Lookin to pimp my combat commander

[tenacioustanaka]

Howdy folks,



Bit of a noob here regarding the ol .45 but I figured I'd come to the experts.

I have a colt MIV series 80 combat commander and I'd like to really work over the trigger mechanism. It is rather heavy and lethargic. Does anyone here have a recommendation to who can do a credible job or some simple parts replacement? I'd like a very light pull and if need be, I'll consider replacing the barrel if those in the know consider it a viable change.

 

[RogersPrecision]

There is a GREAT smiff just across some water from you.
And his name is Alan Tanaka!
http://www.americanpistol.com/guild_member.php?mbrid=66

 

[dmazur]

I have done exactly 3 trigger jobs on 1911's, so that classifies me as a noob, I think.

Two were on series 80's (one a Commander and one on an Officer's) and one on what's called a series 70 Combat Commander (incorrectly, but it distinguishes it from a series 80.)

I got the series 80's to 3.5#. Break like glass. Very nice. Went through two sears learning how to do this. The angles at the end of the sear are critical. The series 70 is a 4# trigger. I can't get it any lower. I finally gave up before I ruined another sear.

If you do a lot of this, Brownell's sells jigs to make success a certain thing. A really neat tool is one that holds the parts in the correct relationship "outside the gun".

All I can say in summary is, I learned a lot about how 1911 triggers work. I got a book. I got a set of decent whetstones. I jumped in and did it.

If I ever buy another 1911, It's either going to be hand-fit or it's going to a reputable gunsmith. Working on triggers is no fun.

 

[Creature]

I highly recommend you have a qualified gunsmith do the trigger on your 1911. I have personally seen a fully-automatic 1911 which was the result of "kitchen table" gunsmithing.

 

[tenacioustanaka]

Thanks a ton for the suggestions....

I had a feeling that doing the gunsmith route would be my best bet. Just had a moment of cheapness creep into my mode of thinking and thought I may be able to pull it off myself.

Well, that idea is now out the window. I do believe when/if I can ever get off this communistic rock and head back home to N.C. I'll have to go "smiff" hunting. I love my colt way too much to end up lobotomizing to poor thing. Who knows, I may end up giving my Vaqueros "the treatment" too; if that does not qualify as blasphemy.

 

[Big Boomer]

I have personally seen a fully-automatic 1911

Looks like one of those will get you jail time for an illegal machine gun nowadays.