Perspective Series 80 Commander

[Coastie Doc]

Well, I was at one of the local shops and they had a couple of Colts. One Series 80 gov't and two WWI re-issues. Then, in their 'used' case, they had a Series 80 Commander. The overall appearance, fit and trigger pull seemed within spec. It did have slim grips with hex screws and it appeared as though a rubber cement had been applied between the grip and frame to tighten things up. Older trigicon nights sights were also in place. I did not have time to detail strip and fully function check, but the gun looks like it is of the early Series 80 stable. The store is asking $715.00. If I did do this I would see about getting a little more off the price because of the added equipment. I did not get the ser#. So based on the above how cautious should I be? or should I pass and wait to get a Series 70 Gov't. The Series 80 safety does not scare me, but it is not preferred either. Thanks.

[Jim Watson]

A wise man said "A bargain is something you don't need at a price you can't resist."

Get what you really want.

On this particular gun, I would be looking at the feed ramp as the greatest opportunity for expensive mistakes. I would discount the price by the cost of a set of standard grips and bushings because I don't like the thin ones. I would discount the price by a set of sights, either fresh tritium or some other pattern depending on the use.

I would still pass it up unless it were a lightweight gun for carry because I am not as accurate with a Combat Commander as I am with a full size Gov't Model.

[R-W]

Doc,
I love my Combat Commander. It's a pre-80 series. Had some of the same
mods it sounds like this one has... grips, sights. I just changed them out for
original parts. Call the store, get the sn and you can email Colt and find out
the year within 24hrs or less. Price is in the OK range but hard to be specific
to value without a pic or two.

Bottom line... buy it if it tugs at you. Take 6 $100 bills in and lay them on the
counter. Let them speak first. Good luck.

RW

[Coastie Doc]

Thank you both for your replies. I called the gun store and got the ser#. I am going to give Colt a call and see what I can find out. If I do decide to go with this gun I am going to trade in a 4" S&A 686 and some cash. Nothing is for sure. If I did get this I would shoot the heck out of it and then send it off to be fixed up bit with as much of the original parts as possible. I think it would make a nice "Truck Gun".

[kcshooter]

Since it is a used gun, will they allow you to test-fire it?

[Jim Watson]

The .357 would be a better truck gun.

[Coastie Doc]

I got the Ser# but I am having trouble finding info. I did call Colt and left a message. The Serial# is CJ31199. Again, without going back and performing a detailed inspection with function check I still no very little about this Commander. Thanks again for all of the advice.

[azreloader]

and it appeared as though a rubber cement had been applied between the grip and frame to tighten things up.

This part of your statement scares me more than a little bit. and it's not an early Series 80. I got mine New last year and it's ser# 33,*** so yours is only a few years old. Mine NIB was $660

[gfavaron]

Listen to azreloader. He speaks with ancient wisdom. :-)

[azreloader]

Listen to azreloader. He speaks with ancient wisdom. :-)
Hey now, I resemble that remark. How'd you know I was older than dirt? :lm:

[elijdub]

Sounds a bit high in price to me... Just my opinion. Especially given the non-stock status (again, only my opinion).
I paid $500 for a Combat Commander in 90-95ish%/stock condition in September.

[Coastie Doc]

Thanks for all the sound advice and I too agree. The price is not right and nor are the "Extras". For now I will wait and search for a full size Series 70.

[elijdub]

That sounds like a good plan to me. Get the one you're really after. For me anyhow, that's where i gain the most satisfaction.

[paul45]

Good thing you passed cause you almost let yourself be taken. Way too much .......a big Pass on that one.

[kcshooter]

Well, you said he had a Series 80 gov't at the shop, if it was a decent price, I wouldn't be afraid of the 80 over the 70.
The 80's are very nice weapons, IMHO.

[DV52]

Way to high.I got a new one for that.

[Coastie Doc]

Well, you said he had a Series 80 gov't at the shop, if it was a decent price, I wouldn't be afraid of the 80 over the 70.
The 80's are very nice weapons, IMHO.

The Series 80 was nice. It did have a lot of trigger rattle, but overall very nice.

[kcshooter]

Trigger swaps are easy (and with the ugly black plastic trigger on these, it's a good idea). I swapped out the trigger, MSH, sear-discon-hammer, FPS, drop-in beavertail, and extended saftey on mine right of the bat. I used all Wilson Combat bulletproof parts, except the MSH which I used one of the NOS pachmeyer rubber-coated one, some Fusion coco grips, and it's now super good looking. I also replaced the sear spring and mainspring with a 19lb one, and with a bit of touchup, I got my trigger to just a hair under 4lbs, consistantly.

And they say you can't get a nice 80 series trigger.

Now, none of these were necessary, and if the trigger is your only complaint, $25-$50 and you're good to go. If the price is right (and if the other used commanders price is typical, it may NOT be), I wouldn't hesitate for a second to pick that one up.

[Coastie Doc]

Trigger swaps are easy (and with the ugly black plastic trigger on these, it's a good idea). I swapped out the trigger, MSH, sear-discon-hammer, FPS, drop-in beavertail, and extended saftey on mine right of the bat. I used all Wilson Combat bulletproof parts, except the MSH which I used one of the NOS pachmeyer rubber-coated one, some Fusion coco grips, and it's now super good looking. I also replaced the sear spring and mainspring with a 19lb one, and with a bit of touchup, I got my trigger to just a hair under 4lbs, consistantly.

And they say you can't get a nice 80 series trigger.

Now, none of these were necessary, and if the trigger is your only complaint, $25-$50 and you're good to go. If the price is right (and if the other used commanders price is typical, it may NOT be), I wouldn't hesitate for a second to pick that one up.

I get underway tomorrow. If it is still there when I get back then I will get it. :)