTP because I can shoot just as well with it from the 25yd line!