Colt Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol
SOLD FOR: $3025
LSB#: 210811HE12
Make: Colt
Model: Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander, 04840WC
Serial Number: 3007WCA
Year of Manufacture: 2013 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMMANDER / *MODEL*”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45” and with the Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / 3007WCA”. The barrel is marked “-COLT 45 AUTO N.M.-”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and the rear with “L”. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “I” or “1”.
Barrel Length: 4 ¼”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Novak blade with a brass bead dovetailed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a Novak square-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece, oval-profile, “fingerprint” checkered laminate wood panels with “COLT” logo on each panel in the checkering. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in Excellent overall condition. The frontstrap and mainspring housing are checkered for additional grip.
Type of Finish: Blued Slide, Black Alloy Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99+% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The pin heads are unmarred. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has little play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. There are no cracks in the frame. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a blue plastic Colt box with serial-matching label, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual, cable lock and a single 7-round Colt magazine. The box and magazine show little to no wear, in Fine-Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: Colt made a Commander version of its 1911A1 pistol starting in 1950 with a lightweight alloy frame and a 4 ¼” barrel, but changed its name to Lightweight Commander in 1970 to distinguish it from the newly introduced all steel Combat Commander. The shorter barrel and alloy frame make this pistol more suited to regular carry than the full-size Government model while using the same magazine and having the same grip for familiarity. This example is a Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander produced in 2013, with special features added by Colt in collaboration with gun writer Wiley Clapp. The pistol has Novak sights with a brass-bead front sight, front and rear slide serrations, checkered frontstrap and mainspring housing, extended beavertail grip safety, under-cut trigger guard and unique oval-profile laminate wood grip scales. These all combine for a Commander that stands out, both in looks and performance. This would make a superb carry pistol with its slim, single-stack frame, powerful .45 ACP chambering and Colt quality. With its limited production, high condition and original box, it would also make a great pistol to add to a Colt collection. Please see our photos and good luck!