Colt Lightweight Commander Durability?

No. Keep it clean and lubed and change the recoil spring every now and then, and it will last for years.

500 rnds is about 2 months worth of shooting for one of mine at times. No worries about the durability of the alum frame... Properly cared for it will outlast you.

Will

heh heh heh

500 rds a month equals 6000 a year. That's a lot of energy absorbed by that aluminum frame.

But, on the upside, you bought to shoot it and enjoy it. Go for it and don't look back.

Chuck Taylor said his was sound after 30,000.
Kimber advertises 20,000 and counting.
But Skeeter Skelton cracked the frame on one in less than 5,000.

Some sharp edged hollowpoints, which are not commonly sold in USA lately would damage the al. feed ramp .

I used one for a work gun (and IPSC) back in the late 70s. I shot a full power lead 200 gr SWC load at 900 fps most of the time, but didn't have a particularly high round count through the gun. The frame cracked at the dust cover. I eventually found a new LW frame for it but it was never as reliable again. I was forced to go to a wheelgun for work thereafter so it all became moot.

I really liked that gun but alloy guns just don't stand up like steel. But to be fair I also had a steel 1911 frame crack in the same manner after more severe use with the same load.

This would have been a good “before I buy“ question.

You will get lots of thoughts on how long the Colt alloy frame will hold up. Long ago they where considered "carry alot, shoot a little".
I would not worry too much, just shoot and enjoy.

heh heh heh

Click to expand...

I agree...completely.

My pre-series 70 Commander (SN 50054-LW from the mid 60's) is still going strong. Can't begin to estimate the number of rounds it has seen
--
K9RSQ

Well it's been said that if you keep the gun in good shape and maintain it properly it can last a good long time. Mine has, since 1951. It is as reliable and more accurate today, than when it left the factory.

Now the alloy frame guns are less forgiving of bad springs and poorly fitting parts than the steel frame. It's useful I think to keep this in mind. It is also true that when alloy rubs against steel for many years it wears thin more easily than steel on steel. A reasonably well fit slide to frame fit will be less well fit after 3000 rounds.

As a self defense carry piece I believe they make excellent guns. As range pieces for competitive shooting of any type I believe there are better choices.

Now if my intention is to get a gun to shoot 500 rounds a month through for the next 10 years an alloy framed Commander will not be my first choice. This is because I consider the guns to primarily be self defense carry guns rather than range guns. Once I know my alloy frame guns will shoot reliably with the carry ammo of my choice well a box or so every month or two is all I need.

tipoc

Nice looking gun Doc.

tipoc

My experience is a bit different from the rest of you. My first Commander cracked on both sides at the dust cover after ~2500 rounds of Ball duplicate reloads. Colt replaced it for me (this was in 1975-6).

The replacement lasted about 5000 before cracking at the slide stop cut-out and also at the slide stop pin hole on one side.

The third one went close to 7000 rounds. It may have held up a bit longer as I had started using recoil buffers in an attempt to prolong its life. It cracked from the cut-out for the thumb safety back to grip safety opening. Also from the mag release on both sides back to the cut-out under the grip.

That last one was discovered on 5-8-99. Switched to Glocks and haven't cracked one of those yet.

Dave