The never ending desire for a combat commander

Brutus · January 18, 2018, 08:48 PM

In my old age revolvers are becoming more and more desirable as I don't have to chase after brass. Still in all the urge for a Colt commander keeps tugging at my purse strings. Problem is I'd like it in all stainless with night sights and no front cocking serrations and in .38 super, about as rare as a unicorn.
Saw one at a lgs. in .45 ACP with front cocking serrations and no night sights but they want $1200 bucks for it. Guess that's why my desire keeps diminishing.

Whirlwind06 · January 18, 2018, 08:56 PM

You could get one in 9mm then get. 38 a super barrel fitted. Might be easier to find.

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rodfac · January 19, 2018, 08:40 AM

Whirlwind has a good suggestion there, tho expensive. I've got a Series 70 Colt slide and barrel assembly originally bought for a Cold Combat Commander that does double duty on my Ruger CMD in .45. No real changes in the basic gun were necessary as I recall except for the ejector. Both the slide and ejector were drop in fit too boot! Too, while I really like the .38 Super, and it's more accurate than the 9mm, it is a reloader's proposition...expensive ammo!! Rod

cw308 · January 19, 2018, 02:41 PM

Had a Colt Combat Commander in 45acp back in the 70's sold it to a friend . Great gun great balance wish I never sold it . I still have the urge to get one an now I'm in my 70's.

Chris

SIGSHR · January 19, 2018, 02:50 PM

I had higher and darker sights installed on the slide of my satin finish Combat Commander in 45 ACP, been looking for another slide for a LONGG time.
Yes, a 9MM/38 Super combo is quite desireable. I recall an article in Guns and Ammo years ago, the writer said to convert from one to the other all he need was a new barrel and magazine, the ejector worked fine,

Brownstone322 · January 19, 2018, 03:33 PM

Colt gets you close. In 2016 they reintroduced the Lightweight Commander, then (in 2017, I think) came a new Combat Commander. They're both blued, but I suspect that a stainless model will follow before too long, same as it did with the full-sized Competition model.

Caliber is an issue -- the two Commanders are available only in .45 ACP and 9mm -- but Colt is a good supporter of .38 Super, and the Competition line includes .38 Super. I'd keep an eye on that line of Commanders.

RickB · January 19, 2018, 06:05 PM

Colt's XSE Commander was cataloged for a while in .38 Super, stainless, maybe 3-5 years ago, but they did have forward serrations.
The factory Novak sights could be easily swapped for night sights.

If you go back to the "enhanced" Colt pistols of the '90s, you lose the serrations, but you also lose the extended thumb safety, sight dovetails, and beavertail.

Brutus · January 19, 2018, 07:00 PM

Might take a ride to the lgs. tomorrow and make them an offer, guns been in their display for over a year. If I can chisel them down to a reasonable price with additional night sights as an incentive maybe I'll go for it.
What the hell a sixth 1911 in 45ACP can't be all bad.

Brownstone322 · January 19, 2018, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickB

Colt's XSE Commander was cataloged for a while in .38 Super, stainless, maybe 3-5 years ago, but they did have forward serrations.
The factory Novak sights could be easily swapped for night sights.

If you go back to the "enhanced" Colt pistols of the '90s, you lose the serrations, but you also lose the extended thumb safety, sight dovetails, and beavertail.

When I posted before, I specifically had that gun in mind, which, if I recall correctly, was offered strictly in stainless (but, yes, also had forward serrations).

It's because of the XSE Commander that I suspect a stainless version of the current Colt Commanders will show up eventually. (I didn't know the XSE Commander was offered in .38 Super, however.) For me, other "modern" 1911 features are more important -- dovetailed front sights, skeletonized trigger, extended beavertail, extended safety, undercut trigger guard -- and the current-generation Colts have all those things. Plus I shoot 9mm, so I'm all good.

T. O'Heir · January 20, 2018, 01:36 PM

These guys are listing an SS Colt Lightweight Commander in .38 Super. $951.45.
https://www.tombstonetactical.com/ca...1911/38-super/
"...night sights..." Are easily put on. Even though you really don't need 'em. 'Wanting 'em' isn't the same thing.

PatientWolf · January 20, 2018, 01:44 PM

The Cabelas in Garner NC has a used blued .45 they are asking $899 for.

Brownstone322 · January 20, 2018, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T. O'Heir

These guys are listing an SS Colt Lightweight Commander in .38 Super. $951.45.
https://www.tombstonetactical.com/ca...1911/38-super/

That's the one! I can't speak for the original poster, but I could get past the front serrations. On the other hand, the aluminum frame is a big difference in feel.

