Colt LW Commander Issues

[OldLincoln]

Took dad's 45 Commander to the range today and had a couple issues to work on. I will also visit the 1911 Forum to see what they say, but you are family. BTW, yes I shot my PM9 today also - no issues!

The 45 had the slide lock partially engage several times. Just the top 1/16 or so but it locked the slide. As I clean it I see no spring to hold it down like the Kahr. Just the horizontal thingy that makes reinstalling the slide lock pin so difficult. [TIP: I read that placing a plastic coated playing card under the slide lock when re-installing it can prevent idiot marks.] When I play with it (slide on or off) there's really no resistance to it going up a tad and engaging. Am I missing something here? How do I stop that from happening.

Before you ask, I checked it out several times with my hand way away from the lock and I am positive my hand is not the issue.

Second. I had a few failure to chamber SD ammo, particularily the Federal 230gn HST +P. When I cleaned it I found the feed ramp is rough with horizontal machine marks on it. <GRIN> Do I get to polish this puppy without causing harm?? Huh Huh???!! Gotta polish!! Bacon, bacon, I smell bacon!!

A contributing factor may be that the slide feels very mushy compared to the PM9, so I'm wondering if it has more use than I thought. I'm confident the slide spring (main spring?) hasn't been changed since new (1978).

Now, I'm wondering if I need springs, which ones to buy. My SD round is the Federal 230gn HST +P - a hot round. My target ammo today is Sellier & Bellot 230gn but could be another low cost round in the future.

I am not a heavy gun user, typically put 50-100rds per range trip.

Your collective wisdom is very much appreciated.

[jocko]

put new recoil springs in for sure. nice gun, the bugs will leave, eliminate the possables, such as you stated yourhand isnot the issues. One down, more to eliminate. start with recoil springs. check to see if those rounds might be hitting the inside of your slide stop lever. I had 3 replace din my Para carry 9 lda, before it got right. Should be easy to troble shoot that to, just take the slide off, re-install the slide lock lever and theninsert a loaded magazine and see what is going on. Not hitting, then another possable is eliminated..

Indeed polish that feed ramp, it won't harn anything, a smitty would do the same thing. I would even polish the inside of the chamber. A dremel works best but many just buy some 600+ grit auto paper and do it. takes alittle longer that way but it will produce the same results. I would like to think the ony thing that alot of rounds down range might do to the colt would be to weaken the recoil springs, other than that, that gun is wellb uilt and will shoot until the cows come home. Never heard of a colt yet being "shot out".

take your time, you will get things worked out, I would go to wolffs gunsprings.com and buy the recol springs, fast delivery and great stuff also..18 is standard factory, if it wa smne and I was ordering, I would order ther 18 and 20# springs . I think the 20# springs would work super...Nice gun.

[Bawanna]

What he said! Don't give up on that beauty. Your not gonna wear it out. If you do give up, I'll get you my address. Bacon Bacon I smell a LT Wt Commander!!!!!!
Might check out mags also, often time mags can cause grief. Feed lips and followers can throw things off.

[oldtex]

IMO, Jocko has given you good advice.

I would also make sure the gun is very well lubed. 1911 pistols run best when wet, much wetter than a Glock or H&K. The point of greatest friction on a 1911 seems to be where the top front of the outside of the chamber engages the front of the ejection port.

Because this is an alloy frame Commander, I'd be very very sparing of using +P ammo in it. Alloy frame 1911s are known to develop frame cracks around the slide stop pin hole if fed too many hot rounds.

What kind of mags were you using? 1911s can be finicky about mags; some like one brand, some a different brand, due to differences in tolerances, lip design, follower design, etc. If you're using the original mags that came with the gun in '78 I'd change those springs too.

[Bawanna]

Another good stuff post. All my 1911 style guns like Wilson mags, when others don't seem to run, they seem to work.
Sounds like that gun has been resting a long time also, so it might just need a little shakin up too to get things running smooth.
I think a recoil spring and a mag spring or new spring and you'll be saving postage to my house.

[jocko]

glad to see some 1911 fellas coming forward. closest Ihave come to in a 1911 style was my Para carry 9, besides 3 slide lock lever replaced they also replace all my para mags at least twice. Mags and recoil springs are probalby two of the first things to check out...

listen to Bawanna and old tex, they seem to know more of the quirks of a 1911 than i do..

[OldLincoln]

Thanks guys. I am using the original 6rd Colt mag and 2 new McCormick 10rd mags.

I checked closely and with all mags the HST rds are so close to the lug that some miss and some touch. The McCormick mags have a wide follower lip to catch the lug but the Colt just does touch it initially then works into it as it raises. I may takes to my local gunsmith and have him take a look. Probably replace the Colt mag but that's too bad as it's the original. Also, how in blazes do you clean those mags?

