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Hello, I'm new here and want to start planning my future custom 1911 pistol. I know I need to provide a base gun. What size, manufacturer, and model (California legal) would you suggest to craft a custom Commander 1911 with? For example, is it better to purchase a Government and whittle it down to a Commander size or should I simply purchase a bare bones Colt 1991 Commander as a starting point. It seems that a Colt Commander XSE has features that would make extra work for the gunsmith like changing the front/back strap, beaver tail, etc.

Many more questions to come...

Many thanks,
Todd

Hey Todd. I think a Combat Commander or a series 80 would both be great starting points for a custom build. I am confident that any of the talented 'smiths on this forum would knock it out of the park. I think a bone stock gun is desireable, as time spent correcting previous work is a waste. I cannot speak to whether an XSE s a good choice or not. Hopefully other people will chime in and add to the thread.
Welcome and good luck.

Chris

BTW...Look one topic down at Matt Davis' work on a combat commander...he is a talented gentleman. Dig through the custom pistols posts and you will find some GORGEOUS builds.

Colt current offers Commanders in series 80 configurations in both stainless and blued. I would think those would be preferred over the XSE's. I have also recently seen a new 70 Series reproduction commander but that is not in Colt's advertised offering. Nope this helps.

Todd,

Here's what Ted Yost at Heirloom Precision did as a retro build to my stock 1951 Colt Commander. The picture speaks for itself.

HTH,
John

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NRA Endowment Life Member
I may be big, old, and slow, but so are the ball rounds in my 1911.

Welcome to the clubhowse, Todd.

The Colt Commander Model 04691 is California legal and makes an excellent foundation on which to build.

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CT Brian Custom
'Blending Art With Firepower'

It's great to be here! I've already learned so much reading past threads. Thanks for sharing the incredible pics...the gunsmiths on this site are incredible! This is going to be an exciting journey...

Cheers,
Todd

Todd, you are not limited by what is on the California roster of approved handguns. An exemption exists that is written into the law.

Take a look at this explanation thread: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/show ... p?t=383692

I figure if you are going all out, start with what you really want.

Good luck!

Todd,

Welcome to the forum! One suggestion that I'd make is to early-on choose a 'smith and work with him on specing the base gun. Good Luck with your project!

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www.HarrisonCustom.com

The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.

John, Sam,

Excellent advice! John, I've started looking at gunsmith websites... so many options! Sam, thanks for the tip. I just spoke to the DOJ and you are correct, it's legal! The DOJ rep did mention that their legal beagles are trying to figure out how to plug this loophole!! So far, they are stymied but time is not on our side!

Best,
Todd

Talking to the CA DOJ is a close second behind your average gunshop for "worst place to find legal information." Feel free to ask if you you have any questions regarding the exemption process etc. (I did make that thread after all).

I am not a gun smith, but I am a 1911 guy and will tell you this, if you are going to shoot it more then carry it go with a steel frame. If you will carry it more then shoot it go with an aluminum frame.
And if you will carry it 24/7 go with a aluminum officers frame with a commander slide.

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Building Hand Crafted Leather for the 1911 Platform

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I bought a new steel Colt Commander base gun. Now I need to get on some pistolsmith's "reasonable" waiting lists. The first person I contacted has a 7-year waiting list which is incredible!

Todd

PM sent.

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I just don't want to get killed for lacka shootin back.
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