It's now oh-fish-ull

[Cap]

I've wanted one of these since I was 18 years old.
34 years and a least two dozen guns latter (3 of which were 1911s)
..I FINALLY have one to call my own..

a gen-u-wine Colt Combat Commander

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i84/larycap/100_0206.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i84/larycap/100_0207.jpg


You can tell by the idiot scratch it's used, but looks to "me" to have a low round count and other wise in VG condition

Donno if I did good or bad on the price, but bought it at the gun show today from a dealer i see there all the time.
He also has a "brick and mortar" gun shop and is known by all the "regulars" to have a good reputation.
he also gives a 30 day warranty on used guns...if it's broke, he'll ship it to the factory for repair

there was a little wiggle room on price and after some negotiation I took it home for $700 OTD.
Price seemed more than fair to me from my shopping in the last few weeks
regardless, I'm tickled pink whether i got a good deal or not.

side note, I have no idea when this pistol was made, but it has that odd shaped barrel throat peculiar to the newer/new Colts I've looked at.

What year did they start cutting the barrel that way?

Thanks

ps... I'm JAZZED as can be!


..L.T.A.

[Rich-D]

Nice Find! I would be JAZZED up too!

Best of Luck!
Rich

[ice cold]

I don't know how well you did deal wise but I just purchased a combat commander for the same price that has been altered. Light trigger and the dealer sais the internals have been reworked.

[Quijibo]

Nooice! 7 bills seems pretty reasonable to me, Especially for a lust object. :o
I was in the same boat up until a few months ago. I paid about $850 for my barely used, customized XSE and don't regret it one bit.
**WARNING**
She'll keep you up at night, contiplating all the things you can do to her!
:bed:

[Hawkmoon]

**WARNING**
She'll keep you up at night, contiplating all the things you can do to her!
:confused:

If it ain't broke ... don't fix it. The Combat Commander is (IMHO) the ideal configuration for the 1911, and the 1991 version (none of the XSE fawncy "features") is a classic version of it. Why mess with what is near perfection?

[Quijibo]

:confused:

If it ain't broke ... don't fix it. The Combat Commander is (IMHO) the ideal configuration for the 1911, and the 1991 version (none of the XSE fawncy "features") is a classic version of it. Why mess with what is near perfection?

'Cause it's fun... and it's mine.
That being said, if I came across Cap's CC for $700 right now, I'd pounce on it, prolly keep it stock (except maybe an original style CC grip safety) put it in the safe and just fondle it now and then. And leave the moddin' to my XSE.

BTW: the only Fawncy "features" my xse had stock that this pistol doesn't is the forward/angled slide serrations, and the Novak style sights, Both I could gladly do without, and the lowered/flared ejection port, which on a carry pistol, I prefer. Of course, this is just my HO.

[Cap]

The rain stopped , so I headed to back acre for a brief session.

Shot a total of 75 rounds

20 were WWB and the rest were a mix of my reloads which included mostly 230gr LRN and a few 185gr plated HBRN

what I discovered form my itty bitty range session;

The Commander has more felt recoil compared to my FS 1911s

I have one bad mag.
It's a stainless Colt mag.
Other than "Colt 45 auto" stamped on it, there's no other markings.
It appears to have straight feed lips and radiused non dimpled follower.
I had two FTF on the last round with that mag and one FTF when dropping the slide on a full mag.
on all 3 FTF's the bullet was just barely in the barrel.
The rim hadn't hadn't made it to the extractor.

I put that mag away and used the other mag that came with it.
Another stainless with "Colt 45 auto" as well as Colt's logo stamped on it.
It also has a "C" stamped in one corner and an "S" stamped on the other.
I'm assuming the "C" stands Checkmate and "S" for stainless.
It looks identical to my stainless hybrid Checkmate mags, 'cept for the slight difference in feed lips.

That mag fed flawlessly as well as the Checkmate hybrid.

The pistol seems to be shooting a tad high at 20 yards.
appx 5" high with 6 o'clock on the 3 dot sights.
I really wasn't shooting for accuracy, just function and familiarity.
next time out, I'll shoot from the rest and be more focused on sight picture and trigger control.
I'll know more then as far as POA and group size.


