Are there any Hard Chrome Commander on Earth

[bugsbunny45]

I like the look of the Commander in Chrome but it seems that they are sold out at most places.
Is there a reason the HC commanders are in such short supply?

[daviscustom]

:D Oops, did they forget to tell you they are very close to urban legend status. From what I have heard they are hard to find, but I'm guessing well worth the wait. Happy hunting.

[1911Newby]

Finding one is kinda like looking for a unicorn right now. I would like to know where they are.

[michael t]

Still on the boat coming from the Philippines. All the AC are some what hard to find Commander in Hard chrome the worst. Wait till the new officer arrives then that will be the hard one to find . Their suppose to be here in January.

[crp1542]

If they're anything like the FS Trophy, they're well worth waiting for. BTW, has anyone seen the Officer-sized Amigo? I haven't been able to find one at esellers' websites.

[dregot]

Local gun show there were a total of 2, yes 2, American Classics. A fullsize and a commander both on the same table. This was a large show in DFW, Tx and went with the intention of getting a commander. Guy wanted too much for a gun that looked like it had been dropped so I declined and opted to order a brand spanking new one online and am anxiously awaiting her any day now...

If there were only 2 blue at this gunshow then that speaks volumes for how difficult it will be for hard chrome... dang it.

[tdshell]

I have had a hard chrome commander on order from Impact Guns for months with no luck. Last night I saw one available at Budsgunshop.com so I canceled the order at Impact and placed an order through Buds. Price was $516 including shipping to my FFL.

I am paying by check so it will take more than a week for me to receive the pistol, but I will post some pics when it arrives. I have wanted one of these since I saw them at the NRA convention. Can't wait to shoot it.

Tom S.

[egumpher]

Hello tdshell,

Please post pictures and a range report if you don't mind.....we would enjoy the write-up.

I am interested to learn if MA chromes the barrel bore. I hard chromed my full sized MA but we (the plater and I) decided not to chrome the bore.

Rgds
Eric

[tdshell]

I will certainly let you know about barrel chrome when the pistol gets here. I am kinda curious myself. Tom

[dregot]

Just saw one on gun broker - first one Ive seen lol

[kamandag]

They're pretty common over here. Makes sense since I live in the country of origin. :P

[cz223]

There are two on Gunbroker right now. If I had the money I would order one. The buy now price on both is $525. That seems pretty good to me.

[niceguymr]

I'm waiting on one to arrive early next week. I'll update with pics & range report.

[tdshell]

I picked up my long-awaited American Classic hard chrome Commander from my friendly FFL dealer last week. Still have not shot it (work and "snow events" here in Delaware) but I stripped it and looked it over.

My initial impression is that it is a very nice pistol. The chrome finish is very attractive and mine bore no scratches or other flaws. Grips are too orange for me, but seem functional. I have a pair of replacements ready to go (a modern composite that looks like ivory) but I need to modify the left grip because it hits the extended slide release. I did install the new grip screws I bought.

Unfortunately, the chrome finish combined with my poor photographic skills have made it hard to get adequate pictures. I took a few, but most are either too bright and appear to show flaws that aren't there, or too dark.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa333/tdshell/AmericanClassChromeCommander.jpg

The pistol arrived covered in oil. I field stripped it and cleaned off the oil. When I did so, I notice that the feed ramp showed what appeared to be surface rust. That was a surprise, given the oil everywhere else on the pistol. I suppose this may simply be a layer underneath the chrome that was exposed when the ramp was polished. Whatever it is, I will try to post a picture.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa333/tdshell/AmericanClassicChromeramp.jpg

Everything else seems just right, especially at this price point. Nice sights, well fitted, and a decent trigger. I hope to shoot it in the next week or so and post a range report.

The box it came in is blown plastic. I suppose it is reasonably protective, but it does seem cheap.
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa333/tdshell/AmericanClassicChromeinbox.jpg

With the pistol I got one magazine, a lock (pictured) a manual, and a fired case.

More when I have been to the range. Tom S.

[egumpher]

Hello and congratulations....please report back on how she shoots...

I have a hard chrome 45 too. Hard chrome turns from a dull finish to a bright finish when polished simply because rubbing knocks down the peaks of the chrome finish to a smooth surface.


I would rub some Osho rust remover on that surface rust to convert it from iron oxide to iron phosphate. Otherwise you need to polish it even more to remove the rust risking removing more chrome.

You will notice more bright areas appear after you shoot it. They will mark how the internal part contact each other while the pistol cycles.

Enjoy
Eric

[tdshell]

All good news from the range. Prior to shooting, I had field stripped the pistol and cleaned it (removing all the excess oil). I fired 100 rounds of 230 grain Remington ball and 25 rounds of 230 grain Remington Golden Sabre. All fed without any hesitation from the factory 8 rounder and a new Wolf 7 rounder. I only shot at 21 feet, but the sights were spot on at that distance. Trigger was fine. No need to adjust the over travel screw. I do not own a trigger scale, but this trigger was lighter than many factory pistols in this litigious society. Chrome finish was very easy to clean when I got home. Bottom line: This pistol is a handsome and functional addition to my collection.

Also, I finished modifying my replacement grips to fit the pistol and they worked fine. I will try to post some better pictures over the weekend. Tom S.