Springfield 1911 Commander Questions

[Remington Nut]

Hi There,

I am new to this site and new to 1911's. I have always wanted one and have just recently purchased one from a gun collectors show. It is a Springfield 1911 Commander. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what I should look for as far as problems that are common with this guns or even just quick little upgrades. It has trijicon night sights and the trigger looks upgraded, but I wouldn't know. I only assume this because its factory drilled down the center with 3 holes. I have seen this trigger in some pictures, but I don't know if it came this way. I was going to change the recoil spring but can't decide on weather or not to go with a 16 or 18 pound spring. The Recoil spring retainer is a screw type and I was also wondering if I should change this to the push type. How do I tell if it is a Stainless Steel barrel or a Chrome Moly?

 

[Quack]

congrats!!!

post a pic and we can better help you.
you can also email/call Springfield with the serial number and they can give you info on the gun.

 

[Jimfern]

new to you 1911

I encourage you to spend some time on the range with it and note what you dislike on it before you make any changes. You can spend a fortune on modifications that may, or may not, improve your shooting experience and might even make your pistol less reliable.

It is fun tinkering with them though.

 

[gunnie]

i don't think some one else's experiences with SA or other mfgrs will be a fair indicator of what to expect from yours. in spite of what many brand loyalists will tell you, all mfgrs make cherries, AND lemons.

do not worry if it bobbles some in the first 200 rounds, what most feel a good break in period for a 1911. start off with ball ammo for the break in. cheaper and less likely to jam in a new pistol.

even if it does prove less than reliable, don't write it off untill you try different magazines and/or ammo.

don't worry about the OEM spring needing changed untill many rounds downstream unless it jams or slams.

IMO- the push plugs require no tools to strip if needed, anywhere you need to. in fact, most faithfull 1911 styles have every complete disassembly tool needed onboard. not sure about your SA though.

gunnie

 

[Tom Fury]

Springfield barrels until very recently are two piece; if its two tone look for a seam; if that bothers you; have never changed out the barrel because of this in several I have owned.
Springfield Commanders; short run and then they became the Champion (unless you refer to it generically as a Commander because it's shorter than 5")?
The recoil spring plug as mounted in the Springfield Commander has the small tab at the back to lock it in; I personally don't like them, and usually recommend replacing with a flanged one, but replacing it might be a bugger as the only aftermerket folks I know who ever made one for it (and FLGR if you like them) were Wilson; I don't think they're still doing it. Kimber parts or improved Springfield RSG may provide an allternative.
This is not a true Commander length slide (4 3/4 barrel), and has more in common with a Kimber Compact or SA Champion (4") than a Colt Commander; See Wolff Springs website I think for best option.
A question for you; I Bought one on Gunbroker a while back and haven't seen it to check yet, but a number of those were made with lightweight frames; is yours? A nice bonus for a carry piece, and I have been unable to find out how many or which ones were lightweight.
Cheers, TF