Just traded into Colt M1991A1, have several questions.....

[MIL-DOT]

Hi guys, I just traded into a .45 ACP Colt Commander M1991A1, and after doing some searching, still have a few questions.
As I understand, these pistols are virtually identical to "standard" 1911's, at least concerning parts upgrades,magazines,etc. Correct?
I have the black plastic checkered grips, but am looking at something a little nicer, yet economical. There are some pretty reasonable Herritt cocobolo grips at CDNN, and I've been happy with the Herritt's I've put on a couple revolvers that had black Hogues. Anything I need to know before springing on a set of these grips ? Any other places I should check first?
Also, as I understand, the older 1994's came with these plastic grips and were parkerized, but the later ones were matte blued and had wood grips ( correct?) So, it looks like I have an older, parkerized one, it says "COLT M1991A1" in very large lettering on the left of the slide. Is that correct?
I'm looking at some magazines at CDNN, since I'd be paying shipping anyway. Any mag recommendations ? Are factory mags the way to go?
This pistol came with 1 factory mag, and a stainless Chip McCormick 8-rounder.
As always, any enlightenment whatsoever is much appreciated.

 

[WC145]

1991A1 perhaps? Never heard of a 1994A1. Yes, it's the same as any Series 80 Government Model as far as parts fit/interchangibilty. They were designed as less expensive alternatives to the regular line of Colts and had the parkerized finish, polymer MSH and trigger, rubber grips, etc. I have two, a custom Compact .45 and a stock fullsize .38 Super, great guns.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I've never heard of a 1994A1, though Colt made a bunch of 1991A1 marked slides. Unless someone altered it.. that's fishy sounding.

As for the Cocobolo Herret Grips at CDNN I have a pair, they are thicker than standard grip panels and very sharply checkered.

Chip McCormick mags work very well.

Your internals are 'not' exactly mil-spec as there were subtle changes made (series 80 firing pin stop) and the recoil sping, plug and other parts are shorter in the Commander version and not the same # weight. On the plus side many parts will exchange easily, and 1911 parts are available in vast quantities.

 

[MIL-DOT]

Yep, I'm a bonehead.....of course I meant 1991 :banghead:.

Hey Dr. Rob, are you saying that the Herret's are sharply checkered to the point of being uncomfortable or obtrusive?

 

[ugaarguy]

The 1991 Colts were just basic no frills Colt 80 Series pistols, so you're correct that your pistol is compatible with standard 1911 parts, and 80 series parts where applicable.

 

[Skylerbone]

I'd recommend the Colt 7-round magazines and a new Wolff Commander recoil spring with a new firing pin spring as well. Always confirm you have the correct spring for your pistol as spring stack can quickly damage the barrel bushing.

If you decide to replace the bushing as many recommend for increasing accuracy, it is also sized differently than a Govt. model.

 

[Arp32]

Chip McCormick or Wilson Combat mags will run reliably and last a long time. Metalform mags are cheaper and don't "feel" like the same quality as the Wilson's, but mine have never failed.

 

[bannockburn]

MIL-DOT

Brownells has a set of Ahrends Cocobolo Skip grips for $36. I ordered a set last year and have been very pleased with how they look and feel. I have typically used Colt mags over the years and all have worked perfectly.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I highly recommend the 7 round Metalform magazines with the round top followers...if you don't mind losing one round, but want a flush fit magazine.

In an 8 round magazine, I've had better luck with the McCormick PowerMag (different that the Shooting Star), than the Wilson 47D (different than the ETM)

 

[Hacker15E]

Why the need to "do anything" to it?

For the OP, just go shoot it....then decide if something needs replacement, either for functional or ergonomic reasons.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

I've bought 3, personally. One is my own, the other two I bought for a brother of mine. He lost the first one during separation/divorce proceedings and, though upset about it at the time and worried about how he would go about getting it back from her, I told him not to worry about it and bought him another one. The second one was the Commander version, which he's carried now for nearly a couple decades.

The 1991A1 is essentially a Colt .45 semi-automatic with the Series 80 modifications, and was marketed at a great price when it came out.

This pistol shoots dead-nuts on straight out of the box with standard, 230 grain factory loaded ammunition. Neither of us have done any modifications to our pistols, except for grips. As a servicable, practical pistol, this one is extremely difficult to beat.

In a word...it's a Colt. And Colt has always stood behind their products.

I've fired a number of different brands of ammunition (all 230 grain, standard velocity) though mine with no problems in reliability or accuracy. I stick with Winchester 230 grain, jacketed target ammunition at about 850 fps muzzle velocity. As factory ammunition goes, it's pretty affordable at Walmart in 100 round boxes. When I carry concealed, I am loaded with 230 grain Speer Gold Dot hollow points, which have the same muzzle velocity as my target ammunition and shoots the same grouping as well. They also feed as reliably as my target ammunition. (NOTE: I've always wondered what made Winchester's 230 grain, 850 fps FMJ ammunition "target". It's perfectly acceptable for personal protection, what with it being .45 caliber and all...)

BOTTOM LINE:

This is a great gun in terms of reliability and accuracy. Any 7-round Colt .45 semi-automatic parts such as magazines and grips will work on this pistol. H*ll, I have a sealed ammo box of spare parts somewhere, and I know I have some extra 7 round magazines in it. If I could find where I put it I'd send you a magazine or two just to congratulate you on your good fortune!

 

[powwowell]

I have one that is completely stock. No need to change anything. Just shoot yours and you may discover the same thing.

 

[MIL-DOT]

Many thanks for the replies,guys ( and for the mag offer,USNChief !! ).
I fired just a few rounds through it for the first time,today. I'm really digging it, much more than the only other .45 I've ever owned, a Baby Eagle ( since traded away).
I'm not looking to do any big mods or upgrades, just replace the plastic grips with some wood, and I found some seemingly decent walnut grips on e-bay for next to nothing, so I should be dialed in now.
Me and 3 freinds will be tossing some more rounds downrange this weekend, thanks again to all for the info.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

You're welcome, MIL-DOT.

My own 1991A1 is un-modified...including the grips. My brother changed his grips because the Commander version is a 5 round magazine, with a correspondingly shorter grip. His gun kicks noticably more than my full sized version (both up and "twisting" towards the palm) because of it's smaller mass and shorter barrel. His Pachmayr grips make his pistol fit better in the palm of the hand, which makes all the difference in handling and control.

I agree with powwowell...spend some time on the range shooting the gun first before making any decisions about what to change. I'm not a fan of changing something just for the sake of changing it. If it works and you're comfortable with it, then that's all that's necessary if you're happy with it.