Retro (well Kinda) 1911 commander 9mm build

[1911whore]

Ok folks I am gearing up to start my next build I want to do a sort of retro 1911 commander. What frames are we allowed to buy here in CA?? I am looking at going with an old colt slide or a caspian , maybe baer. I am going to build it in 9mm the by retro i mean no front serrations, no FP safety, and old school serrations on rear, i want a clean looking slide and will be deep blueing it. but I cant build without a frame so If you know what ones we CAN get here or if you Have one let me know.

[wilshire1412]

I think the current laws prevent a frame from being sold by a dealer unless it is by consignment. If you find an individual with a Colt Commander frame for sale then you can do a private party transfer. My suggestion would be to buy one of the Springfield Armory Champion pistols in .45acp and swap out the top end for what you want, 9mm can be had easily enough since the only part on the frame that needs to be replaced is the ejector. If it were my project I would probably do this unless you don't mind spending a bit more to go for all Colt parts. Just my .02c/YMMV.

[tankerman]

Why not just buy a pre-series 70 Commander LW?

[Mute]

You can't buy a frame alone unless it's already in state and you do a PPT.

[JTROKS]

If you are planning to use a non-supported barrel you better get a 1911 chambered for the build you want. If you buy a 45, the ramp on the frame won't have enough material for you to provide that 1/8" step from frame ramp to barrel ramp/throat. The end result will be unreliable feeding of any flat point bullets such as SWC and hollowpoints. You can still use a 45 frame to build a 40 or 9mm, but you will need gunsmith help to machine the frame and insert a pad to built it up some. That will cost money unless the 1911 smith you get knows how to do it already. The best way around that is if you go supported chamber barrel, it will require machining the frame to the barrel ramp of your choosing, Wilson, Nowlin, Para/Clark. Do a bit of research on this subject, it will save you lots of heartaches. Also, you do know the rail length, dust cover, and depth of recoil rod base area in the frame is different between Government model versus commander/officer. You can get a 38 super slide and turn it to a 9mm with careful tuning of the extractor.
Please post a pic of the stages of your build.

JTROKS

[NeoWeird]

Like said, your best bet is probably to keep an eye out for an older Colt Combat Commander. Colt made a smaller percentage of their series 70 Combat Commanders in 9mm and it's exactly what you want. I found one that was all factory original, except for the grips, for $650 at a pawn shop.

[Black Majik]

Neo,

How do you like your Commander 9mm in terms of reliability, accuracy and shootability?

[NeoWeird]

Well, I have had the opportunity to take it out shooting once since I got it. Unfortunately, as I had feared, the lack of care that was given to it all but ruined the springs in the gun. The result was being able to fire one round at a time. Accuracy was nice and recoil seemed quite a bit less than my other 9mm, probably due to the all steel construction. I have since purchased all new springs, but have yet to take it out shooting since then. I'll let you know once I get a chance to really take it out how much I really like it.