The Search for an Inexpensive Commander

[Aguila Blanca]

Still looking for a low-cost Commander-size 1911 clone. But I already have two with 3-1/2" barrels, and I have been dismayed to find that most of what is currently sold as Commander-size has 4" barrels, not 4-1/4". I'm finding very little with a true 4-1/4" barrel at the low end of the price spectrum

There is a mail order catalog put out by F.A.C (also called Guns-n-Stuff). They offer their own house brand of 1911 with a 4-1/4" barrel, as well as a 1911 kit. Has anyone had experience with either their house brand pistol, or their kits?

TIA

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

Also, most with the 4 inch barrel have bull barrels and not the normal construction that a Colt would have... I have been keeping my eyes open at the shows.

 

[Iggy]

Check out Dan Wesson

They are coming out with a line of 4.25 Commander size.. one with the Bobtail option..

 

[ACP230]

There's a good deal on www.sturmgewehr.com.
An estate sale on the semi-auto sale board for $375 plus shipping.

 

[TheEgg]

The Quest! Ah, I know it well!

I have recently, in search of the 'next' gun, purchased a Para LTC. This is a 4.25" bbl. gun. It has what Para calls a 'Regal' finish which seems to me to be a baked on blue-black finish. It is a traditional SA single stack model. Traditional bbl. bushing, but has a ramped bbl.

It has their new PXT extractor -- so far it has worked perfectly for me. Time will tell if this is a good idea or not.

The cosmetics on this gun are somewhat 'pimp'. Stainless pins, hammer, grip safety, thumb safety, on a black gun with Cocobolo grips with gold medallion. Some hate the looks, some like it.

They are available in either a steel frame or alloy frame model -- I picked the steel frame.

Like I said, so far function has been flawless, but I only have about 550 rounds through it so far. I am not really recommending this gun because of my lack of experience with it yet, but thought I would draw your attention to it if you were not yet aware of it.

BTW, $585 OTD. Not dirt cheap, but not un-reasonable either.

Enjoy the quest!

 

[W Turner]

If you are looking for a no-frills commander size gun to use for a build up or just to shoot as is then I would look at the Springfield GI Mil-Spec. They make these in the commander configuration, but not the regular Mil-Spec . I never really figured that out.

Also you could look at the original, Colt makes their NRM series in a Commander. I wouldn't pay anymore than $600 OTD for one. IIRC this is one of the approved models for WildAlaska's group buy as well.


W

 

[halvey]

Just look for a "real" Colt commander.

The ORM's are typically $400-500.