BTW, did i mentioned I'm JAZZED?
welp... I'm even MORE jazzed now! ;)


..L.T.A.

[Quijibo]

Nice, you're shootin' and I'm babysittin'. :mad:
I noticed that mine has slightly more recoil than my 5" Kimber. I didn't really notice until I had about 2 or 300 rounds down the tube (I was having WAY too much fun), and shot the 2 back to back. Still, it's a pussycat compared to my (Evil) Taurus PT145.

[MikeyB]

Sweet!

MikeyB

[Cap]

:confused:

If it ain't broke ... don't fix it. The Combat Commander is (IMHO) the ideal configuration for the 1911, and the 1991 version (none of the XSE fawncy "features") is a classic version of it. Why mess with what is near perfection?

Don't hate me, Hawk, but I intend to cut on this one.
As soon as i can recover from the big dent in my wallet, a Bobtail is in this gun's future, as well as front strap checkering .

don't fret too much though, cause I'll likely keep the hacksaw, files and dremel in the tool box and have this one professionally done


..L.T.A.

[Hammerdown]

Hmmm, that one looks familiar

http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq296/Hammerdown77/P2183856-1.jpg

Mine came new with two Colt "C" marked magazines. With one of them, every so often the slide would fail to chamber a round when dropped on a full mag using the slidestop. That mag, however, seemed to have rough feed lips and loading it you could feel the resistance of the rounds going in. I haven't stoned them down yet, but even so it feeds fine during firing.

I was previously used to my lightweight Springfield fullsize, so the first time I shot this Commander I was surprised at how LITTLE recoil it had. Guess it's just what you get used to.

[Quijibo]

Cap,
You Too?
Right now I'm looking for a smith to Bob mine. It's getting a carry job (dehorn,bead blast,bobtail). I'm looking into a couple smiths that have been recommended, one is close to me in Canal Fulton, the other is in Madison.
Mine gets carried daily so everything that's done/soon to be done is to make it a better carry piece.
I honestly can't comment on mag reliablilty. I have all Mec-Gars. Mine's had it's pie-hole polished so it eats everything. I had one junk mag that was given me that it didn't like, A new spring and it worked fine. I still wouldn't trust my life on it, so I took the new spring out and trashed it (the mag, not the Colt)..

[Cap]

I just noticed you're in N.E. Ohio, Q-Bo

I don't get into Canal Fulton too often, but i know where it's at.
I'm 20 miles east of Akron.

at any rate, I hear there is a top 1911 'smithing outfit in Medina.
i can't recall the name of them though.


side note, I've read very little in the Colt forum over the years I've been here.

I've spent the last hour or so reading some of the threads.
man-o-day...now I'm wondering if i shouldn't of bought an Auto-Ordnance instead.... :D

..L.T.A.

[Quijibo]

I'm actually in Uniontown, just below Akron. When you get a name for the smith in Akron, can you send it to me? I'm really itchin' to get this thing more "personalized". This thing is a Siren I tell ya!
Be careful talking about moddin' a Colt though, there are alot of folks who think it's sacrilige to touch them with anything but your fingers and a cleaning kit, no matter how crumby they may run! ;)
(Makes me a little insane when someone tells me how to spend my hard-earned money)

[Cap]

Be careful talking about moddin' a Colt though, there are alot of folks who think it's sacrilige to touch them with anything but your fingers and a cleaning kit


I wouldn't sweat that, Bro

Cause I can dig where the purists are coming from.
something so classic and timeless as is the 1911 , it's bound to gather more than a few traditionalists/purists.

That's cool with me, cause I'm a traditionalist too
Just that they're "my own" traditions.
and sometimes....they're not very traditional :p


..L.T.A.

[Baldy]

I never look back on the price of a fine pistol if I want it. I would have gave $700 for that in a heart beat. Good luck with it.

[PhantomAce]

Cap:
Nice Commander, and the price seems pretty good too!

[paul45]

**WARNING**
She'll keep you up at night, contiplating all the things you can do to her!

For you maybe......Not for me. ;) Except for the stocks.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/paul10mm/100_0316.jpg




(Makes me a little insane when someone tells me how to spend my hard-earned money)

Geez, relax. No one here has done anything of the sort.

