New O4012XSE Commander. What should I replace?

[Jim17]

I have just bought a NIB O4012XSE Commander and intend to replace the awful grip safety/duck tail. Anything else I can do to enhance reliability? I will eventually send it to a shop to be dehorned. Thanks.

[michael t]

I find that duck tail a lot better for carry than the surfboards people have on their 1911's. I think you should just shoot it and enjoy it for a while. TO MAKE SURE ITS RELIEABLE , then may be have dehorned. That I do agree with Colt could do a better job of this.

[Hawkmoon]

That duckbill grip safety is a truly horrible design and it's hard to believe that Colt still uses it ... and that they ever used it. I would replace it with a standard Commander grip safety, or a Wilson Combat beavertail.

IMHO nothing else needs to be changed. Maybe have a trigger job done if your trigger is heavier than 5 pounds or doesn't break cleanly.

[Jim17]

I have often wondered if Colt keeps the duckbill grip safety tp drive business to the Custom Shop, but it probably just drives the business to Brownells.

[mustangk]

I had the same plans for mine until I shot it, now I not changing a thing it's a great shooter I also think you should shoot it and enjoy it for a while before changing anything. I actually like the grip safety it's not as bad as I thought it would be.

Wilson Combat Protector, Colt Light Weight XSE Commander, Colt 1991 Commander

[allstop]

I have just bought a NIB O4012XSE Commander and intend to replace the awful grip safety/duck tail. Anything else I can do to enhance reliability? I will eventually send it to a shop to be dehorned. Thanks.

I have the same gun, and when firing it I've found the 'high grip enhanced cut' (as I believe Colt calls it) under the trigger guard on the front strap makes up for the duckbill grip safety. Have you been to the range yet?

The trigger pull straight from the factory was around 4 lbs. on mine.

[Blackhawk]

I have just recently agreed to a trade for the Colt XSE Combat Commander. Cant wait to add another pony to the stable : ) Plans are to replace duckbill safety with Wilson Combat beavertail and possible change rear sight from Novak LPA to a low profile adjustable rear sight from Novak. Iwill also be changing grips to set of Ahrends tactical ranger style grips in black/ebony and may do a little work on trigger if needed.

[OD*]

That duckbill grip safety is a truly horrible design and it's hard to believe that Colt still uses it ...
Amen.

Other than that, shoot it a bunch and then decide if it needs anything.

[John]

:fp:

[EchoBravoKilo]

Well, I have had one for about a year and go back and forth on the grip safety. I 'll probably change it and also change to single side thumb safety. Trigger job is probably in the works, too. My only reliability issue was the extractor tension was WAY too tight from factory Took me a long time to figure out how to prevent continual FTRB issues. Now it's working fine. De-horn is also pretty much mandatory, in my opinion.

It's a great pistol - enjoy!

[blgoode]

I was lucky enough to find a stock colt thumb safety that is more carry friendly in my opinion than the ambi / extended type.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/Colt_LTW_safety.jpg

I also have different grips

[Blackhawk]

blgoode nice looking shooter sir.

[LOBO]

blgoode, that is a fine looking gun! Congrats ;) I especially like the thumb safety.

Anyone know where I could find a blued thumb safety like blgoode installed on his Commander XSE?

[wetidlerjr]

I have just bought a NIB O4012XSE Commander and intend to replace the awful grip safety/duck tail. Anything else I can do to enhance reliability? I will eventually send it to a shop to be dehorned. Thanks.

This is my XSE Combat Commander. It has a King's "drop-in" grip safety. Of course, not fitted but better than a "duckbill." :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/wetidlerjr/Colt%201911/COLTCC070307Medium-2.jpg

[allstop]

This is my XSE Combat Commander. It has a King's "drop-in" grip safety. Of course, not fitted but better than a "duckbill." :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/wetidlerjr/Colt%201911/COLTCC070307Medium-2.jpg

Geeze, that is one sharp pistol. Have you done anything to the finish on that XSE? The bead blasted areas look high polish!

[Jim17]

Thanls for your help, guys.