I'm looking to purchase a stainless steel 45 ACP in either commander or officer's model size. Between Colt, Para Ordinance, and Springfield, what do you folks recommend. I want to stick to single stack magazines. Looking at the various offerings, I don't see a lot of difference quality wise between models in the same price range. I've owned several Colts over the years but never a Para or Springfield.
45 ACP purchase suggestions?
- Thread starter diyj98
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BluesBear
member
My vote would go to one of the new roll mark Colt Commanders.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I'm afraid I've got to agree with my friend Blues Bear.
Even though, I like the DA/SA SIG-SAUER P220A better.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
Even though, I like the DA/SA SIG-SAUER P220A better.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
Longbow
Member
SIG 220, CDNN has them for <$400.
10-Ring
Member
You can't go wrong w/ the Colt!
Perfesser
Member
45 choice
I've never fired anything that fells as 'right' in my hands as my Colt series 80 Combat Commander. I don't know if Colt still makes 2 versions but IIRC the Commander is aluminum alloy framed and the Combat Commander is all steel.
The only mod I made to either of my 45's is to install a guide rod kit to stabilize the slide, and change the grips to something fancier than stock.
I've never fired anything that fells as 'right' in my hands as my Colt series 80 Combat Commander. I don't know if Colt still makes 2 versions but IIRC the Commander is aluminum alloy framed and the Combat Commander is all steel.
The only mod I made to either of my 45's is to install a guide rod kit to stabilize the slide, and change the grips to something fancier than stock.
stans
Member
For reliability it's hard to go wrong with the Commander length barrel and slide. For concealability you need the Officer's ACP frame. Colt actually made such a model and labeled it the CCO, unfortunately, it was discontinued.
BluesBear
member
Perfesser,
Alas Colt is only offering the Lighweight Commander in the more expensive XSE line right now. Which is a pity since I really like the new/old look of the NRM Commander.
diyj98,
I have fired 2 NRM Government models and 2 NRM Commander model and all three fed anything and everything 100%. This includes Handloads with H&G 200gr lead SWC, UMC 185gr FMJ target swc, Speer flying ashtrays in both Blazer and Handloads. Their new barrel throat design really seems to be working.
Alas Colt is only offering the Lighweight Commander in the more expensive XSE line right now.
Which is a pity since I really like the new/old look of the NRM Commander.diyj98,
I have fired 2 NRM Government models and 2 NRM Commander model and all three fed anything and everything 100%. This includes Handloads with H&G 200gr lead SWC, UMC 185gr FMJ target swc, Speer flying ashtrays in both Blazer and Handloads. Their new barrel throat design really seems to be working.
Guys I've been out of the Colt loop since the mid 80's. What are the "new roll marked" guns? What year and models do these apply to? Are the current 1991's "new roll marked"?
I was thinking maybe the Springfield guns with the ramped barrels might feed better, but everyone so far seems sold on the Colts.
I was thinking maybe the Springfield guns with the ramped barrels might feed better, but everyone so far seems sold on the Colts.
Cactus
Member
All of the current Colt 1991's are the "New Roll Mark". They started to switch to these about 18 months ago.
Do not get a ramped barrel in 45 ACP. The advantage of a ramped barrel is that you get a fully supported chamber, but this only works for the 9mm size rounds. The 45 ACP ramped barrels are NOT fully supported and many 'smiths will not do ramped 45's anymore due to the fact that they can be difficult to make feed correctly.
From most of the reports about the 1991's I have read, they will chamber most anything. They have a new "dimpled" barrel throat that apparently works very well.
Do not get a ramped barrel in 45 ACP. The advantage of a ramped barrel is that you get a fully supported chamber, but this only works for the 9mm size rounds. The 45 ACP ramped barrels are NOT fully supported and many 'smiths will not do ramped 45's anymore due to the fact that they can be difficult to make feed correctly.
From most of the reports about the 1991's I have read, they will chamber most anything. They have a new "dimpled" barrel throat that apparently works very well.
BluesBear
member
O.K., you guys have about talked me into a stainless Colt 1991 Commander. I may order it Monday. I'll just have to verify it's one of the new guns. Is the ejection port flared and lowered on it versus the old 1991's where they weren't? The last Colt I owned was the old Enhanced 80's version.
If I order this thing, I'm holding you all responsible if I don't like it!
If I order this thing, I'm holding you all responsible if I don't like it!
Black Majik
Member
.... HEY!.... wait for me!!!!
*catches up and panting*
... Colt Commander ...
*catches up and panting*
... Colt Commander
...kalibear45
Member
Springfield Micro Compact
Stevie-Ray
Member
Of those choices, get the Colt.
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