1911 Commander Question

[Arctic Scout]

I've been giving some thought to a project when I get back from Afghanistan next year. I've got a Springfield Mil-Spec that I've had for eight years or so and I was considering getting a Caspian Commander slide to mount on it. My question is this...would that work? I have no experience with the Commander, so I thought I'd consult the group here.

A.S.

 

[wilkersk]

I think the frames are identical in size between the traditional 4.25" Commander, and the full size 1911. So, as far as fit, I don't think there is a problem. I'm sure someone will be along to correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[EHL]

Sorry, it won't work. I'd read this a while ago and that's the only reason I know. Too many 1911 gurus hanging around in here. Be sure to read past the first few where the first guys incorrectly hypothesize that it would work. The correct answers come more towards the end of the thread.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=428899&highlight=commander+slide

 

[ROBBY.1911]

i have done it. be sure to use the commander spring guide and plug as they are shorter. most folks move to a commander-length 18.5# recoil spring. now, here's the part you never read. YOU MUST CUT BACK THE DUST COVER ON THE FRAME TO THE COMMANDER LENGTH. there, now you know the easy fun part and the serious commitment part.

 

[CapnMac]

If the smaller combo is a Lt Commander, would this be a Lt Colonel?

 

[wditto]

Robby1911
, why would you have to trim the dust cover other than just for looks ?
thanks

 

[EHL]

YOU MUST CUT BACK THE DUST COVER ON THE FRAME TO THE COMMANDER LENGTH.

Yes, that can be done but it then your reciever ceases to work with the government model slides. My original post merely points out that you can't merely "swap out" slides.

 

[Arctic Scout]

Thank you all very much for your replies. Guess I now have a reason to get a whole Commander, then. More guns=happiness.

 

[alistaire]

Just buy a Commander. But remember that in Colt Speak, 'Lightweight Commander' = aluminum frame, 'Commander' = steel frame. Oh yes, before the 1970s Commander = Aluminum frame because there was no steel frame version.

 

[Frank Ettin]

I believe that you can fit a Commander slide and barrel on a Government frame, but a true Commander has the frame rails and abutment surface set back .09" toward the rear compared to a Government. This allows a little more slide travel which benefits reliability.

 

[Tom Fury]

The GM ejector is not compatible either; they are wider. Fiddletown is right about the rails; on a Colt at least, the rails are shorter; a drop on match between Commander and Officers, but some fiddling to make Commander slide work on a GM.
Caspian slides are usually drop on fits to their respective Colt frames tho.
Cheers, TF