Colt lightweight commander, What to look out for?
So I have a car of mine up for sale, and dude that is interested in it is having a hard time coming up with my asking price.
Well,he said this is the amount that I have in cash and I have a genuine Colt lightweight commander, would you be interesting in that?
So sadly I have been out of the 1911 game for far too long. Educate me on what too look out for.
Oh does the aluminum frame have a shorter service life or is that just an old rumor?
Thanks Bob W.
I wouldn't worry about the frame, more common that all parts are not original, and bubba customization. Check for the idiot scratch, though that will be obvious.
Originally Posted By _DR:
I wouldn't worry about the frame, more common that all parts are not original, and bubba customization. Check for the idiot scratch, though that will be obvious.
Ok thanks for that.
I some how managed to not idiot scratch my last 1911. I don't know how I managed that feat, since I did not even know what a idiot scratch was at the time.
Originally Posted By kabob:
Originally Posted By _DR:
I wouldn't worry about the frame, more common that all parts are not original, and bubba customization. Check for the idiot scratch, though that will be obvious.
Ok thanks for that.
I some how managed to not idiot scratch my last 1911. I don't know how I managed that feat, since I did not even know what a idiot scratch was at the time.
DR nailed it. I had a 50+ year old Lightweight Commander in great shape. Worked like a dream and very accurate. Its the dipsticks who own a few tools and no skill that might of goobered it up along the way.
I'd strip it down and take a good look before taking it in trade, if possible.
Take a good look at the feedramp.
How much is he asking for trade value?
I'll post later with detailed instruction on performing a thorough safety check.
ETA
1911 safety function check list:
Point muzzle in safety direction with finger out of the trigger well.
Remove the magazine.
Pull slide to rear and lock open with slide release lever.
Check chamber for cartridge. If present, remove the cartridge.
While holding the trigger to rear and depressing the grip safety, pull rearward on slide, then slowly allow the slide to close.
Hammer should not fall.
Release trigger.
Hammer should not fall.
Push thumb safety to safe position.
Hammer should not fall.
With thumb safety in safe position and depressing the grip safety, pull trigger.
Hammer should not fall.
While pulling the trigger with the thumb safety engaged, listen for a faint click or any movement of the hammer. If you hear a click or see any movement of the hammer, the pistol is not safe to fire.
Place thumb safety in fire position.
Hammer should not fall.
Hold the pistol so that the grip safety is not engaged. Pull the trigger
Hammer should not fall.
Push the barrel against a hard flat surface so that the slide is pushed rearward until it stops. (about a quarter of an inch) Hold the pistol in this position while depressing the grip safety and pull the trigger.
Hammer should not fall.
Release the slide and pull the trigger.
Hammer should fall.
If the pistol fails any of these checks, it is unsafe to fire.
Originally Posted By Hebrew_Battle_Rifle:
How much is he asking for trade value?
I'll post later with detailed instruction on performing a thorough safety check.
ETA
1911 safety function check list:
Point muzzle in safety direction with finger out of the trigger well.
Remove the magazine.
Pull slide to rear and lock open with slide release lever.
Check chamber for cartridge. If present, remove the cartridge.
While holding the trigger to rear and depressing the grip safety, pull rearward on slide, then slowly allow the slide to close.
Hammer should not fall.
Release trigger.
Hammer should not fall.
Push thumb safety to safe position.
Hammer should not fall.
With thumb safety in safe position and depressing the grip safety, pull trigger.
Hammer should not fall.
While pulling the trigger with the thumb safety engaged, listen for a faint click or any movement of the hammer. If you hear a click or see any movement of the hammer, the pistol is not safe to fire.
Place thumb safety in fire position.
Hammer should not fall.
Hold the pistol so that the grip safety is not engaged. Pull the trigger
Hammer should not fall.
Push the barrel against a hard flat surface so that the slide is pushed rearward until it stops. (about a quarter of an inch) Hold the pistol in this position while depressing the grip safety and pull the trigger.
Hammer should not fall.
Release the slide and pull the trigger.
Hammer should fall.
If the pistol fails any of these checks, it is unsafe to fire.
Thank you for posting that up.
