Basic Colt Commander Equivalent?

[Deanimator]

What's a decent, reasonably priced equivalent of the basic Colt Commander/Combat Commander?

I don't want a bunch of gimmicks, just high visibility IRON sights (NOT fiberoptic) and a modern type thumb safety. Beavertail is not required, but wouldn't rule a gun out.

Thanks.

PS - I don't like stainless and prefer blued or other subdued gun finishes.

 

[KellyII]

Check out rock island arms, if ur looking for a decent gun for under $500. They are pretty good quality and will run. I personally own colts but RIA are not bad

 

[wojownik]

I'm not sure what "reasonable" is anymore <sigh>.

Under $850, check out the Springfield Champion (under $800 if not stainless). I was going that direction, until I ran into a LNIB Colt Commander SS for $750.

 

[Hacker15E]

The RIA and Springer Champion are not true 'Commander' pistols: they are both 4" bull barrel designs (although the most recent RIAs are apparently 4.25" bull barrels.

The two least expensive options out there right now are the ATI FX45 GI and the MetroArms American Classic II Commander. Both are 4.25" barrels with a traditional bushing, the real 'Commander' setup as Colt designed it.

They're both just south of $500, depending on where you buy them. Reviews tend to be slightly better on the MetroArms than the ATI.

 

[Sam1911]

I'd like to point out that STI has really made a name for themselves, and they have some very attractive models in the Commander style. If I was in the market, that's where I'd be putting my money.

Some of their models are somewhat traditional Commanders and some are a little off that pattern.

http://www.stiguns.com/products/guns/pistols/1911-pistols/

 

[kutz]

You really need to check out Colts New Agent, they got it right.

 

[Deanimator]

You really need to check out Colts New Agent, they got it right.

Unless I'm mistaken, that's not a "Commander" type gun.

 

[wojownik]

You're not mistaken.

BTW, Copes Distributing lists a Colt Commander (O4691) in blue for $849.

 

[JTQ]

What's a decent, reasonably priced equivalent of the basic Colt Commander/Combat Commander?

I don't want a bunch of gimmicks, just high visibility IRON sights (NOT fiberoptic) and a modern type thumb safety.

Why not a Colt Commander?

a Colt Commander (O4691) in blue for $849.

http://www.coltsmfg.com/Catalog/ColtPistols/Colt1991Series.aspx

 

[cyclopsshooter]

Wojo and JTQ have it covered

 

[Deanimator]

BTW, Copes Distributing lists a Colt Commander (O4691) in blue for $849.

Like Springfield's, Colt's website isn't all that friendly. I found that gun on their site yesterday. I checked Bud's who are backordered on them.

For a long time, I was dubious of the Series 80 lockwork (I'd prefer a Series 70 type gun), but having carried a Browning Hi Power and a couple of Glocks for several years, I'm relatively comfortable with firing pin blocks.

The Colt is definitely on my list.

 

[Ex]

Tisas

I acquired an IAC 1911 for $349 NIB from James Wayne gunshop.

350 rds so far. It REALLY likes Enos red SlideGlide.

Am making some purple heartwood grips for it now.

Stock sights are low visibility and pretty bad. I used
http://www.brightsights.com/index.shtml
and it really improved the picture and abibity to acquire target rapidly.

Here is a review from American Rifleman
http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/IAC-Regent-Model-R100/

Only changes I've made are the sight paint and an immediate purchase of a chip McCormick mag for it. Grips are in process.