1967 Colt LW Commander?

[Valhalla SS]

I am currently carrying a XSE Combat Commander but found a 1967-ish Colt LW Commander that I really like alot. So much so that I am thinking of selling the XSE and carrying the earlier Lightweight. I am concerned about wear and tear on an early coltalloy aluminum frame though. I read in a book on Colt's that there was alot of concern over durability. Would I be able to shoot an early LW often? It would be my primary cool/cold weather CCW gun here in MI which is like 9 months out of the year. I don't shoot +P's or anything, just 230 Gold Dots to carry and 230 FMJ for practice which I can download a little if needed myself.

[dakota1911]

A lot of questions here. Does the 67 still wear its original grips, sights, grips, etc. If so a 42 year old pistol might be worth a bit. You might check. Unless you really know the person you are buying it from, you might want to run it by a gunsmith first. If it has been shot a lot it would not be impossible for it to have cracks in the frame.

I am doing this in my head, but steel to alloy is about a 6 ounce saving in an empty Commander I think. How much does your ammo weigh? I carry two extra mags full of ammo. I carry in a shoulder holster. One gun being a little heavier would not bother me.

Of course the most important thing is how do you hit with it compared to what you carry? Same, better, worse? That is probably the acid test.

[wichaka]

I have been carrying a Commander (alloy) for years, and have put many rounds thru it, with no problems.

The frame is not as durable as steel, but with care will hold up well.

I would stay away from +P stuff, and keep it to standard FMJ rounds.


http://w3.gorge.net/scshields/lw2.jpg

[wjkuleck]

The weight difference is closer to ten ounces (9.5) than six. To some, that may not be significant. To me, it is.

The durability question is easily solved by matching a steel pistol to the carry piece, and use the steel pistol for one's extensive practice. My LW Commander is not subject to the collectability question, as it had been messed up by a previous owner in a misguided attempt to install some different sights. I had Jim Garthwaite install a YoBo Retro rear sight and one of his Garthwaite Gold Bead front sights; he gave it a light tuneup and turned it into a very nice carry piece.

http://www.1911TimeWarp.com/Pics/GunsiteCommander-599.jpg

Regards,

Walt

[Nick Adams]

I found a 1978 that looked awful (to me.) I replaced every part except the barrel, frame, slide, hammer, sear and disconnector. It replaced my Combat Commander and is now acquiring daily holster wear. I know, I know, this forum is useless without pictures. Unfortunately, I jumped into the project without taking a "before" picture.

[John]

I had Jim Garthwaite install a YoBo Retro rear sight and one of his Garthwaite Gold Bead front sights; he gave it a light tuneup and turned it into a very nice carry piece.

Ah thank you. You knew I would appreciate Jim's work on this Commander of mine. Thanks Walt, you are a friend. :D :) :p

[wichaka]

Got a Yost retro on the rear, with a night sight on the front, on the Commander of mine above. It works very well for me.

[Rich-D]

I would stay away from +P stuff, and keep it to standard FMJ rounds.


I can understand not utilizing +P in an alloy frame. However, why not utilize a non +P JHP such as Speer Gold Dots in a carry gun?

Have a Great Holiday!
Rich

[wichaka]

Sorry Rich, guess I didn't finish the entire thought on that one.

Stay away from +P stuff as a daily diet for shooting. For carry, yes that is ok.
I carry +P HST for duty and off duty. And like any round you choose for carry, put enough of your chosen round thru your gun to ensure reliability. Which means you will be putting some +P stuff thru the alloy framed gun, just don't make it a normal habit.

[Hammerdown]

Would it be worthwhile to install a stronger recoil spring in a LW gun for shooting +P loads?

[wichaka]

I haven't in mine, because I don't shoot them but maybe once a year.

But you may want to consider that when you put some thru the gun...it definitely wouldn't hurt anything.

[smokey]

Hammerdown, Springs are a delicate balance. Too weak in recoil and you batter your frame. Too strong on return to battery and you batter your frame. 18-20 # springs are right for Commanders. Some folks use a shock buff for +p shooting and I will on a range,BUT NOT IN MY CARRY PIECE.If you shot normal loads in practice and a few +p's I don't think you will hurt anything[I never have]. Carrying the "hot stuff" for serious social intercourse will not hurt anything 'cause you aren't going to be shooting too many rounds in a gunfight.People seem to think LWT Commanders are delicate but Jeff Cooper carried one for many years[and rounds]. He convinced me that the Combat Commander[my favorite at the time] was just carrying extra weight and wasn't necessary. Regards, Nick