Choosing between ORM and NRM Commanders

[Auto-5]

I'm deciding between ORM and NRM Commanders for my first 1911, and I'd like some help sorting out the pros and cons. I'm leaning toward a blued pistol and a lightweight is not on our CA approved list.
The pistol will be used for mostly range and home defense.

After doing a few searches I've gathered these generalizations.

ORM, less well fit, under appreciated roll mark, matte blue finish, still a good reliable pistol with accuracy to be judged on a individual, a good base for customization.

NRM, a better fit pistol, attractive roll mark, nice traditional bluing, the dimpled ramp for improved feeding of HP ammo, an accurate reliable pistol, keep it stock and enjoy your good looking and shooting Colt.

My question: is the NRM better fit, better feeding, and more accurate overall?
Second question: are the sharp edges people complain about on the NRM present on the ORM pistol?

Thanks for your help and this great forum!

[Hawkmoon]

Neither the NRM nor the ORM was/is offered in a lightweight. That would be the XSE series.

The dimple is in the magazines, and both have dimpled magazines.

Colt does not and did not "dehorn" their pistols, so those so-called "sharp edges" will be the same on both. Personally, I own an ORM Compact (Officers) and a NRM Commander, and I don't consider the edges to be "sharp." They don't hurt me and they don't attack my holsters. I consider them "normal."

IMHO the only difference is in finish. If you like the Parkerized/matte blue ... get the ORM. If you prefer the traditional blued finish ... get the NRM.

[OD*]

ORM, less well fit, under appreciated roll mark, matte blue finish, still a good reliable pistol with accuracy to be judged on a individual, a good base for customization.
The ORM Colts that I own and have owned were every bit as well fit, actually better than the NRMs I have owned and most of those I have seen. Finish of the NRMs is nicer.

NRM, a better fit pistol, attractive roll mark, nice traditional bluing, the dimpled ramp for improved feeding of HP ammo, an accurate reliable pistol, keep it stock and enjoy your good looking and shooting Colt..
It depends on when the ORM was manufactured as to whether or not it will have the dimpled barrel throat.

My question: is the NRM better fit, better feeding, and more accurate overall?.
No Sir, not nessaserily.


Second question: are the sharp edges people complain about on the NRM present on the ORM pistol?
Generally.

[Hunter]

I do like the looks of the NRM a little better myself.
I do believe they come with the dimpled barrel which I believe to be a great idea.
I have never had feeding issues with non dimpled barrels but I believe the new set up is smoother especially with aggressive JHPs and SWCs.
If it were me I would seek out a nice NRM but is a great deal on an ORM came by I would consider it.

[JARHEAD82-86]

I would go for a NRM as it is more of a classic Colt look. I do not personally care for the look of the ORM. Also as stated the newer model with the dimpled barrel will feed any ammo you could think of. The finish and fit of my NRM is great. So I would say it is a matter of personal taste. But as long as it is a Colt it can't be bad.

Mike

[OD*]

Also as stated the newer model with the dimpled barrel
ORMs made after '98 or so will have the dimpled barrel also.

[dakota1911]

I am just amazed that you have a gunstore where you can say "Gosh, do I want this one or that one?". My experience is that they will both launch lead equally.

[Hersh]

My ORM had the dimpled throat and some other "transitional" features and was a fine pistol, although I never could warm up to the billboard rollmark. Under the hood they're both Colts so my 2 cents would tell you to get whichever one is more pleasing to your eye.

You really can't get hurt either way.

[k217sc]

Got an ORM Commander at a great price, but not caring much for the ORM itself, sent it to Tripps for "fixin":

Before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/k217sc/ColtORM1991A1001.jpg

And afterwards:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/k217sc/ORMHardchromed.jpg

[Auto-5]

Thanks for the input guys. Nice to have such a knowledgable bunch to rely on.

Here's a quote from an archived thread on THR.

Best Colt I ever had was an "old rollmark" 1991A1 Commander, with a CJ23XXX serial number. It was a commercial offering purchased through normal channels. IIRC it was bought new about '95, and it ran for over 3500 rounds of ball, lead bullet reloads and various JHP's without a single malfunction. It was bone stock, and would keep five, 230 grain HydraShoks inside 3 1/2" at 50 yards, from the bench.

Don't know the author but he provides a lot of detail!

[elijdub]

Welcome to the forum Auto-5!
IMO, both are great pistols. I personally like the look of the new roll marks a little better, but would not pass up the opportunity to buy an ORM at a good price. The choice is really just about personal opinion....which roll marks/finish you prefer. You really can't go wrong either way.
Let us know what you buy!