OACP to CCO

[gb6491]

I've had a Colt's Officer's ACP for some time now and really like it. Reading of some possible issues with the recoil spring plug, I thought to have a reverse plug installed in it. As this procedure usually involves some cutting on the slide, I was fortunate enough to pick up a Colt 1991A1 compact parts kit (everything minus the frame) for a really decent price. While my intention was to have the 1991 slide cut, I got to messing around with some components and ended up with a recoil spring assembly that used a reverse plug (Clark), a FLGR (EGW), and a flat wire spring (ISMI). I had to mod a few parts (take some material off the plug and drill it plus removing some material from the guide rod), but the system installed without needing to have the slide cut or losing much slide travel. It worked like a charm and I have a reliable Officer's model (BTW, EGW now offers this setup as a kit on the their website). The only trouble with a reliable OACP, was that I couldn't really justify laying down the cash to pick up another pistol that I've always liked the look of: the Colt CCO (or one of the various clones such as the Dan Wesson CCO). Well fortune shined upon me again recently and I won an auction for a Colt Commander parts kit (just over $250 shipped). From the auction photos, I thought I might need to refinish the slide, but it turned out to be in much better shape than anticipated. It also fit and functions perfectly. I'm a happy camper!
OACP
http://i44.tinypic.com/2nkmxu.jpg
with 1991 slide
http://i44.tinypic.com/ou8pyh.jpg
Recoil spring assembly
http://i43.tinypic.com/1zb59i0.jpg
Commander parts auction photo:
http://i57.tinypic.com/w7kaiq.jpg
Commander upper on the Officers frame
http://i59.tinypic.com/jzd5u.jpg
http://i61.tinypic.com/2rm0gt2.jpg
http://i59.tinypic.com/4ov3k.jpg
Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

That commander slide don't look like it needs a thing. Looks in really nice shape.

Nice combo on the OACP frame too. Now we gotta find ya another frame so you don't have a slide laying around homeless huh?

I'm seeing another wide spur hammer in your future too.

[gb6491]

That commander slide don't look like it needs a thing. Looks in really nice shape.

Nice combo on the OACP frame too. Now we gotta find ya another frame so you don't have a slide laying around homeless huh?

I'm seeing another wide spur hammer in your future too.
Yes sir, the slide is in good shape.:)
I'll probably sell one of the Officer/Compact slides. They are both in good shape and probably worth more than I paid for them and all the other parts.
I had a third slide (came with two barrels, one that was compensated but hadn't been fit properly) that I gave to a buddy for his Commander. He's been pretty pleased with that combo.
I think I'll leave the ring spur on this one as I like the style of grip safety.
Regards,
Greg

[berettabone]

Very nice........................................IMHO those DW CCO's are overpriced...............nice gun, but too stiff for my blood. I would prefer your setup myself, over the CCO.

[kenemoore]

I had a SIG RCS,(nice pistol btw, no complaints) then got an opportunity to pick up a used DW CCO, now I'm ruined. The fit and finish is the best you can get for a production piece. Amazing trigger, factory 4.5 pounds. I have never held the Colt Wiley Clapp CCO, but the DW is very hard to beat. Are the DW's overpriced? Not in my book....

IMHO the CCO style. regardless of maker, is the perfect carry 1911. The the slide length gives you reliability that some of the officer models lack, and the officer frame gives you concealibiity.

A lot of folks favor the Wilson combat magazines, and they do work well in pistols with a l timing issues. But in a well timed pistol, I prefer Tripp Cobra's for EDC.

[berettabone]

I like this for half the price........................................

[kenemoore]

http://www.kahrtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12896&stc=1


I have handled the RO Compact, thinking of getting one in 9MM, trigger is not as nice, but all in all a good pistol. Here is my CCO, not sure why it appears twice.

[Bawanna]

"I think I'll leave the ring spur on this one as I like the style of grip safety."

You don't think it would clear? I thought looking the might be enough room.

[b4uqzme]

DW's are very nice. A CZ 1911 A1 might be a good option if money is a concern...but a custom GB6491? ...priceless! :)

[kenemoore]

Agree, a GB6491 is one of a kind.

[Bawanna]

My local SEAL buddy just bought a CZ Specialist. Think it's new, never heard of it before. It's full size with a light rail. Had to look for a picture. It looks really nice.

Hoping he brings it in for show and tell one of these days.


All things being equal sign me up for a GB special before all else. I dig one of a kind stuff.

[b4uqzme]

^^^ Ya made me Googlerize the "Specialist". Real nice! But that's an itch that probably won't be scratched in a long while. It's coming up on Gunshow season and I got the hankering for some oddball stuff. Maybe I'll get lucky and come across someone's FrankenColt.

Good job GB. It's always a treat when you post your work. You oughta get the Colonel to bob it for ya.

[Bawanna]

I have no doubt GB could bob it with his eyes closed and one hand tied behind his back and still be better than my best work.

He's good. Really good.

[Alfonse]

These 1911 threads always spark that want bug. They are such nice looking pistols, and metal. Colt, that specialist looks really nice too...

[gb6491]

Thank you all for your comments...very much appreciated.:D


"I think I'll leave the ring spur on this one as I like the style of grip safety."

You don't think it would clear? I thought looking the might be enough room.
I'd have to try it to say for sure, but I'd be concerned about it pinching with that grip safety. I once had a mid size (4") RIA that someone had installed a spur hammer hammer on, but they had left the shorter tang grip safety in place. That gun bit me pretty bad the first time I shot it...ended up pulling it's teeth by grinding part of the spur off.:smash:
http://i30.tinypic.com/2s0eo14.jpg


.... You oughta get the Colonel to bob it for ya.
Hadn't really thought of bobbing an Officers/compact frame...the mainspring hole takes up so much of the shortened housing, but I see that Wilson offers a housing that rounds the end off. I might try that if I ever refinish the frame again.

Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

I forgot about that. They don't offer a true bobtail housing for an officer ACP. Not enough room.

I've often thought a person could just round off the factory housing and get pretty close. Probably not near as scary as trying to get that new hole in precisely the right spot too.

[kenemoore]

The Dan Wesson CCO, has a rounded MSH, not bobbed, but believe it or not, it does help conceal, you shirt doesn't seem to stick as much.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

I prefer the rounded Dan Wesson CCO style MSH and frame treatment on my 1911s, and I found this out by grinding off the sharp edge on a cheap Gov't model I have. I have since ordered an American Classic (funny since its not made here) Compact Commander from Bud's and will be making it my primary carry gun once it's broke in. I got a good deal on it and it fits the bill for what I was looking for. Steel Officer size frame with a Commander barrel and slide. Until it gets here, all I can show is a pic of my full size frame. It hasn't been refinished yet but it will be sometime soon.

http://www.kahrtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13289&stc=1