Choices

For some reason, I am asked fairly frequently about what I like in a 1911 pistol. My usual response is that what I like only matters to me. Each shooter is unique, and the beauty of a 1911 style pistol in today's world is that it can easily be customized to a shooter's own preferences, assuming such a pistol is not available off the shelf. The real question is what a shooter has decided works for themselves. Still, to answer the question in another round about way, I found this photo in my archives which shows several features I don't like. These features are not inherently bad, they just don't work for me. I would not turn down this Colt Commander if it were offered to me at a fair price. However, it would not last 24 hours without a few modifications.

First off would be the Hogue wrap around rubber grips. I detest them. They are fat, sticky, and they do nothing to help me control the gun. What would I screw on? Wood or rubber double diamonds. The down turned "duck bill" grip safety would have to go. I would either install an Ed Brown grip safety with the speed bump removed, or I would go with a smoothed out GI style grip safety.

The rear sight would be the next thing punched off this gun. A Commander is a carry gun. Carry guns deserve a fixed rear sight. If I could get a Ted Yost Retro rear sight, that would be my first choice. If not, something similar. Finally, it would get a long trigger and a trigger job. My preference is a flat mainspring housing and a long trigger.

So for those who have asked, that is how I would immediately alter this particular pistol if I purchased it. Oh, one other thing. I would check the chamber, and place the the thumb safety in the up position.