Picked up a Combat Commander...

[elijdub]

I used Noah Zark's proven "Zen" approach to gun-buying ;) to find this early series-80 Combat Commander. It's serial number is in the 3000 range. I haven't figured out the exact year yet but i'd guess it's fairly early. All original in decent shape, i paid $500 OTD. I had wanted to find a Combat Commander that was beat up just enough for me to justify having it worked on by YoBo (or Heirloom...if they've changed their name yet). This one has a few freckles of rust on the dust cover. We'll see how it shoots, but it appears so much better in person than it did online that i may end up just having it mildly restored!
Hope to get to the range this weekend.
Some pics....
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/001-4.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/002-4.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/003-4.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/004-2.jpg
with my new OACP
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/005-1.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/007-1.jpg
this pics shows the rust spots on the underside of the frame (dustcover)...not too bad, and easily removed by a competent 'smith i think
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/009-1.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/015.jpg

[mo' guns]

That's a very nice looking Combat Commander! Congratulations!

[Noah Zark]

A real classic!

Congrats!

Noah

[daveohno]

Nice Combat Commander and a pretty good price!

[rondawg]

Beautiful! I'd get the rust fixed and leave it just like it is! I like that OACP too. Maybe someday I can have a REAL Colt too.....along with my Rocks.

[lindermant]

Nice one elijdub! For the minor flecks of rust, I'd try Big 45 Frontier metal cleaner (http://www.big45metalcleaner.com/Works/); best $5 you'll spend :D

[dakota1911]

Nice find. Call Colt on their 800 number and find out what year it was made.

[paul45]

Gads......more zen ?? :scared: ....extremely nice MKIV commander, however. Let the rust soak in some oil, then lightly brush with a soft toothbrush. That has worked well for me before.

[daveohno]

Every time I try to use the zen approach, OD* shows up and has things for sale.... :eek:

[elijdub]

Thanks all! I'm very pleased with it. This is my first model with an arched MSH (having only shot them before and never owned one). I am incredibly impressed with the "pointability" of it, and think this will fix my consistently low shooting. I don't know what i was thinking to not have tried this sooner :o :D. Lookin' forward to shooting it on Sunday...!

[elijdub]

Beautiful! I'd get the rust fixed and leave it just like it is! I like that OACP too. Maybe someday I can have a REAL Colt too.....along with my Rocks.
Thanks! I'm starting to think that's what i'll do....leave it alone. I just can't seem to find a Colt that's beat up enough to send off for custom work ;)!
My first 1911 was a RIA GI...excellent gun! For the price i sold it, i wish i would've kept it.

[elijdub]

Nice one elijdub! For the minor flecks of rust, I'd try Big 45 Frontier metal cleaner; best $5 you'll spend :D
Let the rust soak in some oil, then lightly brush with a soft
toothbrush. That has worked well for me before.
Well you guys are getting me inspired to give this a try on my own.... Seems i have a project on my hands ;).

[tombstone]

Elijdub - nice find. And ditto on the arched MSH. I recently added one to a NRM Commander and really like it. Could be that those GIs had a reason for the A1 mods to the M1911 after all....Let us know how she shoots.

[OD*]

Very nice Eli!

[OD*]

Every time I try to use the zen approach, OD* shows up and has things for sale.... :eek:
Hey, I ain't that bad! I only have two of them here with your name on 'em! http://www.oprano.com/msgboard/images/smilies/lmao.gif

The BHB

[daveohno]

Hey, I ain't that bad! I only have two of them here with your name on 'em! http://www.oprano.com/msgboard/images/smilies/lmao.gif

The BHB
And both of them are things that I want! Just like the 2 or 3 other things that I wanted and you provided.

Dan is selling me an older Colt that I look forward to getting pretty soon. ;) We won't speak of the other. OD* is a bad man....... :D

I suspect he does that on purpose.......

[elijdub]

I've heard the rumors about OD :D! I'm tryin' to keep my distance... ;).


BTW, Thanks OD!
Very nice Eli!

[elijdub]

Elijdub - nice find. And ditto on the arched MSH. I recently added one to a NRM Commander and really like it. Could be that those GIs had a reason for the A1 mods to the M1911 after all....Let us know how she shoots.
Thanks tombstone! I think you're right about those guys knowin' what they were up to...;)
Hope to have a range report by Sunday... I have a good feeling about this one ;).

[OD*]

OD* is a bad man....... :D

I suspect he does that on purpose.......
http://www.oprano.com/msgboard/images/smilies/evilbanana9.gif

[jeff1124]

Thank God I don't live close enough to OD* to be within his evil grasp like you are , daveohno ;)

Eli, nice gun, +1 on cleaning up the rust and leaving it as is, looks like a suitable sibling to your OACP! :)

[elijdub]

Thanks Jeff! I'm fairly firm in that approach now. ..Yep, i got the big brother to my OACP ;).

