Colt Commander Gun Review 1911

Published on May 21, 2009
Duration: 8:01

This guide details the field stripping and reassembly process for the Colt Commander 1911, as demonstrated by sootch00. It covers the removal and reinstallation of key components like the slide stop, recoil spring plug, barrel bushing, and barrel link. The video emphasizes the importance of proper alignment during reassembly, particularly for the barrel link and bushing. sootch00, an established firearms reviewer, provides expert instruction on this common 1911 maintenance task.

Quick Summary

The Colt Lightweight Commander, a 1911 variant from the early 1960s, features a 4.25-inch barrel and a lightweight 'Coltalloy' aluminum alloy frame, weighing around 23 ounces, comparable to a Glock 19. Its development stemmed from post-WWII military trials seeking a lighter sidearm. The video provides a detailed guide on its field stripping and reassembly process.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt Lightweight Commander
  2. 00:42Historical Context: Post-WWII Military Trials
  3. 01:21Frame and Weight: Coltalloy vs. Glock 19
  4. 02:04Features: Barrel Length & Ergonomics
  5. 03:31Ammunition Overview: .45 ACP Rounds
  6. 04:21Field Strip Tutorial: 1911 Disassembly
  7. 06:27Reassembly Guide: Step-by-Step

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Colt Lightweight Commander?

The Colt Lightweight Commander, produced in the early 1960s, features a 4.25-inch barrel, an aluminum alloy frame called 'Coltalloy,' and weighs approximately 23 ounces, similar to a Glock 19. It was designed with post-WWII military requirements in mind.

How do you field strip a Colt Commander 1911?

Field stripping involves ensuring the firearm is unloaded, removing the slide stop, then the slide. Subsequently, remove the recoil spring plug, barrel bushing, and barrel link before separating the barrel from the slide.

What historical context led to the Colt Commander's development?

Following WWII, the US military sought a lighter 9mm sidearm. While Colt's initial designs for this requirement weren't adopted, they continued production of the Commander, which became a popular alloy-framed pistol.

What is 'Coltalloy' used in the Colt Commander?

'Coltalloy' is the name Colt gave to the aluminum alloy used for the frame of the Lightweight Commander model. This material choice significantly reduced the pistol's overall weight, making it more comparable to modern polymer-framed handguns like the Glock 19.

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