The M1911 Pistols Organization Forums Site

bayowulf11

2nd March 2008, 11:44

I am an experienced 1911 owner/shooter but new to Colt. Yes, believe it or not, I have owned and shot Springy's, S&W's, Kimbers, and one Les Baer but have never owned a Colt.

I am looking to buy my first 4 - 4 1/4" bbl Colt. I would appreciate some guidance on which series would be the best purchase, i.e., pre-1980 (1970?), 1980, or current production? I am looking for a quality pistol and will pay more rather than accept a "compromise" gun. Prefer a good carry gun over target accuracy and prefer blued over stainless but that is not a big deal.

Any help you could offer would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your advice to this Colt newby.

Hunter

2nd March 2008, 12:41

Welcome to the forum and to Colts. Colt Commander will have a 4 1/4" barrel.
The current production Colts are great pistols and have a lifetime service agreement.
Really all your choices are good and that would be a tough call to make.
I would let price and availability help with the decision (as of course condition).
You can browse gunbroker and get a good idea of what is out there.

gfavaron

2nd March 2008, 16:34

There are some really fine older Commanders out there, and some come up for sale regularly. Many of us prefer Colts made before the firing pin safety came into production (circa 1980). Unfortunately, they tend to sell for rather more than brand new guns.

As Hunter points out, the new ones come with a lifetime service agreement. That is nothing to sneeze at, but I wouldn't trade either of my older Commanders for a new one.

Hawkmoon

2nd March 2008, 16:57

I probably wouldn't trade an old one for a new one, but I also wouldn't pass up a new one. The 1991 Commanders are fine pistols.

michael t

2nd March 2008, 20:38

I probably wouldn't trade an old one for a new one, but I also wouldn't pass up a new one. The 1991 Commanders are fine pistols.

I agree with that statement

dakota1911

2nd March 2008, 20:43

I bought a new Commander to carry this last year for $750 and am very happy with it. No plans on trading or upgrading at the moment. I only have about 3K through it now. Should be O.K. for 20K or so since it is an all steel pistol.

elijdub

2nd March 2008, 21:29

I bought an early "Series 80" (1981) Combat Commander (all steel, as opposed to a "Lightweight" having an alloy frame) this past year for $500. It was a good deal, IMO. You can buy current production "1991 Series" Commanders new for around $700. That is the only current production Commander that Colt offers in "blue"....a very nice gun! Despite the high level of quality of the newer models, there's just something about the early Commanders (50's, 60's and 70's) that i find really appealing, as well as the fact that, as was mentioned above, they don't have the "Series 80 firing pin safety".

My Commander is the predecessor to the "1991 Series":
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/008-6.jpg

d90king

2nd March 2008, 21:45

You could always try one of these....IMHO one of the best carry pieces period. You might have to be patient but in the end you will be rewarded. I think it will give you everything you mentioned. ;)

Colt Gunsite CCO
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/DSCN0447.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/DSCN0444.jpg

pa_guns

2nd March 2008, 21:51

Hi

The new ones are fine pistols. They are not sitting on every self in every gun shop, but you can find them. The old ones are also fine pistols. Finding one in good shape can be a tough thing. If you are looking for something soon, go for a new one.

Bob

MCMIX

2nd March 2008, 22:37

Purchase a new one and then look around for an older model for a shooter/collector/customize gun. I can personally attest to the fine charactristics of the new Commander XSE.

pa_guns

2nd March 2008, 23:02

Hi

Sounds like a plan.

Bob

bayowulf11

3rd March 2008, 10:02

Genuine thanks to all of you for your insights and advice. You have been a big help to me.

John

3rd March 2008, 10:31

I am waiting for Rio to post a picture of my Commander, but he must be budy.

Come on Steve, let me see my beauty again!

:lm:

I am a known lover of Commanders (an unsatisfied love, I guess), so I can only say "Go for it", current production are fine.

paul45

3rd March 2008, 13:11

I would appreciate some guidance on which series would be the best purchase
I don't think it makes a difference.....they are all desireable to me. I go for condition first, price second. Say, how bout some more pics to ensure you get one soon??

