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wil
2nd January 2008, 22:58
I've recently gotten reinterested in 1911s. Had a polished blue SA Loaded for several years and was dissatisfied with its accuracy at the range. Turns out that the rear sight was loose...fixed it, no problems, but no personality either. Bought a Les Baer several months ago and it is wonderful...excellent and accurate.

But last month found a 'modified' 1991A1 Compact Model...well fitted beavertail grip safety and excellent aluminum trigger...for $500. Bought it and took it to the range...and 'fell in love' with the little thing. The next week, I was in my favorite local gun dealer's when I saw another 1991A1 Compact...like new, in box with two mags for $450. Same drill. Both are great, feed smoothly with no FTF or FTRB, accuracy is fine. I just like them both. Will keep the original one as is and have already sent the slide on the 'modified' one to Novak's for sights. Will be a nice pair, I think. And I'm hooked on Colts.

But now, I have the bug for a Commander-size Colt. When I look at the offerings...1991 blue, 1991 SS, Ltwt Commander XSE, and Combat Commander XSE...I wonder which way to turn. I like my Compact models so well in their original set up (simple, straightforward...and the lower price) that I'm tempted to go with a 1991. But the XSEs already have the sights, grip safety, and trigger set up...(I do NOT like the forward serrations). And I hear such good things about the lightweight...a local dealer has one which I have checked out.

Any suggestions...strong arguments for one over the others? And...I can't get one of each :) ...I just bought two compacts and am enjoying them at the range every nice day that comes around. This particular purchase will have to wait a few months. But I can dream, can't I? Any things to think about? --wil--
nunya
2nd January 2008, 23:12
I also don't like the front serrations, so I just picked up my 91 stainless Commander. I absolutely love it. I figure I can replace the sights, trigger, etc as I feel like it, but I couldn't remove the front serrations. The sights are plenty usable on the 91, the trigger is easily replaced, the grip safety is comfortable. I'll get around to improvements eventually. ;)
Hunter
2nd January 2008, 23:15
I am glad you are pleased with your Colts, they are fine pistols.
I have a 1991A1 and 1991A1 Compact in .45 Automatic as well as a stainless 1991 in Super .38, all have been flawless and accurate.
I am also partial to the plain pistols (though I do love Gold Cups) so I would go for the blued 1991 but any of your choices would be a wise move. I also do not love forward cocking serrations but I here good things about the XSE.
Good luck with a tough choice.
clughog
2nd January 2008, 23:48
Given the pistols you already have, I'd vote for the Colt O4691 Commander. Just something about the basic blued pistol that is really appealing to me. Plus, you can modify/upgrade parts if it suits you later. I love my Stainless XSE but have been really thinking about the "plain" version lately. Enjoy your quest!
Hawkmoon
2nd January 2008, 23:58
I'd go with the basic, blued 1991 Combat Commander. I don't like several "features" of the XSEs, especially the front cocking serrations, and if I'm not mistaken the stainless 1991 comes with that ridiculous "duckbill" grip safety. The basic blue 1991 is a classic Combat Commander.
paul45
3rd January 2008, 06:46
Sooner or later you will get enough replies that recommend all 4. You have to get the one you like.

Me.....I have 3 of the 4 cause I can't make a decison......
Rich-D
3rd January 2008, 06:57
I'd go with the basic, blued 1991 Combat Commander. I don't like several "features" of the XSEs, especially the front cocking serrations, and if I'm not mistaken the stainless 1991 comes with that ridiculous "duckbill" grip safety. The basic blue 1991 is a classic Combat Commander.

+1, The blued Classic appears to be the hands down favorite. And Duck Bills are for the Ducks. However the first serrations on a gun do not bother me on most models.


Rich
Hawkmoon
3rd January 2008, 10:35
+1, The blued Classic appears to be the hands down favorite. And Duck Bills are for the Ducks. However the first serrations on a gun do not bother me on most models.
Aside from being ugly as sin (IMHO), the ones on the XSEs apparently have a voracious appetite for holsters.