Colt Commander, finally failed

I purchased my very first firearm back in 92, and it just so happened to be the 1991A1 Colt Commander model. Many years and several guns later, this is by far still my favorite firearm I own. In over 20 years of service this weapon has never failed, not one time. To this day, I cannot say how many rounds has been fired, I do however say that there has been no less than 10k fired, truth be known the real number is 15k-20k.

Last weekend I took old faithful to the range, as usual, and then it happened......after the last shot was fired from the mag, I pulled the trigger again, and nothing happened, just a click. Oh, wait a second, the slide was supposed to have stayed locked back.

Yep after 20 years and countless rounds, the slide lock broke. Now I just have to come to terms in paying $25 for a replacement part, which I will certainly do. Although, I should probably just by a rebuild kit and break it all down and rebuild it, top to bottom.

That's a tank,and that's why i want a Colt Commander.
2nd

That is actually really impressive. Granted I know next to nothing about guns...It's a rare thing that anything lasts that long any more...

I would buy the replacement part as well.

Sounds like a very reliable gun.

reply to post by Skewed


Last weekend I took old faithful to the range, as usual, and then it happened...


Better at the range than in a fire fight...


Now, show that bad-boy some love and give it a facelift...

Pics of the broken part or it didn't happen...

Actually, you should have done a spring overhaul at around 5,000 rounds. Sooner if you run hot ammo through it.

It's very tough to beat a Colt. If it were mine though, I'd upgrade to a series 70 and get away from the addition of the series 80 parts. Fewer parts, equal fewer things to go wrong...

reply to post by Skewed


just goes to show you when Americans take pride in building something it works really well too bad its guns. not that im not a gun person i just wish we had more high end American built products sold in america beside just weapons

reply to post by facelift


Yeah, but it still fires and operates flawlessly, other than the slide not locking back after the last round, I would still use it if I had to. But, safety still dictates I put it on the shelf until functioning properly again.

reply to post by GoOfYFoOt


I do reload, but I do not use hot loads. I tend to stick to the middle of the road on that.

I like this one, and see no reason to change what works.

But here is a pic, not a broken one like mine but the one I want.

reply to post by digital01anarchy


Amen, brother.

reply to post by Skewed


I know what a takedown/slidelock looks like on a 1991/1911. My purpose for the post is that I have never seen one break. I wanted to know which part of the part failed. Usually a slide lock issue is due to the magazine follower issue or mag spring weakening to the point that it doesn't have the force to push the slide lock up into the notch in the slide. Or, the slide notch or the tab on the slide lock wear and become rounded. Allowing the recoil spring to overpower the locking mechanism. I just wanted to see what actually failed.

I would not recommend you replacing your gun. I was just mentioning the differences between the two. The 80 series 1991 is actually when Colt started going downhill, eventually closing their doors to the public, for quite some time. They have resolved the error of their ways, though, and are once again making guns one at a time.

Take care...

"The FoOt"

Was it a new magazine or try it with a new mag or mag spring?

Out of interest how much would a day out at the range cost, with ammo and range fees?.

reply to post by GoOfYFoOt


Referencing the image, it is the "nub" at the small end of the lock that broke, snapped right off where it is supposed to catch the mag. I can manually lock it back but it does not hold very tight as there is not much metal there anymore to hold it back.

reply to post by iforget


Neither, it was the slide lock.

Originally posted by The X
Out of interest how much would a day out at the range cost, with ammo and range fees?.

I have a yearly membership at $30. My ammo costs, for this weapon is around 9 bucks per 50 rounds. This number varies but is a good average, it all depends on what supplies cost me to reload. Typically, all my brass is free though, which helps.

reply to post by Skewed


I would have the rest of the parts examined by a competent gunsmith. I would be sure that you don't have any other issues, before shooting it again.

On one hand, it may have been just a weak point in the slide lock part, (I don't remember if Colt cast those pieces for the 1991 or not). I would definitely use forged parts upon replacement.

On the other hand, you could have caused further damage to the weapon by not replacing the springs as required.
Slide over-travel or other "out of spec" damage could could have led to the failure.
At the very least, inspect the parts where the slide and barrel lug interact with the frame during a cycle.
Look for "anvil" type damage to any parts. Also, check for excessive wear during the full range of slide motion, and on the barrel bushing itself. Play should be at a minimum or none at all. Especially at lock-up.

Just be safe! That's all...I'm not trying to belittle you. I don't know what you know. Just trying to help...

reply to post by GoOfYFoOt


I feel I am capable of disassembling the weapon and rebuilding, but as you suggest there are some other tolerances that I may not be able to detect, or even the experience to do so. I can admit when I am in over my head. The finish on the weapon is still in great shape but time does take its toll and there is one or two dings. I think I might strip it down and refinish it, which I can do and then let an actual gunsmith rebuild it for me to make sure everything is still good. I think it will be ok, I take extremely good care of my weapons.

I can get you a picture of the part if you are still curious about it. Heck, after I get it replaced I would even mail it to you if you are that interested.

reply to post by Skewed


I'd mail it to Colt, and ask for a refund for the money you're out, to repair it. Or, just send them the gun and let them fix it. Are you the original purchaser?

Originally posted by GoOfYFoOt
reply to post by Skewed

 

I'd mail it to Colt, and ask for a refund for the money you're out, to repair it. Or, just send them the gun and let them fix it. Are you the original purchaser?

That is a thought, did not consider Colt would take care of something like that. A friend had a problem with his Ruger 10/22 and he shipped it back and it was fixed free of charge.

Yes, I am the original owner, still have the $434 receipt to prove it.

colts are ok i guess they are like chevys everyone just buys them cause their fathers father likes em or whatever they are popular but not all that impressive, I have a taurus that is probly my favorite pistol I also have sigs and desert eagles no colts though they haven't been that impressive shooters for me.

take care of any gun and it will take care of you.
its when you have to dive into a muddy river swim out and draw your weapon that's when you'll know if its dependable.