Experience and advice welcomed; CCO / Officer's / Commander

[redleg155]

Greetings all:

I'm not a frequent poster, but appreciate all comments in advance. 

I have 3 gov't size Colt 1911, 45 ACP guns.  One is a very early 1991A1, one 1974 Nickel gov't model, and a Remington Rand that was my grandfather's WWII sidearm.  They all are perfect in their own way; one resides comfortably in a safe mostly.  You can guess which one.

I am seeking comments on the officers frame and commander length slide configuration - the CCO.  (Yes I have done the "search" thing)  I know there are several ways to get there, and I'm not looking for the absolute cheapest; I am looking for feedback from those experienced with the smaller grip frame - both in alloy and steel construction.  A custom gun running into 4 figures is not out of the question.

The gun will be both carried and shot regularly.  By shooting, I mean shooting enough to maintain my competency - not training for IPSC by any stretch...about once a month and a box or so of ammo.  Without intending to sound like a braggart, I do understand the importance of shooting until a level of understanding is reached - the 1991A1 listed above has over 40,000 rounds through it and save for a few replaced springs and some wear, it is still delivering lead like it should.  I have medium sized hands and the officers frame grip size is not a big issue for me.

So, tell me about your CCO platforms, and any experience with a CCO build on a steel frame vs. alloy.  Tell me, at least what you feel comfortable with, about your gunsmiths.  I am familiar with Wayne Novak and am leaning that way for a custom build, but I know there are others with skill out there.

Thanks all - redleg

[williamlayton]

Boy, does this cover a lot of territory.
Redleg
I am going to make a couple of assumptions here---correct me if I am wrong.
IT is a Officers model you are trying to get too?
You are trying to decide on an alloy or steel frame?
Blessings

[jhm]

Redleg:  I have all 3 sizes and personally I find the Officers the hardest of the 3 sizes to shoot, I have a Comander colt that as far as carry/shoot goes it is the one I would go to, I also have 2 full sized models one a S&W Scandium and I havent shot it enough to give a fair oppinion it does seem to be a canditate for CCW though.   Jim

[redleg155]

Thanks so far.

Yes.  I am looking for an officers model - at least the frame. 

Yes.  I know this discussion could take a very wide path.

Yes. I am interested in the CCO combination, especially interested in the alloy framed vs. steel framed comparison.  I am slightly biased toward the alloy framed version because this is going to be a go-to carry companion.

Let me clarify a bit -

I am interested in the small officers frame.  In fact, I haven't shot an officer frame sized gun, just handled them.  I am reasonably familiar with the full size frame as stated above.  I should be able to shoot a couple today - with the smaller frame.

I like the concept of the CCO and am wondering, I guess for some compare and contrast between the CCO and officers model for carry.  I have carried the full size gov't model and would like to move to a smaller package.  Of course, the "house & range" guns remain the full sized ones. 

Thanks - redleg

[Lloyd Smale]

my favorite for ccw is an officers grip frame with a commander slide. I used to own a kimber cdp like that and foolishly sold it. I see no beneifit to the 3 inch barrel in consealing. the grip frame is what prints and the officers grip frame with the 4 inch barrel conceals as well as a 3 inch gun and is alot more shootable.

[williamlayton]

I think Lloyd makes sense here.
I like the LW Commander in .38super--in a .45 it is marginal.
I would not want an Officer in LW. Frame takes a pounding in the Officer model.
There are a number of folks that make what amounts to an Officer style in polymer and steel.
Good luck.
Blessings
 

[Savage]

My experience and observations with the Kimber "Ultra Carry" have been great! It's a great little pistol for carry, and shoots like a larger pistol. My "Pro Carry" also carries and shoots well.
Savage

[redleg155]

Well I've come about again and looked at my available options.  I think I'm going to have my nickel gov't converted to a combat commander and bobtailed. 

You know, thinking and planning this project is most of the fun - certainly, the wait while a gun is on the 'smith's bench is almost too much. 

Thanks for all your replies - regards,

redleg

[williamlayton]

I like projects.
Don't push the Smith--it takes as long as it takes,
Sound like fun and keep us updated.
Some before and after pics are appreciated.
Blessings