commanders

Brutus · October 2, 2016, 02:46 PM

Which one. Leaning towards a Colt stainless, would love a bobtail but it's out of my budget, What's the best bang for the buck forum members?

druryj · October 2, 2016, 03:09 PM

I have two: A Colt Lightweight Commander in .45ACP and the new Ruger Lghtweight in 9mm. The Colt is blued; the Ruger is stainless. Both are fine pistols. Best bang for the buck? IMO, the Ruger is. Sorry, but it is just a damn fine 1911 and has everything you need and little that you don't.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rockrivr1 · October 2, 2016, 03:13 PM

I prefer the S&W Pro Series 1911. Solid, accurate and very functional.

smee78 · October 2, 2016, 03:20 PM

I honestly believe the Ruger's are the best bang for your buck. I have a Colt but it was bought from a friend and was my birth year gun so it was in a different category for me as to why I bought it. If I were to purchase a commander today it would be the Ruger or Springfield depending on price and new VS used.

I know you said you were interested in a stainless Colt but what is the use going to be CC, range, home use? I know I prefer my Kimber Pro CarryII (Alu frame) for carry, the others are used for home/range use.

JDBerg · October 2, 2016, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smee78:

I honestly believe the Ruger's are the best bang for your buck.

I have a Ruger Commander length and I can certainly vouch for one of these.

UncleEd · October 2, 2016, 04:21 PM

Ruger Commanders are excellent.

What I like about Ruger 1911s, besides the excellent guns and customer service, is that you can shop from them for just about any component of the 1911---triggers, sears, thumb safeties, even down to such little items as
the pin for the barrel link.

True, you can go to Wilson Combat, for instance, and also buy the components, but what the hey, Ruger is there for you.

I own a trigger gauge and the Ruger 1911 trigger weights are consistently
under 5 pounds, more like 4 to 4.5 pounds right out of the box.

**Aguila Blanca** · October 2, 2016, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brutus

What's the best bang for the buck forum members?

Colt 1991 Commander, Model O4091U in stainless or Model O4691 in blue.

michael t · October 2, 2016, 07:51 PM

All my Commanders are Colt except for my Dan Wesson Bobtail.

Buy what you want .A good gunsmith always make it a bobtail.

Brutus · October 3, 2016, 09:10 AM

Kimbers are out, I own two of them, both have been problematic and had to be sent back to the factory. They have the worst customer service and I will never buy another. That is a strong point for the Ruger but does anyone have any feedback on Colts customer service. I've owned a series 70 Gold cup for thirty years, never had a problem with it so I'm unfamiliar with their reputation.

JWT · October 3, 2016, 10:35 AM

The Ruger is an excellent choice for a very modest price. Colt would be a notch in price and quality. Dan Wesson much nicer, better quality, quite a bit more expensive. I own at least one of all three and all are very good guns.

rodfac · October 4, 2016, 07:54 PM

I'd go with the lt weight model myself and save the weight. It's a big difference if you intend to carry it.

Ruger makes a great Commander length, in both full stainless and alloy frame models. I own the CMD model with its SS frame, and it's a great gun, but heavy. BTW, it's parts in the example I own, are 100% interchangeable with those of 70's vintage Colt Combat Commander.

I've owned both the Combat Commander and Lt weight models that Colt makes, and while they were good guns, today's models seem to be relying on the Colt name and the cache it brings to the price point. Rod

Dufus · October 4, 2016, 08:38 PM

I personally never had the desires for anything but the Colts.

Bought my first one in 1973, and have three others to go with it.

Over all that time, not one has ever needed anything.

I have had other makes of 1911, but they were purchased a good prices for the times, then after exercising them a little, they were either sold or traded.

But I kept the Colts.

