Help me pick my second Colt

[colubrid]

While i am waiting for my WWI repro to come back from the factory I am already fantasizing about a second Colt.

This repro caught my eye with the stainless trigger and hammer. Not sure if this is stock or not but I really like the sleek look of it. Does Colt offer these with the stainless trigger/hammer and polished slide or is this a custom job?:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/wetidlerjr/Colt%201911/COLTS70RP031807a.jpg




But as a second colt I think I should choose a smaller platform for carry. I have it narrowed down to these.

Colt Commander
Colt defender
Colt officers (high gloss SS polish)
Colt CCO


The one I really want is not listed above. Its the Gunsite CCO with the Officers frame and commander slide combo. But it is out of my price range so it has to be one of the above.

I don't think I would like the Defender because of the extra recoil spring set up and it does not have a barrel bushing. I don't care much for the look of the CCO flat top slide. A LW commander sounds nice but then I have always wanted a high polish Officers model...

I know , I know. I am talking in circles... :) But for now, does any one of these stand out from the rest as a reliable shooter? What are some of the pros and cons of each model?

[wichaka]

Go for the Commander, great gun for all around shooting........and balances well too.

[Rich-D]

I really appreciate my new Defender, the double recoil spring impedes recoil and makes it amazingly accurate in rapid fire. At 22.5 ounces it is a pleasure to carry and conceal. Within 25 yds in rapid or slow fire it outscores my two colt 5" 1911's and my RIA . In rapid fire it resets on target quicker than the 5" models. I'am amazed.

[colubrid]

I really appreciate my new Defender, the double recoil spring impedes recoil and makes it amazingly accurate in rapid fire. At 22.5 ounces it is a pleasure to carry and conceal. Within 25 yds in rapid or slow fire it outscores my two colt 5" 1911's and my RIA . In rapid fire it resets on target quicker than the 5" models. I'am amazed.

Okay I did not know that the Defender reduces recoil. Now you are making it harder to choose.

Is the recoil assembly more difficult (tricky) to take apart than a standard bushing barrel 1911? It does not need any tools, does it?

[colubrid]

Go for the Commander, great gun for all around shooting........and balances well too.

I figure most will tell me to choose the commander (why I don't know). Is the Officers model less reliable? Is there a 70 series Officers model or was the Officers only offered in 80 series?

Also if I choose a LW commander what model (70 series I am sure) should I look for? Is Colt coming out with a 70 series repro commander anytime soon?

Sorry about all the questions.

[Rich-D]

Okay I did not know that the Defender reduces recoil. Now you are making it harder to choose.

Is the recoil assembly more difficult (tricky) to take apart than a standard bushing barrel 1911? It does not need any tools, does it?

No tools necessary, not difficult to disassemble or assemble. However I am sure that you will receive varied opinions un the topic. Weigh them against your needs and make an informed decision.

[JustinTime]

LTW Commander is the way to go imo. But it is worth exactly what you paid for it. The LTW Commander only ways 3-4 more ounces than a Defender and you have better terminal performance of the bullets from a Commander due to the 4.25" barrel length, and the longer slide cycle will make it have a higher probability for 100% reliability. That doesn't mean shorter barreled 1911 platform pistols are unreliable. In fact I have yet to see a 3" 1911 style pistol from a quality manufacturer malfunction. I choose the Commander mainly because of the second reason I gave you. Again this is only my opinion which I'm sure is completely wrong to some people.

Choosing between any two Colts is a difficult decision,

Good luck.

[John]

I am a known proponent of the Combat Commander. I've posted Rio Vista Slim's Commander picture more times than he has, LoRL. Go for it.

[elijdub]

It's like choosing between a New York Strip and a Filet Minion! Preference, plain and simple...IMHO. I'd like to have one of each! ...a Defender to carry;a Commander to shoot;and a Gunsite to...well, i don't know!
I don't mean to sound like i'm oversimplifying things. It is a difficult decision when you can only choose one (i'm in the same boat...just bought a repro, and want another to shoot). I'll probably go with a commander b/c of the balance.
Good luck (though in reality this is a fun one!)

[OD*]

This repro caught my eye with the stainless trigger and hammer. Not sure if this is stock or not but I really like the sleek look of it. Does Colt offer these with the stainless trigger/hammer and polished slide or is this a custom job?:
That is Bill's (wetidlerjr) pistol, it is not factory.

Is there a 70 series Officers model
No there isn't.

[TattooPaul]

I'd vote for a Commander for carry. It's easier to carry but doesn't loose much in the sight picture that the sub-compacts can have. I have a real soft spot for the ol' Commander...

I do admit to a sub-compact of the "K" brand for real concealability siuations.

[colubrid]

Okay looks like a commander it is. Any certain ones I should get or avoid?

In other words what would be the best year/model/series.

