Make: Colt
Model: Custom “Combat Commander” Model, Pre-Series '80
Serial Number: 70BS70283
Year of Manufacture: 1978 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 4 1/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an aftermarket blade with a recessed white dot and is fixed to the slide. The rear sight is an aftermarket Bo-Mar square notch target sight with two recessed white dots and a serrated rear face; it’s dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a checkered black rubber Pachmayr Signature model. There are a few light handling marks. The checkering is strong. The grip rates in Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Hard Chrome
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal refinish. There is a tiny hairline crack on the slide that continues upward from the vertical cut of the slide stop. There are a few scuffs that have caused minor smooth spots. There are a few little marks in the metal under the finish, most notable on the bottom rear corners of the frame.The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: There is a tiny hairline crack on the slide that continues upward from the vertical cut of the slide stop. The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide has minor play to the frame. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a soft case and 2 blued 8-round magazines.
Our Assessment: In the late 1940s, Colt began developing an aluminum frame 9mm pistol in the style of the 1911 as a candidate for a new US Army officer's pistol. While never adopted by the government, the new “Lightweight Colt Auto” was commercially introduced by Colt in 1949 as the “Commander”. In addition to being significantly lighter, the “Commander” was also smaller than the 1911, being shortened to 6 ⅝” with a 4 ¼” barrel. Chambered in .45 ACP, .38 Super, or 9mm Luger, the “Commander” proved quite popular, and in 1970, the steel frame “Combat Commander” was introduced. It was produced in the same three calibers as its lightweight cousin.
This Colt “Combat Commander” Pistol was made in 1978 and is in Very Good condition. It’s chambered in .45 ACP, features a 4 ¼” barrel and a bright bore with sharp rifling, and has been customized with a new hard chrome finish, checkered mainspring housing, upgraded sights, an extended safety, and a Pachmayr thumbguard. The pistol is not marked as to who performed the customization, but it certainly exudes a 1980s, “Miami Vice” style. It would make a fine addition to a Colt or custom pistol collection.
Pistol