ltwguns.com

This pistol began as a basic Springfield GI model.

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www.Benchmark-Precision.com

Very cool....

Wait, was this a 5" that you cut down? All I have to say is holly freakin Molly that's sweet!

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http://www.landsharkleather.com/
Building Hand Crafted Leather for the 1911 Platform

This pistol started out as a basic 3" Springfield GI Micro Compact.

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www.Benchmark-Precision.com

Wow, that is really great work!

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http://www.landsharkleather.com/
Building Hand Crafted Leather for the 1911 Platform

Thanks rccolt.45. I appreciate the compliment.

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www.Benchmark-Precision.com

Agreed, nice looking stuff!

Thanks for the compliment, Ned.

rccolt.45 - Here's a 5" that I cut back to a Commander length. I think it makes for a more a concealable and well-balanced weapon, while the 9mm chambering adds exceptional controllability.

http://www.benchmark-precision.com/spri ... ander.html

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www.Benchmark-Precision.com

Love it! But question for you. Why cut a 5" down to a commander rather then start with a commander slide?

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http://www.landsharkleather.com/
Building Hand Crafted Leather for the 1911 Platform

I cut back government length slides in instances where the customer might prefer a Springfield Armory build over an existing commander length pistol. Commander length Springfields in 9mm are rare and difficult to find. When building commander length pistols from scratch, I often use Caspian components. I prefer the appearance of combining the longer, government length dust cover and a commander length slide with the radius cut to match the frame.


http://www.benchmark-precision.com/cust ... ander.html

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www.Benchmark-Precision.com

Rob, have you checked out the flat wire recoil springs? For something where there is reduced space for the spring I think they are the only way to go. I'm working on two Commanders right now and just ordered two systems from EGW. Yes, Commanders usually work OK the way they are but one of these is not a Colt and does not have as much spring space as a Colt. Only downside, a guide rod is kinda necessary because the flat wire seems to be a little squirrelly without.

Ned, It's funny that you should mention that. I was just looking over the flat recoil spring systems on Wilson's website just the other day. I've had good results over the years using standard round wire springs, but think the flat wire springs may offer some longevity benefits - especially in shorter action pistols where room is limited (as you mentioned).

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Here's the EGW rod, spring and plug.

This non-Colt Commander had a lot of things going against it.... not the spring so much (although it was coil-binding on the recoil spring that was in it), but I figured it would be a good candidate for the system. I've used flat springs only on the OACP previouly.

The guide rod has to be 1/4" and not 5/16". The spring wire is wider side to side so the rod has to be smaller.

I machined the front of the rails to the rear, to Commander specs..... increasing the stroke about 1/8".

Poor Rob, gave me the gun for a new rear sight and wound up with a LOT of other stuff getting done......