school me on colt commander

[test drive]

i have a few 1911's but no colts. i am curently on deployment in afganistan when i get back i'll be looking for a brand-spankin-new colt light weight commander. :eb: my question is can it be had with ambi safty (im a lefty) and no front cocking serations. if so what is the mod. # if not what are my options.

[DuckRyder]

The lightweight commander is currently manufactured only as an XSE which does have an ambidextrous but also front cocking serrations. It is available in both .45 ACP and Super.38, and as a TALO "Ghost Commander" in .45 ACP.

Edit: Thank you very much for your service.

Also, you can get the Combat Commander (not light weight) in the 1991 model without the front serrations or ambidextrous safety in blue or stainless. Adding the safety is not very difficult.

[steel609]

The lightweight commander is currently manufactured only as an XSE which does have an ambidextrous but also front cocking serrations. It is available in both .45 ACP and Super.38, and as a TALO "Ghost Commander" in .45 ACP.

Edit: Thank you very much for your service.

Also, you can get the Combat Commander (not light weight) in the 1991 model without the front serrations or ambidextrous safety in blue or stainless. Adding the safety is not very difficult.

I handled one of the TALO Ghost Commanders yesterday. Very nice, but IMO, not worth the extra cash just for different sites and grips.

I have the Colt XSE Lwt Commander and love it. I'm not crazy about front serrations either, but I've gotten used to them on this one.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff184/steel609/Colt%20Cmdr%20XSE/P1010264.jpg

After changing grips and installing a Wilson drop in beavertail ~

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff184/steel609/Colt%20Cmdr%20XSE/P1020124.jpg

[Rick McC.]

I got a new Lightweight Commander XSE recently.

Other than the ambi safety; the best out of the box Colt I've ever owned, and definitely a lot of gun for the money.

Thanks for all that you do for all of us!

Rick

[dakota1911]

I bought my XSE LW Commander years ago. Here 10 rounds slow fire at 25 yards with one hand as I am an old bullseye shooter.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/comxse2b.jpg

Very nice gun (grips from Esmeralda on it by the way). I am impressed enough with it that I just put a new one in 38 Super on layawake for my Christmas gift this year.

[MountieFan16]

I have 2 Colt XSE LW Commanders; one in .45 ACP and one in .38 Super. I personally like the front serrations; but realize this is a personal matter of taste. I recently took a self defense course and used the .38 Super. It did great, with no stoppages, and was easy to get on target and keep it there. I've heard rumors that the light weight frame may not hold up with the pounding it takes from the .38 Super cartridge, but you can't prove that by me. I suppose one could install a "recoil buffer" if that was a concern. I agree that Colt stuck this one together pretty well. I would recommend this pistol to anyone.

[BigBlueDog]

I hate the front cocking serrations too. So I went with a Combat Commander (not light weight) in stainless steel. Stock, except replaced the original plastic MSH for a identical stainless steel one and a set of Black Thinline G-10 Sunrise grips. Classic looks and a real sweet shooter. I'll keep it like that, KISS principle.

I agree, adding a ambi safety would not be difficult.

P.S. Thanks for your service!

[egumpher]

Hello and thank you,

Here is a link to Colt's website that shows a Lightweight Commander and its features:
http://coltsmanufacturing.com/products-c5-q7-COLT_PISTOLS.aspx#

If you choose a steel frame commander and choose to install an ambidextrous thumb safety yourself then you will need a grip panel that is cut for the ambidextrous safety too.

Here is a picture of mine:
http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff327/ewgewgewg/IMG_0456-b.jpg

Rgds
Eric

[saltydog]

100-3X in sustained fire, one hand, @ 25 yds, ain't OLD.

salty

[michael t]

If you choose a steel frame commander and choose to install an ambidextrous thumb safety yourself then you will need a grip panel that is cut for the ambidextrous safety too.

Thats not really true the one I buy from Brownells has a longer pin and the R side slips in it and stays in place better . I don't remember brand name starts with a M, I believe

[DuckRyder]

If you choose a steel frame commander and choose to install an ambidextrous thumb safety yourself then you will need a grip panel that is cut for the ambidextrous safety too.

With exception of the black rubber grips as supplied on Stainless 1991's and the WWI/1918 models they should be cut for the ambidextrous whether or not they are so equipped.

Depending on the ambidextrous you chose, they may have to have to top clearanced for the extended levers though.

[wjkuleck]

If Wilson ever releases their Bullet Proof ambi safety to the public...the grip isn't required to hold the RH safety on, so it needn't be clearanced.

Regards,

Walt