Joe_Pike · October 4, 2016, 09:14 PM

Gunbuyer has the Ruger commander length 1911 for $599 at the moment. I can't afford one or I would seriously consider that. I do have a Colt Combat Commander that I picked up a couple of years ago. Got to love the Pony.

sarge83 · October 5, 2016, 07:27 AM

I have a 70 series LWC Colt .45 that I carried for years. It was my first 1911 and it never gave me a bit of trouble. It is a safe queen now for some piece that is a tad lighter.

UncleEd · October 5, 2016, 09:13 AM

Comments given that Colt is a notch above Ruger.

I own both LW Commanders in 9 mm.

If Colt is a notch above Ruger, it is a very tiny notch and one that
I can't really see.

But that little pony certainly has a certain aura about it and that's why
I own it. And it was $200 more than the one with the black hawk on it.

Quentin2 · October 5, 2016, 11:00 AM

You're in luck, there're lots of good choices out there. So I'll just generalize.

For a 45ACP I'd go with a steel frame if you plant to shoot it a lot. (Recoil and durability) For 9mm I'd go lightweight. My own selections were the Remington R1 Commander 45ACP (A basic Colt Combat Commander form factor with a very reasonable price with the $75 mail in rebate) and the Springfield Range Officer Compact 9mm (Small and lightweight) Both are blue but there are similar models by various brand names in stainless for more money.

849ACSO · October 5, 2016, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Kimbers are out, I own two of them, both have been problematic and had to be sent back to the factory.

I own 3 Kimbers, one of which is a lightweight commander sized Pro Carry II. All have been flawless. The lightweight gets the most abuse, as it's my service pistol (plainclothes LEO) and it has upwards of 5k rounds through it. Never a hiccup. I have heard stories like yours, but my experience has been great with all (the aforementioned Pro Carry, a Stainless Target in 10mm, and a TLE II) of them I have owned.

I would buy another Kimber in a heartbeat.

Brutus · October 5, 2016, 06:59 PM

Wait till you have to deal with their customer service because you will quickly discover your an idiot and whatever the problem is it's your fault.

849ACSO · October 5, 2016, 07:30 PM

I'm fortunate enough to have 2 custom 1911 plumbers within 45 minutes of me. No 1911 of mine will be going anywhere but one of those 2 places.

October 2, 2016, 02:46 PM	#1
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	commanders Which one. Leaning towards a Colt stainless, would love a bobtail but it's out of my budget, What's the best bang for the buck forum members? __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

October 2, 2016, 03:20 PM	#4
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	I honestly believe the Ruger's are the best bang for your buck. I have a Colt but it was bought from a friend and was my birth year gun so it was in a different category for me as to why I bought it. If I were to purchase a commander today it would be the Ruger or Springfield depending on price and new VS used. I know you said you were interested in a stainless Colt but what is the use going to be CC, range, home use? I know I prefer my Kimber Pro CarryII (Alu frame) for carry, the others are used for home/range use. __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

October 2, 2016, 07:51 PM	#8
michael t Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 4,044	All my Commanders are Colt except for my Dan Wesson Bobtail. Buy what you want .A good gunsmith always make it a bobtail. __________________ Certified Armed Infidel Colt Defender ,Colt Mustang ,Dan Wesson CBOB, PPK/S, American Classic 1911,Bersa Thunder 380 http://bersachat.comHome of Bersa http://www.metroarms1911forum.com

October 3, 2016, 09:10 AM	#9
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	Kimbers are out, I own two of them, both have been problematic and had to be sent back to the factory. They have the worst customer service and I will never buy another. That is a strong point for the Ruger but does anyone have any feedback on Colts customer service. I've owned a series 70 Gold cup for thirty years, never had a problem with it so I'm unfamiliar with their reputation. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

October 4, 2016, 07:54 PM	#11
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,624	I'd go with the lt weight model myself and save the weight. It's a big difference if you intend to carry it. Ruger makes a great Commander length, in both full stainless and alloy frame models. I own the CMD model with its SS frame, and it's a great gun, but heavy. BTW, it's parts in the example I own, are 100% interchangeable with those of 70's vintage Colt Combat Commander. I've owned both the Combat Commander and Lt weight models that Colt makes, and while they were good guns, today's models seem to be relying on the Colt name and the cache it brings to the price point. Rod __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73.