[dogdollar]

Cap,
Having known you for quite some time now on this forum, I am a little surprised and a LOT happy to see you with a fine Colt (surprised that it is your first!). My heartfelt congratulations to you on this new acquisition, may it give you years of faithful protection, fun and productive range time, and reliable service.

...now I'm wondering if i shouldn't of bought an Auto-Ordnance instead....
Nahh...perish the thought....there is the occasional bad EXAMPLE of a Colt that gets called into question, but generally speaking they are quite consistent, reliable, and made with the finest quality parts.
Anyway, congrats again...and may you be blessed by the Ammo Fairy.
DD

[terabyte]

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/paul10mm/100_0316.jpg

I need to get me one of those, seems I don't have one.

Whether $700 is good or not thats solely up to the buyer if he is happy thats all that matters :)

Last Com I bought (pictured) was about as racey in stock form as I like, made just prior to the XS models - will shoot it one of these days.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3473/cc80ss.jpg

[Rio Vista Slim]

Cap,

Congratulations on a fine purchase! Like dogdollar, I was a little surprised to learn this was your first Colt. That's what happens when one assumes things, right?

Anyway, I hope you get years of fun and reliable service from your new Combat Commander.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_2702.jpg

Mine was absolutely reliable, but the two blue models on the right side of the photograph were getting all the concealed carry and shooting chores, so the two on the left went to a new home where they'll be appreciated more. :) :)

Once again, congratulations. Like others have said, I'll be looking forward to your next Colt purchase. :D

[dbracin]

Don't hate me, Hawk, but I intend to cut on this one.
As soon as i can recover from the big dent in my wallet, a Bobtail is in this gun's future, as well as front strap checkering .

don't fret too much though, cause I'll likely keep the hacksaw, files and dremel in the tool box and have this one professionally done


..L.T.A.

This what it might look like. ;)
I also got rid of that funky duckbill grip safety too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/dbracin/after.jpg

[OD*]

Congratulations, Cap! :appld:

[Quijibo]

This what it might look like. ;)
I also got rid of that funky duckbill grip safety too.



That's what I want mine to look like!

This is what it looks like now, the original grips are back on, the hogues are goin' in the bin unless I can find someone who wants them:

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee110/Apelike1/Colt2001.jpg

Rio Vista Slim, I had a birthday this week and a New Agent woul be a real nice present...(hint, hint) ;)

[Cap]

Thanks all

i'm feeling better now.
I'm glad to hear I didn't buy the equivalent of an AMF built Harley... :D


Dogdollar and Rio-Slim, thank you
I've determined something strange happens on the internet regarding some folks perception of me.

Though not intentional on my part, I must look much taller on television than i really am...



..L.T.A.

[daveohno]

Congratulations on your Colt, Cap!



That's what I want mine to look like!

This is what it looks like now, the original grips are back on, the hogues are goin' in the bin unless I can find someone who wants them:



How much? I always put rubber stocks on my range psitols and I still have a couple that need them. They're ugly as sin, but they're very practical for me.

[Cap]

Finally got a chance to run it thru it's paces

used a half dozen different types of ammo.

Blazer
Blazer brass
Federal American Eagle
WWB
3 different re-loads I make.
one with 185gr Berry's RN
and two with 230gr RN lasercast slugs.
One mild (750fps ave in 5" barrel)
One warm (880 fps ave 5" bbl)

I don't have my chrono notes in front of me, but if memory serves, I'm losing 20 to 30 fps ave thru the 4 1/4 bbl depending on load

I'm pleased as punch to say there were no MALFs of any kind thru 200 rnds of the mixed lot of ammo.
That brings the round count to 275 total.
The only MALFs were the first day with that one particular Colt mag I mentioned.
I quickly culled it from the herd that day.

my new (to me) Commander is now deemed "carry worthy" with any of the ball ammo I have .
(No HP ammo on hand)
and my pockets aren't deep enough to burn up $100 bucks in Defensive ammo.
I'll wait til Wal-Mart has some WWB HP in stock.
Next session at the press, I'll load up some LSWC and run them too.

