So I have a 1977 Colt Lightweight CDR 1911 that I want to rework. I was thinking of bobtailing the frame, cutting new sights into it. Then I got to thinking and I have been told not to touch it. THe blueing is about 90%. I am stuck with ideas… Is this crazy or am I on to something? Need some help, the good idea fairy is waving his G#$!amned wand… again. Thanks guys.
Right Side: </a>" />
</a>" />
</a>" />
Left Side: </a>" />
</a>" />
</a>" />
that is just a finger smudge behind the cocking serrations
I personally don’t have a problem putting any gun under the knife. Just use a reputable smith and you’ll be fine. I have several heavily modified Colts from the 60’s, including a 1964 NM. and I have a ton of worked over Ponies from the 70’s, as well
Nice pistol. My opinion those are some of the prettiest guns ever made really. The question that it comes down to is are you a collector or are you wanting everything to be plainly practical? If the first leave it and buy a current production piece, if the later than send it off. You’re the one who has the sleep with your decision.
I cut my 50’s Commander (before they were called “lightweight”) for a high grip safety and checkered the front strap back in 1991. I don’t regret it one bit.
Never was a fan of ‘De Bob Tail’. Further, it is not a simple refinish of the pistol si ce the existing anodizi g needs to be stripped before reprocessing. If you do decide to do it, get all the frame work you co sider tastefull performed so your not looking at a second refinish. In example for Colts; li e straightening, high cut, checkering or vertical serrations, beavertail, frame to slide tightening, steel insert feed ramp, mag well bevel, engraving and finally the bob tail.
If it is going to be a daily driver in the humid south I would consider a modern series 80 in either substraite as a bobtail victim. Easier to replace. The SS version with a coating or a CS with HC or parkerizi g a cerra-kote would hold up better than a standard hot blued slide. If your looking for the LWT WT new ones are also available with quality che kering and alot of sout after metal work. The money you would have to spend for the metal work of your series 70 alone would pay for a new Colt Wiley Clapp Light Weight Commander. That, I feel is a no brainer since you aren’t.planning on a full custom.
I DO like the bobtail, but I would never molest that beautiful Colt. Especially when you can get good, modern options, such as the Wily Clapp mentioned above. You wouldn’t have your bobtail, but you would have an extremely reliable, very accurate and capable carry 1911. (Assuming you want to stick with Colt, which ain’t a bad idea!)
I agree with this and will add that the aluminum alloy frames Colt used on the Lwt Cmd were not known to be exceptionally durable. By the 70’s they may have improved but still are nowhere near the durability of todays aluminum alloys. I remember reading a (famous at the time) test about a Lwt Cmd that went to 5k rounds before frame cracking and the result was used as proof that the guns WERE durable. Far fewer rounds went through guns back then and a 20k service life in autos (in general) was considered adequate. If your gun will be a shooter you might look into this issue to see if it is likely to be a problem. Again, by 77 the guns may have improved but I think it merits some further research.
Do you think Colt would be able to shed some light on this!
I’m a used car salesman. Sure it will, and twice on Sunday. Never take for granted a manufacturer, go with end user feedback. If we listened to manufacturers, our troops would be issued DPMS carbines cause they are just as good as Colts but save the tax payers money.
An alloy frame is a viable option under certain circumstances which you must be aware of.
Yes, I would pack an alloy framed 1911 daily. If I was putting 5-10k annually through it, ehhhh after the first couple of years. The basic platform would need some Chuck Love before it was ready for duty.
One day in the future gun collectors are going to be seeing high quality firearms from a time when they were made for actual use and they are going to be covered in crap like Punisher skulls, neon green cerakote and unnecessary stipling everywhere.
</a>" />
</a>" />
</a>" />
</a>" />
</a>" />