OD,
I took that picture off another site. Looks like a real nice gun. I will do a search and try and find out what he all did to it.

[Rio Vista Slim]

I figure most will tell me to choose the commander (why I don't know).
It's quite simple, really.
Since Colt introduced the Commander, it has been the best compromise between concealment, reliability, accuracy, balance, and function of any of the sub-full size 1911 pistols available. The Commander (aluminum alloy frame) has been the choice of those who want the power of the .45 ACP cartridge in a lighter weight gun, while the Combat Commander (all steel frame) is capable of standing up to many years of full power loads without the concerns of the lighter weight frames.

Colt's current production Commanders give nothing up to the pistols produced prior to the Series 80 changes. While some folks aesthetically oppose the firing pin safety, the differences between the two trigger pulls is easily remedied, if it is noticed at all. Those who lament the rich bluing of the pre-Series 80 guns have only to look at the current 04691 Model.

Ultimately though, it will be your decision to make. If you stay with the Colt name, you are starting "ahead in the game", regardless of the choice you make.

[OD*]

Okay looks like a commander it is. Any certain ones I should get or avoid?

In other words what would be the best year/model/series.

OD,
I took that picture off another site. Looks like a real nice gun. I will do a search and try and find out what he all did to it.
You will find it on the 1911Forum.com.

[elijdub]

This repro caught my eye with the stainless trigger and hammer. Not sure if this is stock or not but I really like the sleek look of it. Does Colt offer these with the stainless trigger/hammer and polished slide or is this a custom job?:


Those definitely look like aftermarket VZ gator-back grips...

[OD*]

The rear sight looks like a King's too.

[elijdub]

Those who lament the rich bluing of the pre-Series 80 guns have only to look at the current 04691 Model.

Would you mind elaborating on this, only b/c i'm in the same boat:
i just bought a repro which, regretfully, i cannot fire for now :butthead: . As a result i too need a shooter (i have an alloy CCW Kimber that i'm trying to limit rounds through). I'm also looking at the Commander (how can you not!) but do not want another alloy. I need a SHOOTER! My question is, does Colt currently manufacture (or can i easily find online, etc.) an all steel, blued Commander?
With regards to the above quote, does Colt no longer produce (i.e., series 80) a blue Combat/otherwise Commander? :eek:
Thanks,
Eli

[OD*]

Eli,

Bud's is showing a couple Commanders.
Stainless and blue.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_141

[colubrid]

It's quite simple, really.
Since Colt introduced the Commander, it has been the best compromise between concealment, reliability, accuracy, balance, and function of any of the sub-full size 1911 pistols available. The Commander (aluminum alloy frame) has been the choice of those who want the power of the .45 ACP cartridge in a lighter weight gun, while the Combat Commander (all steel frame) is capable of standing up to many years of full power loads without the concerns of the lighter weight frames.

Colt's current production Commanders give nothing up to the pistols produced prior to the Series 80 changes. While some folks aesthetically oppose the firing pin safety, the differences between the two trigger pulls is easily remedied, if it is noticed at all. Those who lament the rich bluing of the pre-Series 80 guns have only to look at the current 04691 Model.

Ultimately though, it will be your decision to make. If you stay with the Colt name, you are starting "ahead in the game", regardless of the choice you make.



Rio Vista Slim,

This is a pic of your I borrowed off another post of yours. Now, since i plan on carrying I want a LW Commander. Which one of thse would be the best chioce?


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_1379.jpg


Also how hard would it be to sell a commander frame with a Officers slide???

If I purchased a Offcers and a Commander I could switch the Officers frame over to the commanders slide and sell the remaining gun.

Gee, I bet knowone ever thought of this before :lm:

[colubrid]

Eli,

Bud's is showing a couple Commanders.
Stainless and blue.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_141
Whats with the 4 1/4 " Commander? What was the benifit of Colt offering a slightly shorter barrel length? I did a search on 4 1/4 and nothing came up.

In the past I have also always read that the XS is preferred over the XSE. Any truth to that?

[OD*]

The Commanders have always been 4 1/4"
Sorry, maybe I'm misunderstanding what you are asking?

[colubrid]

The Commanders have always been 4 1/4"
Sorry, maybe I'm misunderstanding what you are asking?

Sorry. My mistake. I misread the ad you sent between the 4.25 and 4 1/4. (duh!) :butthead:

So what is the difference between the XS and XSE?

[John]

Darn, I love this gun!

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/36335.jpg

[OD*]

So what is the difference between the XS and XSE?
Mechanically, nothing. The XS model had what many feel is the more comfortable grip safety (up-swept), I believe the sights were by a different manufacturer.

Maybe the members that have an XS will chime-in and post pictures.

[sprice1973]

Colt Commander would be my choice!