accuracy...
less than stellar.
Other than shooting 4" high w/6 o'clock hold at 20yrds, groups were in 4" to 6" range with all the ammo used.
Cheap ole Blazer Brass grouped the best and cheaper ole Blazer grouped the worst

The accuracy doesn't really concern me all that much, cause the intended purpose is a defensive carry weapon.
At 30ft accuracy is more than acceptable for defensive purpose

Trigger is heavy and not so crisp
(and likely contributed to the less stellar accuracy)

I didn't get my fish scale out, but have scaled enough to estimate it's in the 6 pound+ break area.
Less than smooth with a fair amount of gravelly creep too.
again, not a huge deal for a carry weapon.
I'll address the trigger when the other mods planed are done.

the duck bill grip safety needs some work.,,it's just not comfortable.
For now, I'll stone the edges of the "bill" to knock off it's sharpness.
it will be replaced with a hi-ride beavetail eventually.

over all I'm pleased and so far it's passed the most critical (to me) test.
which is reliability


..L.T.A.

[Rio Vista Slim]

Trigger is heavy and not so crisp
(and likely contributed to the less stellar accuracy)

I didn't get my fish scale out, but have scaled enough to estimate it's in the 6 pound+ break area.
Less than smooth with a fair amount of gravelly creep too.
again, not a huge deal for a carry weapon.
I'll address the trigger when the other mods planed are done.
Cap,

I'm glad your Combat Commander passed its reliability tests with flying colors!

As far as that trigger is concerned, you might take a look at this link from our Home Page. http://www.m1911.org/technic20.htm 1911Tuner's "Poor Man's Trigger Job" can make a world of difference, if you're inclined to try it.

Once again, congratulations on your new-to-you Colt!

[Cap]

Cap,



As far as that trigger is concerned, you might take a look at this link from our Home Page. http://www.m1911.org/technic20.htm 1911Tuner's "Poor Man's Trigger Job" can make a world of difference, if you're inclined to try it.



thanks Slim
actually, i have the trigger job post printed out and is down stairs in my note book.
While I've done a few "wannabe back yard 'smith" things to my Rocks, I'm still a "bubba" in reality.

Some things I'm not apprehensive about doing myself.
ie..I'll dehorn this one myself.
I'll likely install the beavertail too.

But as far as hammer and sear, truth is, til i have all the tools I'd like and a little more knowledge/experience/skill, I'm not comfortable monkeying with those particular fire control parts on this pistol

if biz goes well this summer , and i can get a few bucks squirreled away, I'll send it out to a top 1911 'smith and have them do the whole ball of wax "professionally"


..L.T.A.

[Hammerdown]

You might give the trigger another few hundred rounds before doing anything. When mine was new, the trigger left a lot to be desired. It wasn't so much the weight as the gravelly, inconsistent creep.

Now, after several hundred rounds and lots of dry firing, it is noticeably improved. Still could use a good trigger job, though.

Cap, does your trigger have a lot of play in the trigger channel? Mine rattles around a bit in the gun. It's not visible movement per se, just feels like it wasn't fit real well to the channel before it left the factory. I wondered how much that had to do with the creep and inconsistent pull.

[Cap]

Cap, does your trigger have a lot of play in the trigger channel?

nah, seems well with spec there.
actually, fit and finish over all is very good.

I'm not any kind of expert on this stuff, but everything I've read here and in Kunhusen (sp?) vol 1 and II, the barrel locks up tight and all the wear shown is how it's s'posed to be.
Slide and frame fit is neither too tight nor too loose.

and so far, She's proven to be 100% reliable

Really, the only thing I've noticed that "might" be on the high end of tolerance spec is the barrel and bushing fit.
I can wiggle it a bit.
No more or less than my RIA, but more than my Para (which is rock solid )

But overall, in my NOT so expert opinion, I'd rate fit and finish on this one as very good to excellent.

'course, I'm a bit bias...'cause it's MINE and I finally own a gen-u-wine Colt Commander

did i mention I JAZZED... :eb: :eb: :eb: :eb:


..L.T.A.