[KDA85]

Hi everyone, I just joined the forum and I have a couple questions about my Combat Commander. I looked up the SN and it said it was manuf. in 1975. First off I gave $500 for it. I think that was a really good deal considering it looks to be all original with little wear (the picture doesn't do it justice). Was it a good deal? Next, are these the original grips? they look to be from that era from what I can tell. Also, I am looking to take these off considering they are almost 38 years old and I don't want to damage them anymore than they are... but what is the best place to get new grips? I am thinking of going with something with my initals engraved or some other kind of grips that say Colt. Also, any other info on this 1911 would be most appreciative. I have been a huge Colt fan my entire life but never owned one so this was very exciting buying my first one!

 

[arjay]

You did pretty good.The grips look original,watch ebay and gunbroker for replacements.The rear sight is not original.

 

[Safearm]

Look at Brownell's (World's Largest Supplier of Gun Parts, Gunsmith Tools & Shooting Accessories - Brownells) for a variety of grips.

 

[elliotf]

As said above your grips look original but either real dirty or someone stained them. Below is a picture of like new grips. Why don't you just get some paint stripper and refinish them?

 

[KDA85]

They dont seem to be stained. Could it have been darker for the blued model?

 

[KDA85]

Also, are there any recommendations as far as up keep or mods?

 

[arjay]

I would bet someone put a dark walnut stain on them at some point.If you drop them in a shallow container and cover them with thinner or naptha,it will pull it out of the wood.You can finish them with tru oil or tung oil for a lighter,more original look.

 

[elliotf]

Plus one above, any paint remover, but the oil I use is available at any hardware store. Watco Danish Oil.

 

[Truman]

Ditto with Elliot. Find a small smuckers jelly jar and soak them over night in acetone, scrub with a tooth brush and put some watco danish oil on them. Truman

 

[KDA85]

I will definitely do that! Also, what is my best bet on getting the finish back to looking like new again? I assume just get it reblued. How much is that? And does anyone have any suggestions on a shop to have it done at?

 

[elliotf]

"I assume just get it reblued. How much is that? And does anyone have any suggestions on a shop to have it done at?"

IMO, just enjoy your Combat Commander, shoot it as they are great weapons. The money spent on a refinish will never be worth it on a resale. Again, IMO

 

[elliotf]

"I assume just get it reblued. How much is that? And does anyone have any suggestions on a shop to have it done at?"<br><br>IMO, just enjoy your Combat Commander, shoot it as they are great weapons.  The money spent on a refinish will never be worth it on a resale. Again, IMO

 

[KDA85]

Well since it is my first Colt I plan on keeping it, so resale isn't really a thought. But I would like to get it back to like new shape so I can carry it.

 

[Colt75]

You can probably carry it now. Put a 100 rounds through it to check function and you are good to go. If you carry it the finish will get worn anyway so why re-finish? Shoot it as is and enjoy a great Colt. As always, JMHO.

 

[arjay]

It would run around $200,but you run the risk of it being over polished ,unless you send it to colt,which costs more. Refinishing is just spent money,but since it's your gun,it's your choice.

 

[KDA85]

Are the original Colt holsters for this gun out there? Or did they not come with one?

 

[halfmoonclip]

Drifting back to the OP's question about grips; when did they change from that wretched 'Coltwood' back to wood that had some connection to a tree?

Also for the OP, if you are hellbent and determined to actually carry the gun, and aren't terribly concerned about future collectablity, get in touch with Metalife in Reno, PA. They do a wondeful job hardchroming gun parts; most recently they did the slide and barrel of an LCP for (very effective) rust and wear resistance. It produces a matte, silver-white color that is very attractive, and likely less than a blue and polish job. Contact them and ask.
What may make more sense is to clean up the gun and its grips, and otherwise leave it alone. Find a current SS Commander for actual carry. Carrying a gun is inevitably hard on it.
Moon

 

[rod727]

well I think you did well....the grips have been stained but there are plenty available on ebay or gunbroker...the rear site was changed....I would probably change recoil spring and firing pin spring and shoot her......if you have her refinished be careful as has been previously mentioned the roll marks light...congratulations

 

[operator18]

Well since it is my first Colt I plan on keeping it, so resale isn't really a thought. But I would like to get it back to like new shape so I can carry it.

Send it to colt for a reblue. I believe it costs around $350

 

[dave38215656]

You could contact Colt, I believe 200+ and about 7 months.