Could anybody give me some help/advice about Commander purchase?

[rhainan]

Hi there everybody.

After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to buy a Colt Commander as my first 1911 and my first .45 as well.

I am pretty set on the Colt for the following reasons:

1. If getting a .45, especially the first, I believe a classic is required.
2. I have 15 other pistols, none of them say Colt and none of them are .45.
3. I just plain like the commander looks and feel.

Seems, simple so far, right? However, I really like a blued Colt versus a stainless and I despise the forward cocking serrations. That should lead me to a new, blued 1991A1 Commander, right? Well I held a new 1991 commander, but that really long trigger was not ergonomic for me and is unsightly (in my opinion). Where would I get a short trigger, how much would it be and could I install it myself? Also, is the inside quality of the 1991 the same as an XSE? Is it just a matter of poorer sights, trigger and other doodads? Is it a MIM versus steel thing?

I could buy used, but there are none local for me to see. I buy a lot off the internet, but mostly new guns. I am not too picky about finish. In fact, I would like one that someone trusted their life with and carried everyday. I am not after a safe queen. I will shoot it a lot and not baby it. The problem I think is that if someone has a great commander that they trust completely, it will probably not show up on Gunbroker or Gunsamerica. Besides, a good used commander does not seem to be a lot cheaper than buying new.

What do the experts think?

1. New, blue 1991 Commander and I install the shorter trigger?
2. Used Series 80 and trust the internet?
3. Learn to love the XSE serrations and stainless?

Thanks.

Great site!

[John]

Changing the trigger is not such a difficult operation, even though it requires you to completely disassemble the frame. So if that's the only problem you have with the 1991 Commander, go ahead and buy it. In the same time, put an order with Brownells for the trigger you like and when the gun comes, just swap them. Run the safety tests and you are done. If there are problems, I am sure we'll be able to help you out.

[garrettwc]

I vote for number one.

[res1b3uq]

Your life is about to change. When you get the .45, your other guns will become useless to you. I am in the process of shooting up ammuntion that I had on hand for my 9mm and .380. I have two .45's and a couple of .22's that I still use, and the others will be for sale as soon as I get the ammo shot up.

[stans]

I find the Commander balances better than the Government model, at least in my hands.

1. A new gun is a new gun and you can keep track of how many rounds you put through it and what modifications you make. A new trigger installation isn't too difficult and if you don't want to do it yourself, any competent gunsmith should be able to put it in for you.

2. A used gun is a used gun, it might be a gem, it might be somebody else's nightmare or a project gone terribly wrong. If you go the internet route remember you will be paying for shipping and an FFL transfer fee. Make sure the seller will return your money if the gun turns out to be a lemon and that you have enough time to have the gun checked out and test fire before the return period expires.

3. I don't like front cocking serrations either, just messes up the otherwise beautiful lines of the 1911.

[rhainan]

Thanks everyone. I believe I will be searching for a new, blued 1991 Commander.

Funny thing is that I really did not like 1911's all that much until recently. I began my pistol collection in 1985 and that was when the 9mm really came on strong. The 1911 just seemed so old fashioned then. In my mind they were just slightly more modern and useful than the SAA and other revolvers.

Well, today I am older and wiser and the 1911 looks better and better everyday. For some reason 15 rounds in the mag is not really important to me and my expanding waistline is much happier with a single stack IWB.

Geez....I am even starting to warm up to revolvers. I'll just put away my Wathers, Berettas and Sigs with my tight jeans and tell myself I'll get them out again soon, or probably never. Polymer and high velocity is for kids.

Which shade of cocobolo goes best with my dockers?

[John]

Polymer and high velocity is for kids.

Amen!

Which shade of cocobolo goes best with my dockers?

Red-dish with strong black shades!