[RMLamey]

Im contimplating customizing a series 70 Combat Commander, with box and original paperwork. It looks to have been shot less then 50 rounds. There is 1 small mark about 1/8" forward of the ejection port, on the round... looks as if nickel plated brass empty smacked it on the way out.

Any how, my question to my learned fellows is this, Should i keep it in its present conditon or use it for a base gun to be worked on by a gooood smith (Chuck Rogers, Garthwaite etc.).

If it were less the box i would definitely opt for some work... but it is so nearly NIB i almost hate to have a file touch it...

Maybe this one will go in the safe and i will find another to work on.

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" You should not copy others, but use weapons which you can handle properly" Ibid

http://www.lameyknives.com

 

[Holder20]

IMO, NO!! If you are sending a pistol off to be tricked out, send a 1991A1 Commander. They are available out there. Found a NIB from a guy Sunday for $375 cash, normally can be found for $4-500. No need to use one as you have described. Oil it up and put it back in the safe or give it to me for safe keeping.

 

[Redzone]

Whats wrong with it? That you need it worked on by a gunsmith. I say get it worked on if not firing right. Or if you require or want something in carry or target gun. Or if you add it to your collector lot. Keep it as a collector, original and as untouched or fired as is.

 

[Ken Neal]

I'm not sure that I would do anything to the Commander if it were mine. I admit that I like stock better than so called custom. I think a fitted bushing and a match grade barrel would be the extent of the parts changing, and finally a good crisp 3-4 pound trigger. These older Colts are getting a little harder to find every day, I think you should keep it as stock as possible.

 

[ACP]

I bought the same pistol about two years ago for $425, then put about $800 of tasteful work into it (Novak sights, checkered frontstrap, Ed Brown beavertail and thumb safety, trigger job, etc.)

It is absolutely beautiful, very accurate, and I've had only one FTF, and that was during a high speed double tap-reload-double tap drill at the S&W Academy (I think I limp-wristed the fourth shot).

That being said, I'd save the 70 Series for the safe and get a 1991A1 Commander for a build-up. You can keep a piece of history and still have a great carry gun with a firing pin safety in the 1991A1. I just purchased a Colt Govt. Model XSE and will make some very minor alterations (sights, short trigger, trigger clean-up) before it rides on my hip permanently.

Enjoy your Colts, they are works of art!!

Best Wishes, ACP

 

[shoepop]

Go right ahead . There is nothing rare about a 99 % 45ACP 70 series Commander. Why spend $ for another platform to build from. Build it and don't look back.

 

[Ty]

I agree with shoepop, dress her up, ride her hard and long

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Cheers,
Ty www.CoolGunSite.com

[This message has been edited by Ty (edited 05-23-2001).]

 

[David Blinder]

I wrestled with the same problem because I picked up a big letter series 70 that had about 50 rounds through it because I needed a base gun for Larry Vickers to spruce up. Then I had second thoughts about whether to use a prime specimen for a build up but in the end decided that I may as well because there is a limited number of times that I'll get a Vickers gun and I want it to be special.

 

[gyp_c]

What do you want for it? I'll take that little "problem" right off your hands...

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>>>>>>>>>>g2<<<<<<<<<<

I Like The Shade Too!

 

[JoeMc]

I've wrestled with this very problem. I hate "Safe Queens". Guns were made for shooting. Do what you want to it and let whoever gets it after your gone worry about restoration. Just keep the origanal parts in a bag with the gun. I like mine alot better when I make them an extension of myself.

 

[TangoRomeo]

If it ain't broke, well, you know the rest!-TR

 

[TEX'N]

I'd build it and shoot it and shoot it and shoot it and ...

 

[RMLamey]

Ive got a 1991 commander that im building (yes doing it myself). Also have a gun at Vickers bench right now, should have it back next month. Since im in no need for another custom, im gonna put this one up. I do however, have a 70 series govt. in equal or better shape, but no box, so its a prime candidate for a work over.

AND to answer the question about "why fix what isnt broken"... its a matter of performance. I can simply shoot a gun with some mild work a bit better, they handle much better after a good smith works his wonder on them etc.. BUT i also appreciate a box stock 1911, something timeless about them.

 

[Greg G]

If it has already been fired some, I say go ahead and have it customized.