Brutus · January 21, 2018, 09:02 AM

Well went to the lgs and tried to barter for the commander, guy wouldn't budge on the price even after I explained the added cost of night sights would bring the cost up to Dan Wesson levels, which led to the Dan Wesson display case. Had whole bunches of them, looked over a Bobtail Classic a Satin finish bobtail Valor and a black finish bobtail Valor, Guy wouldn't budge on those prices either. Couldn't even get him to apply a senior citizen discount

Told him I was going to check out the competition down the road and asked him to work on the price while I was gone.
The competition is about 30 miles farther out in the sticks so I was hoping for better pricing. He had none in stock said all three were on back order and was only about twenty bucks cheaper. Went back to the first place had the guy put all three on the counter, still couldn't get a better price.
Bought the black finish bobtail Valor.

Skadoosh · January 21, 2018, 09:22 AM

Series-70 Colt Combat Commander. They keep their value for a reason.

cw308 · January 21, 2018, 09:29 AM

I don't know what the profit margin is , but having a gun in his display case for over a year not to budge on the price , it isn't a rock bottom price or it wouldn't be there. Doesn't seem like a guy that wants to grow his business . Have you bought from him before?

Brutus · January 21, 2018, 01:03 PM

Yeah, he generally has the best prices in our area not to mention the best selection and a target range. However that best selection always seems to work to my disadvantage, thus the recent purchase.

HighValleyRanch · January 21, 2018, 01:34 PM

He knew he had you hooked when you came back!LOL

Now he'll NEVER go down on his prices.

Here in CA, the guns you want are so hard to find, that you better be willing to pay higher prices, otherwise you might not find the same deal for years.
If you want it bad enough, it's only money!

Brutus · January 21, 2018, 02:47 PM

No not true, been doing business there for many years. In most cases you can barter with them, depends on what your looking at. If it were a block or Smith& Wesson something he has large quantities of you can deal. Obviously high end items not so much. Well win some lose some. Still a bit disgruntled at not getting 10 bucks off on the senior citizen card.

Still in all I get a free range pass and 10% off on accessories and ammunition.
Will buy some WW white box to try it out and add to my reloading brass, maybe a couple magazines even though I don't need them.
Forgot to ask if primers and powder were acceptable accessories.

Viper225 · January 22, 2018, 09:16 AM

I have had one 38 Super Commander over the years. My local dealer had it under the counter waiting on me to come in.
Some history. The Commander had belonged to 3 different people in my community since around 1951. I knew all three of them, and had never seen the pistol before. The original owner was a Navy Jet Jockey, and took it to Korea with him.
It was considered a First year production Pistol with a serial number around 156 if I remember correctly.
I posted pictures on the 1911 Forum, and shortly it had a very good home in a Colt Collectors safe.

I would like to try out a Stainless XSE Commander. In 38 Super or 45 acp. Either should be a keeper.
I went through all the 1911's at my local gun shop the other day. Colt's are high. He had three or four and the cheapest one was around $900.

Bob R

OzeanJaeger · January 22, 2018, 10:37 AM

I have a "Wilson's Jewelry" Combat Commander. The guy I bought it from lives in Berryville. He was the original owner, and had Bill Wilson trick it out before he even put one down the pipe. It's blue with Colt ivory grips, and is one smooth shooter. One of my favorite pistols.

Northof50 · January 22, 2018, 10:48 AM

The tug for additional 1911's alway exist for me. But, the cost of them prevents the purchase. I've got a 1985 Colt Gold Cup which has never given me issue. But, it seems [today] you need to cross the $2000 threshold to get a decent one. But, even writing that, I realize I've been out of the 1911 market for so long - I don't know that to be true. It's so easy to pick up a Glock [or similar] polymer, for a fraction of the price, and have a completely reliable and accurate firearm.

For a defensive pistol, without the need for extended mag releases, extended safety, etc. how much do you have to spend to get a decent 1911?

cw308 · January 22, 2018, 04:16 PM

Brutis it would have broke your heart if you went there to buy an it was gone . Should have given you if not a senior citizen discount , a loyal customer discount . At least it's in your house now , enjoy your new shooter .

Brutus · January 22, 2018, 07:39 PM

As a bulls eye shooter the 5 inchers always had more appeal but a commander size was on my bucket list now fulfilled. Northof50 I got you beat, bought my Colt Gold Cup in 1979 I think. Saved for it forever as it's price was a whopping $350. Still got it and it's still a tack driver after all these years.
Wouldn't hesitate to get another unlike the two Kimbers I bought. MIM parts keep breaking and they have the worst customer service there is.

dgludwig · January 24, 2018, 05:04 PM

On 12-27-74, I paid $205.07 for a new Gold Cup that I still use in Bullseye matches.

In terms of the Commander length Colt 1911, I've never seen a use for the steel version for concealed carry purposes. It's almost as heavy as the Government version and almost as long, and still has the same size grip. For the range and home defense duty, I much prefer the full-size, steel Government model. For edc, I'd opt for the aluminum alloy version, mostly for its lighter length.