1970 38 Super
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/paul10mm/100_0323.jpg

SS NRM
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/paul10mm/100_0315.jpg

MKIV
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/paul10mm/100_0304.jpg

XSE 38 Super
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/paul10mm/100_0065.jpg

larry starling

3rd March 2008, 13:46

Pictures look great Paul....But you left your Gold Cup Commander out ???? :)

elijdub

3rd March 2008, 19:35

Great lookin' Commanders Paul! Question: what kind of rear sight is on your MKIV?

pa_guns

3rd March 2008, 19:37

Hi

Nice pistols.

Bob

EchoBravoKilo

3rd March 2008, 20:14

+1 to Commanders! I like all the variations I've seen...

1951 Commander
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p258/EchoBravoKilo/1951%20Commander%2045/IMGP1178.jpg
...and one in 9mm also 1951
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p258/EchoBravoKilo/1951%20Commander%209mm/IMGP1261.jpg
and one from 1975
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p258/EchoBravoKilo/King%20Commander/IMGP1169.jpg
and from 1976 in Satin Chrome
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p258/EchoBravoKilo/1976%20Combat%20Commander/IMGP0687.jpg
and a current production XSE Combat commander
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p258/EchoBravoKilo/combat%20Commander%20XSE/IMGP0797.jpg
...apologies for lousy photography.

I just love Commanders - and don't think you can go wrong with any of the variations. Good luck!

Rio Vista Slim

3rd March 2008, 20:19

Come on Steve, let me see my beauty again!
Okay John, here's "your" pistol!!!!!!!!!! :D

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_2104.jpg

Colt's Model 04691

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_0821.jpg

daveohno

3rd March 2008, 22:18

So many nice Commanders and so little money...............

bayowulf11

3rd March 2008, 23:01

I don't think it makes a difference.....they are all desireable to me. I go for condition first, price second. Say, how bout some more pics to ensure you get one soon??

Two more wake-ups and she'll be here. Pictures...of course!!!

pa_guns

3rd March 2008, 23:49

Hi

Commander pictures, everybody's showing up with Commander pictures. What to do ....

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n68/pa_guns/commander_inside.jpg

Best picture of a Commander box so far --- HA !!!!

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n68/pa_guns/commander.jpg

Bob

CherryRiver

4th March 2008, 22:46

Sure isn't much restraint about making a picture thread out of a simple question.
So why bother?
Here's my old warhorse, my first gun, still going after 35 years, kinda beat up looking, but hey, it's paid for. Hasn't missed a beat in many thousands of rounds, and has probably launched at least 60K, but who knows?
Meanwhile, back at the original post: Yeah, they're good. You'll like pretty much any one you wind up with, new or old.
Bill
http://www.fishertransmission.com/images/ccc452-08.jpg

pa_guns

4th March 2008, 22:51

Hi

It's not very hard to get us to go picture nuts.

Bob

JRI

5th March 2008, 00:09

pa_guns

5th March 2008, 08:36

I purchased new production (late 2006) Government and Commander model Colts in Stainless Steel. Only problem was Commander front sight came loose but Colt fixed it. No other problem with finish and function.
Buy with confidence.

Hi

Colt used to be noted for their loose front sights on Gold Cups. Interesting to see that they may be headed back to their roots. :D :D :D

Bob

stoneypete

5th March 2008, 09:57

I bought an early "Series 80" (1981) Combat Commander (all steel, as opposed to a "Lightweight" having an alloy frame) My Commander is the predecessor to the "1991 Series":
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/elijdub/008-6.jpgWe have the same pistola. Only mine was made in 1987.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/stoneypete/Everyday%20guns/1911A1%20Combat%20Comander/HPIM2038.jpg

elijdub

5th March 2008, 16:58

Very nice MKIV stoneypete!

fire_hunter988

5th March 2008, 17:21

love to look at pictures.

pa_guns

5th March 2008, 19:43

love to look at pictures.

