Hi guys,

I was able to get my paws on an old Colt commander with I think an aluminum frame. The serial number is CLW 600606 I think. Can any of you guys tell me something about this pistol? Why are there gaps between the frame and the slide on the dust cover? The springs show when I look at it with light on the other side.

Thanks

Jay jay

There is always some clearance in this area and it is probably a little more critical to have clearance with the aluminum frames. It could also be a sign that the frame is worn out or just excessive clearance is present. How tightly does the slide fit the frame? A little bit of movement is normal, if it is really loose, there could be a problem. How do the frame rails look? Is the anodizing still present, a little worn off, or all of it gone?

Dear Stans,

There is still a little anodizing left on the rails and the play between the slide and frame is not that pronounced. I think the fit is the same as other factory colts but with a little rattle. I am just not comfortable with seeing light between the slide and frame as my other colt series 80 does not have this.

Sorry about the serial number, I gave the wrong one. The correct serial number is CLW 006606. Where can we research on this pistol? I jsut want to know everything that I can about this .

Thanks

Do you guys recommend a guide rod for this pistol? A friend of mine is sold on this Sprinco recoil reducer Guide rod. Is this any good?

Thanks

Personally I'd skip the guide rod, Only reason why is, I just don't like them. As far as the gap goes, I had a pre 70's government model that had a pretty good sized gap too, the gun was pretty tight and it worked just fine,

Dear Mr. Slabsides,

Thanks for the info.

Sounds like the frame is ok, just chalk it up to typical 1970's Colt fitting. The Sprinco unit is pretty good and might reduce frame battering. Using a standard or full length guide rod and shock buffer is not a good idea on pistols shorter than Government model length. The buffer takes up too much space and shortens the slide travel distance just enough to induce ejection irregularities. Yeah, ask me how I know!

Dear Stans/ Guys

Thanks Stans.

I have a full size 1911 that I use for competition. The LW commander I plan to carry a lot and probably fire a maximum of 50 rnds a month so, I think battering it is not a problem. Will the sprinco help in controlling recoil? Are there any other recoil reducing devices that you can recommend? Any thoughts on the Bobtail configuration mainspring housing? What about aluminum or titanium mainspring housings from ZM weopons or Caspian. Do you recommend them. I want to make my commander as light as possible.

Thanks

I don't know if recoil reduction stuff is really necessary, the aluminum frame does kick a little harder than standard but it's nothing unmanagable, I'd pass on getting anything like that. Now as I go further into my grumpy old man routine, I don't care for the bobtail either, if you want a handle like that I say get a S&W revolver, I really see the bobtail as a gizmo, IMHO there have been gizmo's made for the 1911 since about 1911.

If that matters, both my 1911s show light, at that point, so do not worry about it too much, it's normal.

As for FLGRs, as I have said in other posts, that was the first item I requested when my pistols were build. However, lately I have switched back to the original configuration, too complicated to disassemble with the FLGRs, although they have the benefit of being able to easily remove the whole top end without having the spring loose. I guess the FLGR question is more a matter of taste than anything else.

Recoil reducers are also another ambiguous topic. Nothing I've tried (and that included Harrts, Sprincos etc) made a significant difference for me. I think that a properly adjusted 1911 does not need a recoil reducer, but of course yours is an aluminum frame one, I have zero experience with these, so I'd better shut up.

Gents, Jayjay has also requested if there is a resource somewhere, from which he can get info about his pistol. Any ideas, apart from writing to Colt and paying the premium, for a small letter saying when the pistol was made and to where it was shipped?

Rgds

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John Caradimas SV1CEC
The M1911 Pistols Organization
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