Brutus · January 24, 2018, 07:23 PM

dgludwig you got me beat, don't you just love knowing you got a classic for that amount. It was a lot of money back then but the Gold Cup and my Python are the only guns I've ever owned that have appreciated ten fold over what I paid.

January 18, 2018, 08:48 PM	#1
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	The never ending desire for a combat commander In my old age revolvers are becoming more and more desirable as I don't have to chase after brass. Still in all the urge for a Colt commander keeps tugging at my purse strings. Problem is I'd like it in all stainless with night sights and no front cocking serrations and in .38 super, about as rare as a unicorn. Saw one at a lgs. in .45 ACP with front cocking serrations and no night sights but they want $1200 bucks for it. Guess that's why my desire keeps diminishing. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

January 19, 2018, 08:40 AM	#3
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,623	Whirlwind has a good suggestion there, tho expensive. I've got a Series 70 Colt slide and barrel assembly originally bought for a Cold Combat Commander that does double duty on my Ruger CMD in .45. No real changes in the basic gun were necessary as I recall except for the ejector. Both the slide and ejector were drop in fit too boot! Too, while I really like the .38 Super, and it's more accurate than the 9mm, it is a reloader's proposition...expensive ammo!! 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.

January 19, 2018, 03:33 PM	#6
Brownstone322 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2017 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 277	The never ending desire for a combat commander Colt gets you close. In 2016 they reintroduced the Lightweight Commander, then (in 2017, I think) came a new Combat Commander. They're both blued, but I suspect that a stainless model will follow before too long, same as it did with the full-sized Competition model. Caliber is an issue -- the two Commanders are available only in .45 ACP and 9mm -- but Colt is a good supporter of .38 Super, and the Competition line includes .38 Super. I'd keep an eye on that line of Commanders. Last edited by Brownstone322; January 19, 2018 at 04:42 PM.

January 19, 2018, 06:05 PM	#7
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	Colt's XSE Commander was cataloged for a while in .38 Super, stainless, maybe 3-5 years ago, but they did have forward serrations. The factory Novak sights could be easily swapped for night sights. If you go back to the "enhanced" Colt pistols of the '90s, you lose the serrations, but you also lose the extended thumb safety, sight dovetails, and beavertail. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

January 19, 2018, 07:00 PM	#8
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	Might take a ride to the lgs. tomorrow and make them an offer, guns been in their display for over a year. If I can chisel them down to a reasonable price with additional night sights as an incentive maybe I'll go for it. What the hell a sixth 1911 in 45ACP can't be all bad. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

January 18, 2018, 08:56 PM	#2
Whirlwind06 Senior Member Join Date: March 3, 2006 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 998	You could get one in 9mm then get. 38 a super barrel fitted. Might be easier to find. Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

January 19, 2018, 02:41 PM	#4
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	Had a Colt Combat Commander in 45acp back in the 70's sold it to a friend . Great gun great balance wish I never sold it . I still have the urge to get one an now I'm in my 70's. Chris

January 19, 2018, 02:50 PM	#5
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	I had higher and darker sights installed on the slide of my satin finish Combat Commander in 45 ACP, been looking for another slide for a LONGG time. Yes, a 9MM/38 Super combo is quite desireable. I recall an article in Guns and Ammo years ago, the writer said to convert from one to the other all he need was a new barrel and magazine, the ejector worked fine,

January 20, 2018, 01:36 PM	#10
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	These guys are listing an SS Colt Lightweight Commander in .38 Super. $951.45. https://www.tombstonetactical.com/ca...1911/38-super/ "...night sights..." Are easily put on. Even though you really don't need 'em. 'Wanting 'em' isn't the same thing. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

January 20, 2018, 01:44 PM	#11
PatientWolf Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Location: NC Posts: 947	The Cabelas in Garner NC has a used blued .45 they are asking $899 for.

January 21, 2018, 09:02 AM	#13
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	Well went to the lgs and tried to barter for the commander, guy wouldn't budge on the price even after I explained the added cost of night sights would bring the cost up to Dan Wesson levels, which led to the Dan Wesson display case. Had whole bunches of them, looked over a Bobtail Classic a Satin finish bobtail Valor and a black finish bobtail Valor, Guy wouldn't budge on those prices either. Couldn't even get him to apply a senior citizen discount Told him I was going to check out the competition down the road and asked him to work on the price while I was gone. The competition is about 30 miles farther out in the sticks so I was hoping for better pricing. He had none in stock said all three were on back order and was only about twenty bucks cheaper. Went back to the first place had the guy put all three on the counter, still couldn't get a better price. Bought the black finish bobtail Valor. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

January 21, 2018, 09:22 AM	#14
Skadoosh Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2010 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 2,016	Series-70 Colt Combat Commander. They keep their value for a reason. __________________ NRA Life Member USN Retired

January 21, 2018, 09:29 AM	#15
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	I don't know what the profit margin is , but having a gun in his display case for over a year not to budge on the price , it isn't a rock bottom price or it wouldn't be there. Doesn't seem like a guy that wants to grow his business . Have you bought from him before?