The feed ramp is a disaster with machine marks and my pinky nail feels them and makes a bad scraping noise. However, a guy on the 1911 forum said don't touch it as it is anodized aluminum and it will take off the anodize leaving soft aluminum making it a paper weight. Anybody who thinks Kahr has issues should see this ramp. It's a wonder anything makes the turn, but it feeds FMJ like candy. I may switch off my HST for a standard pressure JHP. If I get something that feeds reliably and doesn't push the lug, yet is a real stopper I might be better off all around.

I'm glad I only bought 2 boxes of HST. I suspect my gunsmith would trade it out for the next best thing.

A happy note, my Silent Thunder for this one should arrive tomorrow.

I'm still looking for feedback. Bawanna I don't anticipate selling this anytime soon, but have begun to wonder it's value compared to a new PM45. Funny, but everything I look at on this makes me miss Kahr. I shot the PM9 and will, but I want my 45 to be a Kahr. The only thing I wrestle with is that it was dad's, but I know I'd get over it.

Talk about odd, I shot the Colt until I was done with it then picked up the Kahr. I pulled the trigger back about half way, took a breather, then pulled it back another half way and took a breather then it finally fired at the end of the third half way. I never thought of it as long until shooting it behind the Colt SA. Of course that only lasted 3 or 4 rounds, but it is noticeable.

[Bawanna]

After shooting that Colt I'm sure the Kahr felt like you started pulling on monday and it went off on wednesday. It's still a great gun and those McCormicks should run just fine in it. I'm not sure I buy the anodized aluminum on the feed ramp story at all, don't sound right to me but until I can prove it's a bold faced lie we better trust the guy. Should be able to tell, break out your trusty magnet or an awl on the bottom or someplace away from the ramp itself and see if you can scratch it? The fact that it was your dad's makes that a priceless gem in whatever capacity it ends up being. In your shoes I wouldn't sell it for 2 PM45's and 4 cases of ammo but I'm a nostalgic, keep it in the family kind of guy.
My wife who is also my first cousin on my dad's side twice removed says she agrees.
I'd for sure try some standard ammo HP's, Gold Dots, or Winchester SXT's, whatever. The shape of the SXT's sure look to me like they would feed well. I'm sure there are others too, lots of choices.
Time is on your side, have fun with it, appreciate it, love it and if it does go on the block (perish the thought) put me at the top of the contact list.
More pictures would be good too.

[jocko]

bawanna that would be a good thing to ask on the 1911 forums.

not sure I buy the anodized aluminum on the feed ramp story at all, don't sound right to me but until I can prove it's a bold faced lie we better trust the guy. Should be able to tell, break out your trusty magnet

[Bawanna]

I have to concede to the guy, he is correct. The feed ramp is actually part of the frame (I forgot) so it naturally is aluminum and no doubt anodized to harden it. It's just the start of the ramp leading up to the barrel. Not sure what the cure for that would be if there is one but as the guy said polishing in the manner we're accustomed would probably not be a good idea.
Should be able to look closely and see how much the rounds are hitting on the ramps too, may not be alot of critical guiding going on depending on bullet shape etc.

[oldtex]

I have to concede to the guy, he is correct. The feed ramp is actually part of the frame (I forgot) so it naturally is aluminum and no doubt anodized to harden it. It's just the start of the ramp leading up to the barrel. Not sure what the cure for that would be if there is one but as the guy said polishing in the manner we're accustomed would probably not be a good idea.
Should be able to look closely and see how much the rounds are hitting on the ramps too, may not be alot of critical guiding going on depending on bullet shape etc.

The original 1911 and I'm sure the '70s vintage Ltwt Commander in question actually has a two-piece feed ramp. The bottom part of it is actually a beveled part of the frame. Since we're talking an aluminum alloy frame, that part probably should not be altered unless re-anodizing the frame is contemplated.

The upper part of the feed ramp is a small bevel cut into the bottom rear of the chamber of the barrel. That part can be polished carefully if it's not smooth but care should be taken not to change any angles or dimensions, unless a 1911 expert does the work.

This just barely scratches the surface of the wonderful world of 1911 reliability. It's a nightmare for just about everyone, except for the gunsmith who can make a fortune off these finicky pistols. 1911-wise, I've owned an AMT, a Colt, a Remington Rand 1911A1, three Kimbers, four STIs, and five Para Ordnance. I kept one of the STIs because my wife likes it; all the others are gone. Getting them to run reliabily can be a challenge, and keeping them running is a challenge as well. IMO very high maintenance.

A good resource with info on making and keeping a 1911 reliable enough to be trusted as a fighting pistol is the 10-8 performance site, run by a guy named Hilton Yam. I don't have the URL, but by googling 10-8 I think you can find it.

[jocko]

old tex. I am so glad u said those things, as the only 1911 style I had was Para carry 9 and it was very very unreliable..... With as many as you had, I bow to your knowledge also..