[carolinaman]

Hello Elijdub,

What a very nice find and at a decent price!

I suspect that you will continue to be happy with the Colt Commander in its "preworn" condition and can imagine that you have bestowed a little TLC on the neglected handgun.

As I have stated before, I am not planning on doing any modifications to my Colt Commander. It stays the way it came out of the box.

I've spend many years "fixin up" 1911's and at the end of the day--you have the same handgun. Why I've spent so much money on Wilson Combat Parts that I expect a Christmas Card from Bill Wilson himself!

Again, great find and please continue to keep us updated on how it runs for you.

Best,

Chris

[elijdub]

Will do Chris! Thanks for the kind words. I hear what you're sayin' about custom work...with just a little bit of "TLC" this Colt will be in perfect shape! I really thought is was in worse shape when i bought it....it's nice to get a gun and realize it's in BETTER shape than you thought :D. I'm still on the hunt for a true "beater" Commander to send to YoBo, just because i really like their work. It's just one of luxuries in life that i feel i can treat myself to...at least once. ...But this one...she's stayin' "stock" methinks!
Looks like i'll get in some range time this afternoon... I'll post a report asap.
Thanks again.

[elijdub]

Well i went to the range with my new Commander yesterday. It was exactly like i thought; the arched MSH filled out my hand nicely and raised my POA(?) bringing my groups closer together :D. I really like the low-profile (tiny) sights on this early series-80. I continue to shoot low-and-left...i cannot figure out an answer to this one :confused:. But my shots are getting closer together.

I had to cut the pics up to fit them all within my camera's lens (no cheatin' i swear :D). This is a mixture of WWB and PMC both 230 gr. FMJ's, and i was trying out some various defensive ammo, namely Hornady TAP's +P, Speer Gold Dot, and Federal HydraShock. The targets are posted in the order i shot them. You can see how finally in the last pic my group is a little tighter AND only "low", without much "left". All shots were fired at 10 yards.
I'd greatly appreciate some input on how to fix my low-and-left problem! I wonder if i'm "holding" at an incorrect place (i.e. 6 o'clock, etc.)...? I try to align the front sight with the bull....

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/003-5.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/004-3.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/001-5.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/002-5.jpg

[carolinaman]

Hello,

Here's a link with a helpful "diagnostic" pictorial:

http://www.bullseyepistol.com/training.htm

One of the first things I do with the majority of 1911's that I get to shoot is retrofit them with a Flat MSH and long trigger which helps me index my finger correctly on the trigger each time I shoot.

Fortunately, my Series 80 Colt Commander came from the factory that way.

Best,

Chris

[elijdub]

Chris, Thank you for the pictorial! It's very helpful.
Personally i prefer the short trigger and arched MSH....it feels easier to get "on target" for me with this set-up...but if my shooting is "off" i may need to try another set-up! I'll be cautious to disregard a component arrangement that feels comfortable, but i may give the long trigger a try (maybe next time i'm at the range) to see if i can hit the mark a little better. I have a feeling it's something i'm dong though. I'll give the "diagnostics" a try....
Thanks again!

[azreloader]

Eli,

I tend to shoot up the low/left of the target too, with most of my 1911's. The only one I seem to group in the center consistently is my Govt with the Staglight handles. They are thicker and it must change how much of my finger contacts the trigger. I have fairly large hands and that one fills it much better. I never had this trouble with any of my double stack guns so it must have something to do with it.

Nuthin like a new gun's first trip to the range.

[TattooPaul]

Creighton, Sorry for joining in so late - LOVE that Commander! Very well done. I love the finish and the entire arched MSH and short trigger 70 Series look. Even looking up close she's a beaut! Good deal aa well…_Congradulations, Paul

[elijdub]

Creighton, Sorry for joining in so late - LOVE that Commander! Very well done. I love the finish and the entire arched MSH and short trigger 70 Series look. Even looking up close she's a beaut! Good deal aa well…_Congradulations, Paul
Hey Paul, I think you got me and Clughog confussed ;). Unless i'm mistaken (which does happen) you're referring to my Commander. Thanks for the kind words!

[jeff1124]

I thought that was a little weird, I think Paul is still riding the Green Bay high from last nights game!! ;)

[TattooPaul]

Sorry 'bout that Eli, Creighton (and others that were confused) - my mistake. I stand corrected , while I refuse to wear a dang cheesehead - GO PACK!!!. Thanks all for putting up with my occasional miguided post.

