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LW Commander question

1.8K views 33 replies 10 participants last post by  CLASS3NH  
#1 ·
Did the LW Commander ever come in 38 Super? If not can you get a drop in barrel in 38 Super?
 
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#2 ·
It did in the 60's- 70's. They are rare birds, but they exist.

Also, Wilson is making one right now...but $3800
 
#3 ·
#9 ·
Did the LW Commander ever come in 38 Super?
They did until quite recently. You can find them on the used market. TALO had a nice one not long ago, https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsupers...s2.cfm/ID/121256/o4540t/colt-1911-lightweight-commander-38-super-talo-exclusive Bud's had some XSE's awhile back. https://www.budsgunshop.com/product...ct_info.php/products_id/719010190/used+Colt+XSE+Commander+Lightweight+.38+Super

If not can you get a drop in barrel in 38 Super?
Drop it into what, a .45 ACP?
No, you'd need; a slide, barrel, recoil spring, firing pin, firing pin stop, ejector, extractor, slide stop, and magazine.
Converting a 9mm would be easier; barrel, recoil spring, magazine.
 
#19 ·
Drop it into what, a .45 ACP?
No, you'd need; a slide, barrel, recoil spring, firing pin, firing pin stop, ejector, extractor, slide stop, and magazine.
Converting a 9mm would be easier; barrel, recoil spring, magazine.
I was wondering what it would take to convert a .45 to 38 Super, didn't know what parts would be required. Sounds doable if you start with a 9mm though.

Thanks.
 
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#11 ·
38 Super Commanders exist, BUT they're very scarce these days.
I have a Lightweight Commander, Recently acquired from the Store.........The serial number dates back to 1952........With the older Commanders, pre 70 series, and 70 series.... You could changed the barrel to 9MM without any fitting involved a use a 9MM magazine.... NO fitting required...

With that being said......I also have another Commander....... 70 Series Lightweight Commander that I purchased in 1981 at a gunshop that I worked at back then.....Cost me 199.00 for it.. (Used gun) It was a Lightweight Commander in 38 super, along with a 9MM barrel and mag that the previous Owner bought. He traded it, and I scooped it... works fine
 
#23 ·
You're very Welcome! .......... NEVER wanted to Hijack your Thread......Just wanted to help give you some good info..........As Dan mentioned above...... A LW Commander in 9MM might be the better choice at the moment... Then, be on the Hunt for a 38 Super Barrel.... Same breech face, ejector, bushing etc.... Full size 38 super mags fit the same as the 9MM mags.. Easy Peezy stuff.....
 
#26 ·
Sounds like it. Another question, who makes barrels for a project like this? Just checked EFK and they have a Commander length .45 barrel but nothing else listed.

ETA: Are Jarvis good? They have 38 Super in Commander length.
 
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#22 ·
Not sure the 38 Super gets you much more than some of the hotter 9mm loads, and 9mm is a lot easier and cheaper to find.
 
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