October 2, 2016, 03:09 PM	#2
druryj Member Join Date: May 6, 2010 Posts: 80	I have two: A Colt Lightweight Commander in .45ACP and the new Ruger Lghtweight in 9mm. The Colt is blued; the Ruger is stainless. Both are fine pistols. Best bang for the buck? IMO, the Ruger is. Sorry, but it is just a damn fine 1911 and has everything you need and little that you don't. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

October 2, 2016, 03:13 PM	#3
Rockrivr1 Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 271	I prefer the S&W Pro Series 1911. Solid, accurate and very functional.

October 2, 2016, 04:21 PM	#6
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	Ruger Commanders are excellent. What I like about Ruger 1911s, besides the excellent guns and customer service, is that you can shop from them for just about any component of the 1911---triggers, sears, thumb safeties, even down to such little items as the pin for the barrel link. True, you can go to Wilson Combat, for instance, and also buy the components, but what the hey, Ruger is there for you. I own a trigger gauge and the Ruger 1911 trigger weights are consistently under 5 pounds, more like 4 to 4.5 pounds right out of the box.

October 3, 2016, 10:35 AM	#10
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	The Ruger is an excellent choice for a very modest price. Colt would be a notch in price and quality. Dan Wesson much nicer, better quality, quite a bit more expensive. I own at least one of all three and all are very good guns.

October 4, 2016, 08:38 PM	#12
Dufus Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2014 Posts: 1,965	I personally never had the desires for anything but the Colts. Bought my first one in 1973, and have three others to go with it. Over all that time, not one has ever needed anything. I have had other makes of 1911, but they were purchased a good prices for the times, then after exercising them a little, they were either sold or traded. But I kept the Colts.

October 4, 2016, 09:14 PM	#13
Joe_Pike Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2010 Posts: 1,581	Gunbuyer has the Ruger commander length 1911 for $599 at the moment. I can't afford one or I would seriously consider that. I do have a Colt Combat Commander that I picked up a couple of years ago. Got to love the Pony. __________________ Stay Groovy

October 5, 2016, 07:27 AM	#14
sarge83 Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2000 Posts: 426	I have a 70 series LWC Colt .45 that I carried for years. It was my first 1911 and it never gave me a bit of trouble. It is a safe queen now for some piece that is a tad lighter.

October 5, 2016, 09:13 AM	#15
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	Comments given that Colt is a notch above Ruger. I own both LW Commanders in 9 mm. If Colt is a notch above Ruger, it is a very tiny notch and one that I can't really see. But that little pony certainly has a certain aura about it and that's why I own it. And it was $200 more than the one with the black hawk on it.

October 5, 2016, 11:00 AM	#16
Quentin2 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2009 Location: NorthWest USA Posts: 1,996	You're in luck, there're lots of good choices out there. So I'll just generalize. For a 45ACP I'd go with a steel frame if you plant to shoot it a lot. (Recoil and durability) For 9mm I'd go lightweight. My own selections were the Remington R1 Commander 45ACP (A basic Colt Combat Commander form factor with a very reasonable price with the $75 mail in rebate) and the Springfield Range Officer Compact 9mm (Small and lightweight) Both are blue but there are similar models by various brand names in stainless for more money.

October 5, 2016, 06:59 PM	#18
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	Wait till you have to deal with their customer service because you will quickly discover your an idiot and whatever the problem is it's your fault. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

October 5, 2016, 07:30 PM	#19
849ACSO Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2014 Location: Somewhere in the middle Posts: 629	I'm fortunate enough to have 2 custom 1911 plumbers within 45 minutes of me. No 1911 of mine will be going anywhere but one of those 2 places. __________________ "The day you stop learning SHOULD directly coincide with the day you stop breathing."