[callowayk1]

If budget is a factor check out a used 1991A1 compact. I picked one up 2 years ago for $400, like brand new. I had all these ideas for upgrades for it but after shooting the gun quite a bit I found it to be a tack driver and have chosen to leave well enough alone on that gun. I also have the LW Commander XSE with about 800rds. thru it with no problems. I have to add that I live in Fl and do not carry a 1911 for ccw (shorts, t-shirt, 24-7) so I can't speak for carry comfort for you. I have to stick with extreme small and lightweight Kel Tec for ccw.

[colubrid]

If budget is a factor check out a used 1991A1 compact. I picked one up 2 years ago for $400, like brand new. I had all these ideas for upgrades for it but after shooting the gun quite a bit I found it to be a tack driver and have chosen to leave well enough alone on that gun. I also have the LW Commander XSE with about 800rds. thru it with no problems. I have to add that I live in Fl and do not carry a 1911 for ccw (shorts, t-shirt, 24-7) so I can't speak for carry comfort for you. I have to stick with extreme small and lightweight Kel Tec for ccw.


Even though I am only 5'8 170lbs I carry my full size 5" 1911's quite comfortably in Alessi Talon IWB holster. The problem for me is the grip printing through my clothing and that why I would opt for a Gunsite with the Officers frame and commander slide. The length of the slide does not bother me. Matter of fact shorter barrels seem to pinch me when I sit down.

I will look into the 1991A1 compact more but I am pretty sold on the Commander at this point because the consensus says ( :) thanks everyone!) that should be my next choice in a Colt.

[wetidlerjr]

While i am waiting for my WWI repro to come back from the factory I am already fantasizing about a second Colt.

This repro caught my eye with the stainless trigger and hammer. Not sure if this is stock or not but I really like the sleek look of it. Does Colt offer these with the stainless trigger/hammer and polished slide or is this a custom job?:



Hammer is blue w/polished flats(stock)

Trigger: Mfr: GREIDER PRECISION

Proven, Videki Design For Match-Winning Performance


Lightweight, competition trigger minimizes drag and reduces pull weight for extra smooth engagement and faster return. Features the same, proven design that made the “Videki Speed Trigger” the industry standard. Extra-stiff, high-strength bow is machined using the original Class A, Videki tooling and 400 series stainless steel. Shoe is CNC-machined from top-quality, aluminum billet and left slightly oversize for custom fitting. Stop screw helps eliminate overtravel; grooved face gives excellent control. Three sizes provide the correct length-of-pull (LOP) for most shooters. 3-Hole shoe features three holes to help keep pistol weight to a minimum.

SPECS: Bow - 400 Series S, polished finish. Shoe - Aluminum, silver. Long - 2¼" (5.7cm) long. Medium - 2-1/8" (5.4cm) long. Short - 2" (5.1cm) long.

Frame: parked

Slide: blued

Stocks: VZ

Rear Sight: King-Tappan

:D

[d90king]

You might want to check out the LWT Commander in Super 38 its a great round for that Colt :p. A great shooter but not sure it would be the proper round for carry tho :nono: .
Patrick

[colubrid]

I also remeber hearing Colt gave some lip service at the shot show that they have another mini carry gun in the works that will be out this year and better than the Defender. Has anyone got any info on that?


Here is a pic of a CCO XS. If I am not mistaken it seems to have the shorter Officers size frame and commander length barrel? How would this choice be in comparison to a Commander?

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/3217/coltccobj0.jpg

[OD*]

that they have another mini carry gun in the works

http://ezine.m1911.org/shotshow2.htm

[colubrid]

Okay its the one without the sights. Thanks OD. I did not realize it was that one.

So any CCO XS owners out there?

[dakota1911]

Did I say I like Commanders also, although the Defender is great.

[clughog]

Is the recoil assembly more difficult (tricky) to take apart than a standard bushing barrel 1911? It does not need any tools, does it?Definitely not more difficult, just different...after the first time, you won't have ANY problems! No special tools needed. I love my Defender, but I will have to vote for the LTW Commander. I have the XSE .45 in stainless for the range, but would opt for the LTW for carry. Sure can tell a weight difference in my Super .38 XSE alloy and the stainless.

[Mick_In_Texas]

colubrid had some problems with his, but ended up a loyal Colt's fan. I had no problems with my own, lucky to get it for the price I did, and right now, it's my beside gun, and will be travelling with me tomorrow on business in my personal truck for the rest of the week.

That said, I'm also more open to the Commander and Officer barrel/slide lenghts, since I have a Texas CHL. For the most part, Colt's Manufacturing LLC makes very good pistol. I used to be against anything in a 1911 other than the "original" 5" barrel/slide... but lately, I'm not so sure that my prejudice is valid. I think there are some really good 4-1/2" and 3-1/2" versions out there, that are reliable, fine pistols. Maybe not "original", but working and usable .45s just the same. In fact my next, down the road, may be a Commander version. So I eat that cold crow.

Good luck choosing, sir.

Mick