[Bawanna]

I must hold my mouth right or something. I've had zero issues with any of my 1911's. I have had issues with officers personal 1911's mainly Kimbers. Once they gave up on the internal extractors they seem to work fine. The guys at the academy tell me they have had lots of problems with the newer 1911's like the Sigs, Taurus, etc. No bad reports on the Smiths that I've heard. Don't see too many of those down there either so probably not a good measure of problem guns either, especially around firearms instructors who I find are harder on a gun than sometimes they should be, especially a new gun.

I do find that the more customized they get the more finicky they seem to get. My LDA Paras which are a slightly different program have never gave me any grief. My ole WWII 1911 I don't think has ever had a spring replaced and it still jugs along.
I did have a few issues I guess with my old officers model when they first came out years ago but I think it was working out the kinks making 45's that small back then, a bit like the PM45 is to the Kahr world. It ran fine once it got tweaked a bit.

[cptdean]

Took dad's 45 Commander to the range today and had a couple issues to work on. I will also visit the 1911 Forum to see what they say, but you are family. BTW, yes I shot my PM9 today also - no issues!

The 45 had the slide lock partially engage several times. Just the top 1/16 or so but it locked the slide. As I clean it I see no spring to hold it down like the Kahr. Just the horizontal thingy that makes reinstalling the slide lock pin so difficult. [TIP: I read that placing a plastic coated playing card under the slide lock when re-installing it can prevent idiot marks.] When I play with it (slide on or off) there's really no resistance to it going up a tad and engaging. Am I missing something here? How do I stop that from happening.

Before you ask, I checked it out several times with my hand way away from the lock and I am positive my hand is not the issue.

Second. I had a few failure to chamber SD ammo, particularily the Federal 230gn HST +P. When I cleaned it I found the feed ramp is rough with horizontal machine marks on it. <GRIN> Do I get to polish this puppy without causing harm?? Huh Huh???!! Gotta polish!! Bacon, bacon, I smell bacon!!

A contributing factor may be that the slide feels very mushy compared to the PM9, so I'm wondering if it has more use than I thought. I'm confident the slide spring (main spring?) hasn't been changed since new (1978).

Now, I'm wondering if I need springs, which ones to buy. My SD round is the Federal 230gn HST +P - a hot round. My target ammo today is Sellier & Bellot 230gn but could be another low cost round in the future.

I am not a heavy gun user, typically put 50-100rds per range trip.

Your collective wisdom is very much appreciated.

Ahhhhh, now I'm in my comfort zone!

Slide Release - This will stay in place pretty well if you replace your plunger tube spring (usually comes with new pins for slide release and thumb safety, so go ahead and knock it out). A good replacement set from Colt will also make it easier to reinstall the slide release without idiot marks. Never heard the playing card trick...good idea as a precaution.

JHP Ammo - Welcome to the finicky world of 1911s! There may be a number of things you can tweak to reliably feed hollow points, including trying several brands until you find the one your particular gun will eat. I, on the other hand, avoid the issue entirely by running round nosed SD ammo like Cor-Bon/Glaser Pow'R Ball. It's a JHP with a polymer ball plugging the opening. This allows it to feed like FMJ, but hit like JHP. The polymer ball aids the bullet in penetrating heavy clothing before expanding. There are similar other rounds, and I'm not necessarily endorsing this one, but I wanted you to know you have options. As for +P, I'd keep the practice round count low. It can be hard on aluminum frames over time.

Recoil Springs - A brand new standard 16 lb. spring should do you fine for now. I would recommend getting very familiar with your gun and the ammo you'll be shooting before switching to higher or lower. Make sure you've eliminated all other failures first or you'll go nuts trying to figure out which of a half dozen factors are causing your problems. And try not to use recoil pads on your guide rod, either.

Other Springs - Since you're already replacing the plunger tube spring and recoil spring, you may as well also get a mainspring housing rebuild kit and a new sear spring. Factory standard parts direct from Colt won't cost you much, and they're good people to work with.

Magazines - 1911 magazines contribute to more feed issues than probably any other single component. Slight variations brand to brand, differences in followers, old/heavy/light follower springs, and misshapen feed lips can cause you a world of grief. While you're on the phone with Colt getting your springs, go ahead and order yourself a brand new magazine. You can never have too many, anyway.

Polishing - Absolutely! Just don't remove metal. A polished 1911 is a happy 1911!

Finally, please don't send it off for any kind of metal work (checkering, serrations, dovetails, etc., unless you're purposefully turning it into an EDC gun to meet your very specific needs. You can't undo that work, and you have a very nice Series 70 there.

I'm sure I've left out a hundred things, but I'll keep my eye on this thread and help where I can. I'm by no means an expert, but I'm a heck of an enthusiast!

[cptdean]

A happy note, my Silent Thunder for this one should arrive tomorrow.

You're going to love that Silent Thunder! I carried my all-steel 1975 Combat Commander in it and it was very comfortable. The leather-lined Kydex will also keep your Colt looking nice. Great customer service, too. Rob is good people.