Colt Combat Commander tune up

[coebam]

Just wanting some input on this. I have a Commander from the mid 70's. My father bought it used from an army buddy. The gun shoots accurately enough, but the sights are the original style. The slide has some slop in it. The trigger isn't anywhere close to what I would consider "crisp". So I am considering a tune-up so to speak. Obvioulsy, a gun smith would be in order for this work. I am guessing I would be looking around 350.00-500.00 for parts and labor. I would like to have Trijicon sights put in it. The longer style skeletonized trigger and a skeltonized hammer. Plus trigger job with new springs and pins. Just curious for thoughts on this. Should I leave it alone and put the money towards a new 1911 and leave the old colt be?
PS - I have recently purchased a Dan Wesson Valor V-Bob and love it. I thought I could make the old colt shoot a litle more like the DW.

 

[rcmodel]

Is it a Commander? (Alloy frame)
Or a Combat Commander? (Steel frame)

The earlier Commanders are getting pretty high-dollar collector / shooter prices if left unmolested.

The Combat Commanders not so much.

SO, if it's a pre-Series 70 or Series 70 Commander?
"Careful what you're wishing for, cause when you gain, you just might lose."


rc

 

[coebam]

It's a Combat Commander steel frame.

 

[rcmodel]

Then I think I would make it into what you want it to be.

rc

 

[bullturkey]

No such creature as a series 70 commander or combat commander.

 

[coebam]

Bullturkey, please be so kind as to properly identify the Colt pistol.

 

[DC Plumber]

coebam,

That is the exact situation I'm in. I have a steel mid to late 70's commander with a possible hard chrome finish on it. I hate the sights, don't like the grip safety, but love the gun otherwise, it is in excellent condition.

I'm debating weather to get rid of it and buy what I want or have it smith'd. Tough decision for me. Another one may never come around except at a very high price. But, if I'm not shooting it, what's it really worth to me. It's not my number one gun to grab and go shooting with. Decisions, decisions.

 

[coebam]

DC,

The gun isn't going anywhere since my Dad gave it to me. But it can get kinda pricey making it shoot real nice. Still cheaper than a Springer TRP tho!

 

[JTQ]

No such creature as a series 70 commander or combat commander.

Bullturkey, please be so kind as to properly identify the Colt pistol.

Hair splitting terminology. Series 70 would indicate the presence of a collet bushing. The Commanders never had a collet bushing, hence there were no Series 70 Commanders. In current 1911 terms most simply call a 1911 without a firing pin safety a Series 70. It is a Colt trademark term and applied to a specific design.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The sight and trigger work, sure. The "sloppy" slide/frame fit, I would leave alone. I would not put a longer-spurred hammer on it without an accompanying longer grip safety.

 

[1911Tuner]

Hair splitting terminology.

Not really. Series 70 pistols were so marked on the slides. You won't find a Commander or Combat Commander with such a roll mark. 70S in the serial number tess you that the pistol's original finish was electroless...or "Satin" nickel. 70B...blued finish.

In addition to the collet bushing, the Series 70 pistols were also equipped with the "Accurizer" barrel (tm) which led to the larger diameter, but shorter muzzle "flare" seen on modern barrels.