Hi

Hang around here and you'll see a lot of pictures.

Bob

Hill

6th March 2008, 18:43

I like Commanders if they're heavy Like a Combat Commander:http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/twagger/guns/1CombatCommander.jpg

and I like them if they're older and lighter too:http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/twagger/guns/LWCommander.jpg

I even like hybrid Commanders wed to an Officer frame:http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/twagger/guns/cco3.jpg

EchoBravoKilo

6th March 2008, 19:20

Beautiful pistols, and great photography. I agree with you...

elijdub

6th March 2008, 19:34

Me too ;).

pa_guns

6th March 2008, 20:23

Hi

Nice pistols.

Bob

naw1201

7th March 2008, 18:32

Nice pistols, nice photos! I'm starting to thnk I need a new one. I guess enough is never enough...

pa_guns

7th March 2008, 19:00

Hi

There's no such thing as "enough", there's only "enough for right now" :D :D :D

Bob

EchoBravoKilo

7th March 2008, 19:04

There's no such thing as "enough", there's only "enough for right now"
Absolutely!

pa_guns

7th March 2008, 19:12

Absolutely!

Hi

Another way to look at "enough for right now" is "need to leave money in the bank to spend on food". :D :D :D

Bob

CherryRiver

7th March 2008, 19:20

Food?
Eating is overrated!
http://www.fishertransmission.com/images/Four%20Commanders.jpg

pa_guns

7th March 2008, 19:35

Hi

Actually in my case cutting back on the food would be a pretty good idea.

Hmmmmm .....

Bob

elijdub

7th March 2008, 19:57

Food?
Eating is overrated!
http://www.fishertransmission.com/images/Four%20Commanders.jpg
Very nice Commander "assembly", Cherry River! Who did the work on the customized one's?

pa_guns

7th March 2008, 21:41

Food?
Eating is overrated!
http://www.fishertransmission.com/images/Four%20Commanders.jpg

Hi

The finance minister here points out that the beer tab is part of the food bill. Obviously there is a portion of the food bill that is indeed off limits ....

Bob

CherryRiver

7th March 2008, 22:02

elijdub-
The short answer is various.
The longer answer:
The matte CC was bought that way, fully Wilsonized. It used to be a Chicago copper's day gun.
The 9mm CC with the checkered stocks just had some sight work by Maxon's, Des Plaines, IL. It was supposed the be the ultimate Girl Gun. Girl didn't think so.
The Lightweight was a pocket-gun rustbucket, redone by the Gun Doctor in Roselle, IL
The old beater CC was first worked on by the original Maxon, and then later by the new owner of Maxon's. Plus me- I put in the Brown barrel, the best thing I ever did to it.
Bill
A silly 19mm shorter...

daveohno

7th March 2008, 23:45

elijdub-
The short answer is various.
The longer answer:
The matte CC was bought that way, fully Wilsonized. It used to be a Chicago copper's day gun.

Nice group of pistols! Chicago police officer gun? Must have been quite some time ago. Single action pistols have been off limits for near 20 years in CPD.

CherryRiver

8th March 2008, 00:00

Well, given what a law-abiding place Chi-Town is, count me surrrr-prised.

Bill

pa_guns

8th March 2008, 09:32

Hi

Chicago has had it's ups and downs. It's not bad for a big city. It's light years ahead of several I could think of.

Bob

elijdub

8th March 2008, 09:35

wgppp

8th March 2008, 18:19

I've had a Series 80 Enhanced Commander for several years. I had to add an ambi safety and the sights were small and the front was pinned, not dovetailed, and the front sight shot off fairly quickly. I figured about $200 for better sights. I hit a gun show today and took the pistol "just in case". Well, I was able to sell the old gun for $500 and bought a new Commander XSE for $800. Figuring that I avoided the cost of the new sights the old gun needed, I paid $100 and got a factory ambi safety, much better (dovetailed) sights and cocking serrations front and rear. All things considered it appears tome to be a superior pistol to the old one.