Beautiful Commander nonetheless! Well done and then some. _Paul

[jeff1124]

Sorry 'bout that Eli, Creighton (and others that were confused) - my mistake. I stand corrected , while I refuse to wear a dang cheesehead - GO PACK!!!. Thanks all for putting up with my occasional miguided post.

Beautiful Commander nonetheless! Well done and then some. _Paul

You may not wear your cheese on your head but I can tell what your heart is made of -snicker- Oh, and I've used that line "go pack" on my kids, but it doesn't seem to work!! :D

[TattooPaul]

I may not wear a cheesehead but my viens course with the wonderful elixer known as Pabst Blue Ribbon! (Go ahead, cringe - that leaves more for me!).

Hey Jeff, that "Go Pack" only works occasionally even with the Packers. When Favre retires I'm afraid it'll have no effect whatsoever just like the long lull between the Lombardi and Favre era's ( that was some dismal span, believe me!)

[John]

Why on earth do you guys congratulate Elijdub? That Commander is not his, ....



IT'S MIIIIIIIIIIINE

:lm:

[jeff1124]

When Favre retires I'm afraid it'll have no effect whatsoever just like the long lull between the Lombardi and Favre era's ( that was some dismal span, believe me!)

I know about lulls, the Vikings have no quarterback, and a brain dead coach with no signs of life apparent for sometime. :butthead: :(

John, you may want to lay off the Ouzo! Or start making plans to emigrate! :)

[azreloader]

You guys crack me up. Adds a little uplift to the last hour of my workday! :D

[jogon]

Just picked it up from my smith. Grayish-green phosphate finish with some mods.Havn't tested it yet at the range.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a105/jogonmd95/Combatcommander.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a105/jogonmd95/combatcommander2.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a105/jogonmd95/combatcommander3.jpg

[elijdub]

Why on earth do you guys congratulate Elijdub? That Commander is not his, ....



IT'S MIIIIIIIIIIINE

:lm:

:lm:
You're welcome to shoot it whenever you're here el Commandante ;)!

[elijdub]

Just picked it up from my smith. Grayish-green phosphate finish with some mods.Havn't tested it yet at the range.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a105/jogonmd95/Combatcommander.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a105/jogonmd95/combatcommander2.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a105/jogonmd95/combatcommander3.jpg
Congrats Jogon! Very nice! I've never seen a hammer like that before... What is it?

[John]

:lm:
You're welcome to shoot it whenever you're here el Commandante ;)!
Thank you Sir! Some day, I might just take you up on this offer!

[elijdub]

You're very welcome! Lookin' forward to it ;)!

[A.B.]

Late to this post, glad I caught it--super find, Eli!

[elijdub]

Thanks A.B.!!! I'm very happy with the new Combat Commander! It's the gun i've been after for some time. Originally i wanted a pre-series 80, and i bid on several only to be outbid (at hugely inflated prices...you wouldn't believe what they're selling for!). I found this early series-80, in pretty good shape, for what i thought to be a solid price, and jumped on it.
Thanks again!
p.s., i may get some "flack" for saying so, but i am considering sending this one to YoBo/Heirloom.... Despite it's appearance it does have a little rust/freckling/etc..(it's a little "beat up"). That was my original purpose..to buy a Colt that i wouldn't mind having worked on. You and Lindermant really have me inspired to build a pair of matching conceal-carry perfection ;) (Commander and OACP). I haven't decided yet. I did put myself on the YoBo waiting list, and whether this gun or another, one will be going off to them in 10 months!

[A.B.]

...you wouldn't believe what they're selling for!
Oh, I dunno. :(
You and Lindermant really have me inspired to build a pair of matching conceal-carry perfection ;) (Commander and OACP)
Those will be a terrific brace! But I'm gonna transfer all the blame for this onto Lindermant. I have been measurably less sane (than usual) since I glimpsed his 9mm Commander, about a year ago!

[elijdub]

I have been measurably less sane (than usual) since I glimpsed his 9mm Commander, about a year ago!
I'm right there with you :D! That was the "turning point" for me too, absolutely....;)

[jogon]

Eli,
Its a Doug Koenig speed hammer. Yeah , i like it too.
Joe

[lindermant]

...But I'm gonna transfer all the blame for this onto Lindermant. I have been measurably less sane (than usual) since I glimpsed his 9mm Commander, about a year ago!

:D you're welcome!

[elijdub]

:D you're welcome!
I, too, hold you responsible Lindermant :D! It's been nothing but Commanders and Custom shops for the last year! I've begun to dream about 9mm's... :bed: :D!!!!!!!

[A.B.]

:D you're welcome!

;) Some credit goes to the new 4691 Commander I purchased around that time, but thanks again, I think. :p
It is the most fun I've had spending money in a long, long time!:D