Col, Hate to see you having these problems, but I'm right there with you. I have the Grandaddy to your commander, the Series 80 Mk IV Enhanced from around 1995. I have changed recoil springs 3x 16, 18, 20, settled on the 18 factory by Wolff, Chip McCormick Shooting stars worked pretty good, but less than reliable can never replicate the FTRTB, Seems to be with about 3 rounds left for me. Bought 3 brand new CM Power Mags, same result only more frequent, changed extractor tension became too tight, took tension off where it holds the loaded ball round but falls free by slight wiggling (that was the last advice I got... (not from here mind you...)) Carried this for 15 years for duty! Worked ok for first 50 rounds or so, but when dirty (carbon fouled and dry) began to ftrtb. more than 1 malfunction every 100 rounds, not reliable! It's a Hammer! I'm better with a hammer... I absolutely love my Colt but I'm carrying a Glock because it was $400 to a gunsmith or a Glock. I will never sell the Colt, It was my first duty weapon and will be passed to my son.
Also had a range instructor watch me shoot, he felt I may need to hold a little higher (I have the original "duck bill" beaver tail) and should put on an extended beavertail safety, others recommended combat grips. Cant tell If I limp wrist but I don't lock out my arms in my modified weaver. I'm On the same road you are with my beloved commander, beleive me! Feel Like I've tried it all!
That said,
Tuner has written some stuff about the barrel link. I'm going to check into the $5 wilson combat #2 and see how that goes. I do not trust my hand with a dremel even making knives!!! let alone any where near the same bench as my commander!
