Correct grips for a vintage Commander ??

**Jay** · 10-31-2009, 07:01 AM

I'd be interested in seeing a "correct" pair of grips for a 1973 vintage Colt Combat Commander. I just picked up this Colt, and the metal is original, but I've been told the grips are not. I'd sure like to know for sure.... thanks

**twmccloskey** · 10-31-2009, 07:40 AM

The weapon looks like a model 70 to me. It looks right. Will it feed those hollowpoints?

Help me with this?? "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '66, - May 68

I was D/1/1 67-68 RVN 0300, you came home early? I hope not because you were hurt.

Tom

**Jay** · 10-31-2009, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twmccloskey

The weapon looks like a model 70 to me. It looks right. Will it feed those hollowpoints?

Help me with this?? "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '66, - May 68

I was D/1/1 67-68 RVN 0300, you came home early? I hope not because you were hurt.

Tom

Well, I wasn't fast enough at one point, but did two tours.

The Commander isn't stamped "70", but is technically a "pre 80 series" as it does not have the Schwartz (sp) safety. Yes, it eats anything I've put through it, and that includes several HP configurations. I have done a bit of tweakin' on all my 1911's, and they all feed HP's with no issues.

Semper Fi

**Williamlayton** · 10-31-2009, 09:47 AM

I really don't know what a "standard" original grip was.
From my viewings I have see wrapr around rubber, the dark rubber, the wood and a plastic grip.
The era of the gun gave Colt a much wider range of grip choices and --I believe--they used a variety,
Good looking roscoe.
Blessings

**Stevejet** · 11-02-2009, 11:05 AM

Most of the older used Colts I've seen for sale in stores bear the "double diamond wood with medallion" grip panels, the same as my Gov't. Model 80 Series.

**Magnum Force** · 11-02-2009, 05:37 PM

bring that retro badboy up to date with these grips:

**gunfan** · 11-02-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevejet

Most of the older used Colts I've seen for sale in stores bear the "double diamond wood with medallion" grip panels, the same as my Gov't. Model 80 Series.

He's right. The "double diamond wood with medallion" grip panels, (or "stocks") are correct.

Scott

**CoastieN70** · 11-03-2009, 02:39 PM

I believe that Colt was installing their "Sandblasted Patern" grips on those guns. I don't have a picture but I'm sure some one on the Colt forum of 1911.com would.

These grips started life smoth and then were "distressed" to provide a less slippery surface. Either gold or silver medalions were installed depending on the guns finish...

**jimfox** · 11-03-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoastieN70

I believe that Colt was installing their "Sandblasted Patern" grips on those guns. I don't have a picture but I'm sure some one on the Colt forum of 1911.com would.

These grips started life smoth and then were "distressed" to provide a less slippery surface. Either gold or silver medalions were installed depending on the guns finish...

I bought a used Combat Commander in the late 1970s that had the "distressed" grips on it. Gold medalion if I remember correctly.

Looking through a couple of older books - "Gun Digest" (1971) and "Modern Guns" (c. 1981) - both show the Colt 1911s with fully checkered stocks and Colt medalian - no double diamonds. "Modern Guns" shows the LW Commander with either smooth or checkered stocks and the Combat Commander with checkered stocks.

The 1971 "Gun Digest" shows the National Match guns as having checkered stocks with a gilt medalian. The "service" versions - Commander and full sized - are listed as having "checkered Coltwood" grips. My guess is that "checkered Coltwood" means brown plastic.

Went back in my grip box - I still have the "distressed" grips - the medalian is silver.

**Jay** · 11-06-2009, 07:20 PM

Thanks to all for your time. I do appreciate it.

10-31-2009, 07:01 AM	#1
Jay Join Date: July 14 2004 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 943	Correct grips for a vintage Commander ?? I'd be interested in seeing a "correct" pair of grips for a 1973 vintage Colt Combat Commander. I just picked up this Colt, and the metal is original, but I've been told the grips are not. I'd sure like to know for sure.... thanks "For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected cannot taste." "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '66, - May 68"

10-31-2009, 07:40 AM	#2
twmccloskey Join Date: December 30 2008 Posts: 372	The weapon looks like a model 70 to me. It looks right. Will it feed those hollowpoints? Help me with this?? "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '66, - May 68 I was D/1/1 67-68 RVN 0300, you came home early? I hope not because you were hurt. Tom Do not involve yourself in the affairs of dragons, remember you are crunchy and good with ketchup. _________________________________________ Lets see one in five Americans own guns, and only four million belong to the NRA? Something is wrong there. -------------------------------------------- The government wants to borrow money then give it to the people who screwed it up, and my grand kids have to pay it back? In the mean time my taxes are going up, and my income is going down? Sounds about right!

11-03-2009, 02:39 PM	#8
CoastieN70 Join Date: May 30 2001 Location: Savannah, GA Posts: 351	I believe that Colt was installing their "Sandblasted Patern" grips on those guns. I don't have a picture but I'm sure some one on the Colt forum of 1911.com would. These grips started life smoth and then were "distressed" to provide a less slippery surface. Either gold or silver medalions were installed depending on the guns finish... While the technician is more important than the technology it is good to remember that a 9mm might expand but a .45 won't shrink

11-06-2009, 07:20 PM	#10
Jay Join Date: July 14 2004 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 943	Thanks to all for your time. I do appreciate it. "For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected cannot taste." "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '66, - May 68"

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10-31-2009, 09:47 AM	#4
Williamlayton Join Date: January 8 2005 Location: TEXAS, by GOD Posts: 865	I really don't know what a "standard" original grip was. From my viewings I have see wrapr around rubber, the dark rubber, the wood and a plastic grip. The era of the gun gave Colt a much wider range of grip choices and --I believe--they used a variety, Good looking roscoe. Blessings

11-02-2009, 11:05 AM	#5
Stevejet Join Date: October 10 2007 Location: Fountain Valley, CA. Posts: 2,748	Most of the older used Colts I've seen for sale in stores bear the "double diamond wood with medallion" grip panels, the same as my Gov't. Model 80 Series.

11-02-2009, 05:37 PM	#6
Magnum Force Join Date: June 30 2009 Posts: 99	bring that retro badboy up to date with these grips: