Shipped my new Combat Commander back to Colt.

[PinnedAndRecessed]

I purchased a new Colt Combat Commander. After only a couple of range trips, the front sight came loose. Also, the slide was locking open prematurely. Also, I discovered the recoil plug tunnel is off center.

I called Colt to find out what the specs were on the recoil plug tunnel, because if they weren't going to replace the slide, I was just going to have somebody local dovetail a new front sight and not worry about the tunnel.

But they couldn't give me the specs so I went ahead and shipped it today. (5/17/06)
It's going to be upsetting if they tell me I have to live with their mistake.

I shipped it UPS. They charged $43.50 for the package. Another $5.44 for fuel surcharge. $6.40 for ($800) insurance. And $4.25 for delivery confirmation. I sure hope Colt reimburses me.

Anyway, I'll let you know how it turns out. At this point, I'm pretty disappointed in the whole thing. I haven't even gotten to fire it that much.

 

[rellascout]

Did you get an RMA number? I would have made them pick up the shipping back to them on their account. In fact I am suprised that they did not offer that to you?

 

[KaceCoyote]

Sorry to hear man. The CZ cult would be happy to have ya if you feel the need.

 

[Master Blaster]

When the front sight fell off my gold cup, I restaked it.

This is one of those things Colt is famous for, front sights have been staked wrong for the last 60 years.

Also ask them to check your ejector its probably loose as well, as indicated by the brass hitting you in the head.

Colt has the darndest time staking these things. Maybe they hand the new guy the staking tool as his first job at the factory, or maybe its a inhereted job that been in the family for 60 years.

 

[KaceCoyote]

"Hello my name is Francis Staker, yes my family as worked at the colt plant since it was built!"

 

[Master Blaster]

When I bought my Gold cup in 1999, two of the older members of my club asked me on different occaisons how my front sight was holding up. It was at about round 500 that I found out why.......

I restaked it and 6000+ rounds later its been fine.

Soo why couldnt COLT do it right????????

Its actually a more common problem than the Eliason rear loosing its pin.
Two of my gunsmithing books mention it and the ejector and have instructions on how to fix both!!!

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

Update: My Commander was delivered to Colt this morning. (5/18/06)

I talked to Paul at customer service. He hadn't looked at the gun yet but asked what the problems were.

I told him a) an off center recoil plug tunnel, b) loose front sight, and c) the gun is prematurely locking open during firing.

He said that "probably" the slide will be replaced. If in stock, it will be about two weeks. If not in stock, it will be whenever manufacturing makes more slides. He said that would be about two months.

Don't misunderstand. I'm not trying to "bash" Colt. I have numerous Colts and they are some of my most prized firearms.

But if they will a) replace the slide (which will) b) fix the sight, c) correct the prematurely locking problem, and d) refund my $59.59 shipping costs, I'll be as happy as a clam.

 

[panzermk2]

I wouldn't hold my breath

 

[brickboy240]

The Colt people are not goign to like this, but this has been my experience with Colt products...

I have owned 4 Colt 1911s over time and one Springfield Armory GI model. Of the five 1911s, the Colts have given me more problems. Some right from day-one, others developed as time went by. I kept one Colt - a nice Seires 70 Combat Commander, but it too had to have tons of work done, before it would feed/eject properly all the time.

Its sad, when a 400 dollar, cheaply produced, Brazillian framed, MIM parts basic 1911 can be 100% right out of the damn box and the 600-800 dollar Colts are problems from the first day and require at least 100 dollars worth of smithing or parts to make them as reliable.

I really don't know why some people go "ga-ga" over a 1911 with the pony on it...they're very troublesome in my expereince. Sort of like buying a Jaguar over a Lexus - you paid more and its prettier, but more troublesome than the Lexus. Why put up with it? Colt is really a shadow of its former self and going on name recognition only. This rankles the Colt proponents that have a hard time believeing that a company like Springfield armory can make a 400 dollar 1911 that runs rings around their 800 dollar jobbies right out of the box.

I hope they'll do you right and correct it. My Combat Commander is a good 1911 and reliable now, but not before alot of experimentation and 120 dollars worth of smithing and replacement parts.

- Brickboy240

PS: the most reliable 45ACP pistol I have ever owned? My Sig P220...I will never sell it!

 

[Bill73]

Man, you are really a bad luck Colt owner. I've been collecting old Colt's for a long time and have owned just about every model semi .45 they make. Not a bad one in the bunch.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Also ask them to check your ejector its probably loose as well, as indicated by the brass hitting you in the head.

Colt has the darndest time staking these things. Maybe they hand the new guy the staking tool as his first job at the factory, or maybe its a inhereted job that been in the family for 60 years.

1911 ejectors aren't staked, they're pinned.

 

[panzermk2]

1911 ejectors aren't staked, they're pinned.

He was talking about the front sight, The front site that fell off every one of my NIB Colts within the first three trips to the gun range

Fell is incorrect they shot off never to be found agian

 

[Gordon]

I never had/seen any made before 1976 have the Colt front sight come off, but wouldn't be surprised if some did. Armand Swenson would stake them on to stay, as would Austin Behlert, Bob Chow ect. even the big tall ones.

 

[Steelharp]

My 1918 is still running beautifully...

 

[yomama]

If you haven't already, you might check out the www.1911forum.com . At the "Colt" post page there is lot's of people with the off center recoil plug tunnels. There is also a guy named "Mark" that works for Colt that posts there often. He seems very interested in making all the Colt owners happy. He might be someone to contact if things don't go your way. Just thought I'd pass this along.

 

[robertbank]

I have a $325CDN Norinco Commander that has yet to have a FTF, nothing ever fell off it and is accurate as I can shoot. Should get somebody to engrave a Pony on the slide. Either you love Colts or you hate them - for me why take a chance for that kind of money they sell for stateside I can buy a CZ or SIG and know it will work from day one.

Take Care

 

[bearmgc]

I heard alot of folks had trouble with Colts. I still wanted 1, got 3, a Govt, a Commander, and a Defender. No problems over the years with ANY of them, am I lucky? Just sold the Govt because I needed something else, and have seller's remorse, oh well...:banghead: