pmclaine

For those asking about frequency of case deformation 1. With the recoil spring the gun came with probably 50%. I dont know what the rating on that spring was or how many rounds it had absorbed. 2. With the new 20# spring probably a third or so and the flats are smaller. Seems like a stronger spring should whack the case more if it is assumed the damage occurs as the slide returns to battery but I am thinking the damage actually occurs as the slide is travelling to the rear (now slowed by the heavier spring). I should check you tube for an ultra slow motion movie of a .45 in firing sequence perhaps it will provide some understanding. I am shooting Winchester 230g FMJ round nose if that is useful to know.

Your experience and opinions lead me to believe my brass is viable! Thank you for the returns. My gun has been 100% reliable as long as the ammo is ball round. Any flat profile bullet ends up jamming at the barrel. This gun is designed to work the way John Browning intended using what he had available. My 1991A1 ate any type of round but this won't. I just gave away my hollow points as a sign of commitment to this gun. I do fall into that optimistic group that claims 100% reliability with a limited amount of rounds fired. I've only owned the gun a short time. Save for learning about the feed issues and case dings there have been no hiccups. It appears the gun was well broken in and cared for by its previous owner (There was no big scratch on the frame from the slide stop being fumbled into position!). I am surprised by its accuracy despite my struggles to line up the almost flush front sight with the equally low profile rear sight. I only want to be truly proficient in two guns - a Sig 226 with the detestable DAK configuration (sorry if I have offended anyone that likes the DAK. I had a 226 DA/SA previously and I liked that much better) and this Commander. My other pistols are for fun only. When I can shoot more (ie after getting a reloading set up) I will get involved with the IDPA/IPSC groups at my club. My desire is not so much to compete but as a way to learn from people that shoot well and in an environment that is well - "practical". Regarding concerns with mods. My intentions are minimal. Sight improvements - perhaps Sig nite signts (Trijicons) so every time I am looking down a slide the sight picture will be similar, add some tackiness at the mainspring housing and front strap. I may leave the grip safety alone as the hammer has never bitten me and it offers the lowest profile. I'll just have the ignition system improved for operation without decreasing the safety aspects of the gun and get the barrel/bushing checked to determine wear. I found out with my motorcycle that most aftermarket improvements are really not and stock is better most of the time.

dj Thank you for your reply. The gun is a stock 1970's Colt. The ejection port is barely bigger than the case. It does not have the typical modern design/mods of lowering or tear dropping. I understand some brass damage was typical for this model. I bought this used but it is in cherry condition. When I first shot it brass would eject some 10-15 feet away. Not knowing how many rounds were on the recoil spring I replaced it and went one increment up from stock (20# I think). The new spring decreased the incidence of brass damage and saved me walking all over the range to get my brass. It still ejects strong and smoke stacking has not been a concern. Your point about the length of the ejector and concerns with the extractor are well noted. While cleaning I was surprised by the sharp metal edge at the bottom of the ejector created by peening against the brass. I note also that the extractor looks to have been honed. The parts work well and the gun has been 100% reliable. Perhaps these parts just work too well. I bought the gun intending modifications but fell in love with its clean condition (1911's will also be extinct someday in MA so I thought it would be neat to have an example of a factory gun). Now I am moving back toward new sights, checkering, trigger work, feed improvements, match barrel/bushing, ivory. This thing is deffinitely from a different era - factory ammo was cheap and ball ammo was high tech they didnt worry about reloading or feeding hollow points. This gun has no monetary value to me because I like it so much the next time it is exchanged for cash will be when I am dead. Might as well mod it out.

Hello, Long time lurker, second time poster. I am intending a mid summer order of Dillon Equipment to take me into the reloading arena. In the mean time I am shooting and saving all my brass. I note that my Colt Combat Commander, pre series 80, is hard on the cases. I think the slide is whacking the mouth of the brass as it ejects and this creates a flat spot. Is this brass now too damaged for reloading? There is a similiar post in the .45 reloading forum regarding this but that persons issue concerns a Sig Colt Mustang clone in .380 and it seems more severe than my problem. My gun only takes the case mouth out of round (perhaps a quarter of the diameter flat)where that shooters problem appears to at times tear the case mouth. The less damaged cases in his pictures look similar to mine. Do the standard Dillon dies used to size or the belling step repair the damage my gun is causing? Is there a die that can be used to "iron" out the case and bring it back to round? Should I be tossing the flattened brass now and save myself the trouble of doing it when I have a stockpile of a thousand or so cases? Thank you for your time. Phil M

I work near Wachusett, MA and as a seeker of a US Springfield 03 would enjoy looking at what you have. Makes me feel kind of like the stranger showing up at the wake looking for a deal though by suggesting it. There is a dealer close by that I have bought from who is fair on his sales. I assume he is also fair on estate purchases. He is very knowledgeable about military arms. Try contacting Joe Dube 978.368.0910 if you are considering the sale of some of these guns.

I work near Wachusett, MA and as a seeker of a US Springfield 03 would enjoy looking at what you have. Makes me feel kind of like the stranger showing up at the wake looking for a deal though by suggesting it. There is a dealer close by that I have bought from who is fair on his sales. I assume he is also fair on estate purchases. He is very knowledgeable about military arms. Try contacting Joe Dube 978.368.0910 if you are considering the sale of some of these guns.