1970's era 1911 commander worth carrying?

[Red Cent]

Good packin' gun.

Shoobie, when you have carried a 1911 for 50+ years, (yes, another one) the safety will add nothing to your time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qu7Y4WUqng

 

[Gordon]

About as good as it gets IMHO in .45acp. #2 9mm choice behind a good BHP.

 

[Shoobee]

Red Cent, I believe you. Just remember though, both I and the OP do not have YOUR experience.

That's why I prefer a double-and-single action trigger for my 45ACP.

I am definitely faster (less than 1 second on the draw and shoot) with my CZ 97B 45ACP than with a 1911A1.

Don't get me wrong, I trusted my life to my 1911A1 for 4 years. Just not anymore.

Now I trust the round, but not the action, anymore.

Cocking the hammer, or flipping down the safety, takes more time than does a double-and-single action trigger. Not hard to prove.

 

[surjimmy]

I just bought one in a LW with an extra 38 super barrel.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Good pistol. I'd test a variety of ammo for it before carrying it defensively. You want something with a rounded bullet profile rather than a sharp shoulder in some of those older guns not designed for hollow points.

Tons of good leather made for that piece, and since thats the all steel version it's doubtful you'll wear it out shooting it.

 

[sgtstryker]

Hey, that is a nice'n. Shoot it, carry it, you'll be fine. You can try some 147 gr Speer or Fiocchi ammo in it, the FMJ should feed well. Now, it is a valuable pistol, so, you have to decide how valuable it is to you. Thanks for showing it. Oh, almost forgot. I like the sound when I futz the safety off of one of my 1911's, 'cause I know somethin's fixin' to happen..

 

[doc540]

yes, especially with 11 rounds of CorBon DPX all-copper Barnes bullets in 9mm

 

[Skylerbone]

Yes to replacing the springs, never know how worn they were when packed away. Commander length recoil spring VERY important to get the correct length, firing pin spring- extra power, magazine springs.

Yes to shooting and enjoying it.

No to taking it on a flight in checked luggage and no to risking having to use it for self-defense. If it doesn't get lost or stolen and you have to use it, it won't just go in the evidence locker to rust, they'll take one of those fancy electric engravers to the receiver first (at least they do here). Not what you want for a family heirloom.

If it weren't for the history I'd say run more ammo through it, train with it and carry it rather than futzing around with that safety on a Glock trigger- so time consuming.

 

[dmazur]

...flipping down the safety, takes more time than does a double-and-single action trigger. Not hard to prove.

Except...it's done during presentation (after clearing the holster), therefore adds zero time to the time required to fire.

If it is done as a separate step after acquiring the target, it isn't being done correctly.

 

[allaroundhunter]

Cocking the hammer, or flipping down the safety, takes more time than does a double-and-single action trigger. Not hard to prove.

And this is why, unlike in the military, most civilians carry 1911's in condition 1. Round chambered, hammer back, safety on. (As all SAO weapons should be carried)

I am actually faster with a 1911 like this (with 5 years of experience, not 50) than I am with my M&P (without a safety). The safety comes off as you clear the holster, and the weapon is presented to the target ready to fire; no futzing necessary.

 

[Mrae]

so any good add-ons or upgrades? ive been looking at beavertail safties but i dont want to have to modify the actual gun permanently. just drop in type parts.

 

[doc540]

sights, stocks, and trigger work if necessary

Other than that, regular applications of powder smoke