Hello,

I was wondering if someone can tell me if the Colt Lightweight Commander (04860XSE) contains any MIM parts. Looking for a good 1911 to base a custom gun project on. Also, has there been any problems with the aluminum frame holding up after thousands of rounds? Thanks in advance.

Rob

First off, who is to be doing the work? Gunsmiths usually have preferred parts and base guns. Talk to the smith about what you are considering BEFORE you do it.

Secondly, a steel framed gun is much more modification friendly.

The Colt aluminum frames hold up very well to normal use. Not to dremeling, etc.

Botched work on an aluminum frame is hard to repair (if at all?).

Depending on when the gun in question was produced, the Colts usually have an MIM:

-disconnector
-sear
-plunger tube
-magazine catch

I would not get too carried away about the above parts being MIM, apart from the mag catch (I've seen 2 Colt MIM mag catches break).

Thumb safety, slide stop, hammer (except the gunsite pistol), barrel bushing, extractor, ejector (IIRC) are all forged and machined.

Grip safety is cast.

Welcome, and enjoy your time here. There are lots of fine and knowledgeable folks here.

As to the question of the service life of an aluminum frame, they've made a lot of progress in lightweight alloys over the last several years. I'm sure that newer alloy frame guns will certainly hold up for several thousand + rounds. But a lightweight alloy frame will not, and can not, be as tough as a frame properly made from good quality steel.

An alloy frame gun may well be a good base for a custom gun that will be carried and shot primarily for practice and training associated with its primary function as a carry weapon. But if I were looking to build a custom gun that I planned to shoot a lot for many years, I'd choose a steel frame.

Just my $ 0.02. YMMV

DVC

__________________
adapt, improvise, overcome
"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.", Carl Sagan
"One should shoot as quickly as one can -- but no quicker.", Jeff Cooper

Thanks for the detailed responses.

I guess I should clarify to be more specific. I'm looking for a good carry pistol and IDPA pistol (I'd be new to the sport) and was looking for a lightweight carry pistol that I could practice often with and compete with. The custom work I was considering is fairly minor as compared to what usually happens with custom guns. S&A magwell with arched MSH, extended mag release and maybe a higher beaver tail safety and Novak sights. Not looking to go full custom. Perhaps a reliability package from EGW in the future but that's about it. Sorry if it seemed like I would be totally customizing the gun. Thought that Colt would be a good platform. Thanks again for the replies, I really enjoy the wealth of knowledge on this forum. Take care and Happy Holidays!

Rob

Rob,

I shoot IPSC and IDPA in multiple divisions.

What kind of carry-suitable guns do you have now? If you have a serviceable Glock, Sig, revolver, or 1911 now, start in the sport with that BEFORE you buy anything else.

I have guns with S&A magwells and find that the extra bulk isn't suitable for CCW, though it is great for competition.

The Colt is a great platform, and George Smith at EGW does fantastic work.

My Ltwt Commander (done by another smith), which is my preferred CCW pistol.



http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d...70/CmdrLeft.jpg

Current Colt parts: per Mark Roberts of Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC;

MIM
sear
mag catch
disconnector


CAST
Thumb safety
grip safety

FORGED
slide
receiver
barrel
slide stop

MACHINED from bar stock
hammer
all pins
bbl link
bbl bushing
trigger finger piece
ejector
firing pin
firing pin stop
extractor
plunger tube

__________________
"The pistol, learn it well, carry it always ..." - Jeff Cooper

I shot a season of IDPA with a newer Colt M1991A1, and left the MIM parts in place, even though I replaced some of the others due to preference. While I question the MIM sear, Kimber and plenty of others are using MIM sears (and hammers, disconnectors, etc.), and the factory parts have worked fine.
There have been some threads concerning wear/damage to the interior of aluminum frames, caused by sheetmetal magazine followers. As the last round is feeding, it carries the follower forward, and the sharp leading edge/tip of the follower can gouge the frame. I did some very limited testing with my own Commander with both G.I. and Shooting Star mags, and while I didn't see any problems, I wouldn't dismiss concerns about it. I just bought some new Novak/ACT-Mag 8-rounders (with which there have been some issues concerning cracked tubes), and these have a follower that is skirted at the front, and which cannot extend beyond the tube. They have the appearance of quality, and operate very smoothly. Assuming they now have the cracking under control, I'd recommend them.

That's impressive OD*! Thanks for the info. Also to everyone else who's replied. I will try a IDPA match to see how things work and get a better feel for a new pistol. I currently have a Kimber Compact CDP but am selling my H&K P2000 to get another 1911. I'd prefer to only have one or two calibers in the stable. And am so impressed with the Kimber that I want another 1911! Believe it or not, I actually shot the Kimber better the first time out than my H&K that I've shot 3 times. Maybe the extra .33" barrel length made a difference? If so, then an extra .25" should equally help my aim right?

Thanks again for all the replies and suggestions. I will take heed.

Rob

Using your the gun you have is what IDPA is all about.

The CDP should be just fine - yes, you could perhaps be more competitive with a tricked out 5" gun, but the guys I see with CDPs do fine.

Selling the HK to get a 1911? Sounds like you now have the disease the rest of us have!

Yep, got that same problem. I guess I'm of the mindset of sticking with one platform, especially since I'm now able to carry. Born and raised in Hawaii, then living in NorCal for the past 6 years, well a CCW was out of the question. I'm now in PA and my goodness do they love their firearms here! And this IDPA, well that just looks like fun! So I'll build my little 2 - 1911 collection and try my hand with both in IDPA. I'd like to be very proficient with the pistols that I'm going to carry so I want the same platform. I have the budget to get another 1911 and the H&K sale will help with the "goodies" that I can have go along with it. I can't wait for my first match. Thanks again!

Rob