Colt XSE-Alloy or Steel frame??

[Turtle]

I have made up my mind to go with a Colt 45 - Commander length, however, I am still undecided on if I should get the lightweight model with the alloy frame or the steel frame model.

How much weight difference is there and is there a difference in durability?

Thanks!

[JustinTime]

My opinion is Alloy is the only way to go with a commander length gun. If your going to get steel...you might as well get a government model. There is only 3-4 ounces difference in weight.

[clughog]

The weight is sure enough to feel, though. I have the XSE Commander in .38 Super Lightweight and the XSE .45 Combat Commander and you can tell a lot of difference holding them both. I'd disagree with Justin only in the sense that I don't carry the .45 and thought the heavier weight would make for a better range gun. And I wanted the Commander length, not the Government. If I were going to carry it more (or shoot it less), I'd go with the lightweight. I didn't have a choice with the .38 Super as it only came in lightweight. You'll love it either way!

[FlyPenFly]

Is there a long term longetivity difference between either the alloy or SS?

[clughog]

I guess that technically the SS should outlast the alloy frame, but realistically, I doubt the average person would put enough rounds through it to make a difference. I have a friend who has over 5,000 through his alloy frame Defender with no adverse signs. The alloy frame will be more prone to modest cosmetic damage from the follower on an empty magazine slamming into it, but, as Ken Crawley of Crawley Custom told me, it ain't gonna hurt anything--just shoot it!

[paul45]

Wait long enough and you will get 3 opinions.....

1) LW only
2) Steel only
3)who cares, get what feels best in YOUR hand.....


For my suggestion to you, I choose option #3!! :D

[lmetmort]

Wait long enough and you will get 3 opinions.....

1) LW only
2) Steel only
3)who cares, get what feels best in YOUR hand.....


For my suggestion to you, I choose option #3!! :D

Just buy them both, you'll end up doing that in the long run anyway.

[elijdub]

With respect to Justin and others, i prefer the steel model. I carry a steel model regularly. I don't particularly mind the weight...i used to carry a full-size...and just prefer the shorter length for concealment. I have carried both, and while there is a significant weight difference between the two receivers, with a solid belt/holster combo it can be easily accomplished, IMHO.
Just to give you an idea of "durability", Colt has been producing the LW Commander since 1949... In my opinion, alloy has stood the test of time. Another example (though it might be considered blasphemy in the Colt forum ;)) is that Kimber tests their alloy receivers to 20,000+ rounds "without showing any signs of meaningful wear" (from their site).
I think the decision ultimately rests upon what your intended purpose for the gun IS...and from there, your level of comfort given your body size/shape if you intend to carry.
Hope this helps.

[pa_guns]

Is there a long term longetivity difference between either the alloy or SS?

Hi

How much do you shoot?

How picky are you about accuracy?

At something like 20 to 30K rounds the slide will begin to loosen on the frame to the point that you will notice it's impact on accuracy. The steel pistol can be tightened up, the alloy frame can not be tightened.

If you shoot 80 rounds a month, the pistol will probably die of something other than a loose slide 20 years from now. If you practice a lot and run 1000 rounds a week, the steel is probably a good idea.

Bob

[elijdub]

Good point about the slide to frame re-lapping, Bob. I'd never thought about that aspect before. Question: you couldn't just simply re-lap the slide to accomadate the frame if the fit became loose?

[pa_guns]

Good point about the slide to frame re-lapping, Bob. I'd never thought about that aspect before. Question: you couldn't just simply re-lap the slide to accomadate the frame if the fit became loose?

Hi

Essentially you "fatten up" the rails on both the slide and frame by hammering on them to get things fitting tight again. If you do it on only half of the mating surfaces you only have a partial job.

Bob