January 21, 2018, 01:03 PM	#16
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	Yeah, he generally has the best prices in our area not to mention the best selection and a target range. However that best selection always seems to work to my disadvantage, thus the recent purchase. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

January 21, 2018, 01:34 PM	#17
HighValleyRanch Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2005 Posts: 4,066	He knew he had you hooked when you came back!LOL Now he'll NEVER go down on his prices. Here in CA, the guns you want are so hard to find, that you better be willing to pay higher prices, otherwise you might not find the same deal for years. If you want it bad enough, it's only money! __________________ From the sweet grass to the slaughter house; From birth until death; We travel between these two eternities........from 'Broken Trail"

January 21, 2018, 02:47 PM	#18
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	No not true, been doing business there for many years. In most cases you can barter with them, depends on what your looking at. If it were a block or Smith& Wesson something he has large quantities of you can deal. Obviously high end items not so much. Well win some lose some. Still a bit disgruntled at not getting 10 bucks off on the senior citizen card. Still in all I get a free range pass and 10% off on accessories and ammunition. Will buy some WW white box to try it out and add to my reloading brass, maybe a couple magazines even though I don't need them. Forgot to ask if primers and powder were acceptable accessories. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill. Last edited by Brutus; January 21, 2018 at 02:53 PM.

January 22, 2018, 09:16 AM	#19
Viper225 Senior Member Join Date: September 20, 2009 Location: SC Missouri Posts: 663	I have had one 38 Super Commander over the years. My local dealer had it under the counter waiting on me to come in. Some history. The Commander had belonged to 3 different people in my community since around 1951. I knew all three of them, and had never seen the pistol before. The original owner was a Navy Jet Jockey, and took it to Korea with him. It was considered a First year production Pistol with a serial number around 156 if I remember correctly. I posted pictures on the 1911 Forum, and shortly it had a very good home in a Colt Collectors safe. I would like to try out a Stainless XSE Commander. In 38 Super or 45 acp. Either should be a keeper. I went through all the 1911's at my local gun shop the other day. Colt's are high. He had three or four and the cheapest one was around $900. Bob R

January 22, 2018, 10:37 AM	#20
OzeanJaeger Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2014 Posts: 301	I have a "Wilson's Jewelry" Combat Commander. The guy I bought it from lives in Berryville. He was the original owner, and had Bill Wilson trick it out before he even put one down the pipe. It's blue with Colt ivory grips, and is one smooth shooter. One of my favorite pistols.

January 22, 2018, 10:48 AM	#21
Northof50 Junior member Join Date: January 5, 2018 Location: Northeast USA Posts: 232	The tug for additional 1911's alway exist for me. But, the cost of them prevents the purchase. I've got a 1985 Colt Gold Cup which has never given me issue. But, it seems [today] you need to cross the $2000 threshold to get a decent one. But, even writing that, I realize I've been out of the 1911 market for so long - I don't know that to be true. It's so easy to pick up a Glock [or similar] polymer, for a fraction of the price, and have a completely reliable and accurate firearm. For a defensive pistol, without the need for extended mag releases, extended safety, etc. how much do you have to spend to get a decent 1911?

January 22, 2018, 04:16 PM	#22
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	Brutis it would have broke your heart if you went there to buy an it was gone . Should have given you if not a senior citizen discount , a loyal customer discount . At least it's in your house now , enjoy your new shooter .

January 22, 2018, 07:39 PM	#23
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	As a bulls eye shooter the 5 inchers always had more appeal but a commander size was on my bucket list now fulfilled. Northof50 I got you beat, bought my Colt Gold Cup in 1979 I think. Saved for it forever as it's price was a whopping $350. Still got it and it's still a tack driver after all these years. Wouldn't hesitate to get another unlike the two Kimbers I bought. MIM parts keep breaking and they have the worst customer service there is. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

January 24, 2018, 05:04 PM	#24
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	On 12-27-74, I paid $205.07 for a new Gold Cup that I still use in Bullseye matches. In terms of the Commander length Colt 1911, I've never seen a use for the steel version for concealed carry purposes. It's almost as heavy as the Government version and almost as long, and still has the same size grip. For the range and home defense duty, I much prefer the full-size, steel Government model. For edc, I'd opt for the aluminum alloy version, mostly for its lighter length. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

January 24, 2018, 07:23 PM	#25
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	dgludwig you got me beat, don't you just love knowing you got a classic for that amount. It was a lot of money back then but the Gold Cup and my Python are the only guns I've ever owned that have appreciated ten fold over what I paid. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.