Colt Lightweight Commander Model .38 Super 4.25″ 1911 Pistol, MFD 1967 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2806

LSB#: 210922RJ11

Make: Colt

Model: Lightweight Commander Model

Serial Number: 50887-LW

Year of Manufacture: 1967 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .38 Super

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMMANDER / MODEL”, “COLT”, “SUPER .38 / AUTOMATIC” and with a Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The right side of the frame is marked “50887-LW”. The barrel at the port is marked “COLT SUPER .38 AUTO”. The left of the trigger guard is marked with “S” and “VP” in a triangle. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “2”.

Barrel Length: 4 ¼”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a serrated, ramped face fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are aftermarket two-piece checkered wood. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun. The original checkered Coltwood grips are included. They have shrunk and can no longer be installed on the pistol.

Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Frame

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the edges. There are some scuffs on the matte portions that have lightly thinned the finish. There are some areas of dark discoloration on the grip safety from previous oxidation. The sides of the hammer have dark discoloration from previous oxidation and a few spots of pinprick erosion. There are a few spots of discoloration from previous oxidation on the right side of the slide at the rear. There are some little rubs that have thinned the finish. There are a few little nicks and marks through the finish. There is standard operational wear. There is a takedown mark on the left side of the frame. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has light play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. 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: Included is a 9-round magazine, Coltwood grips, paperwork including the manual, and a Colt box with matching serial number in grease pencil on the bottom. The Coltwood grips have shrunk and do not fit the pistol.

Our Assessment: Introduced by Colt as a lighter-weight version of the 1911, the smaller size of the Commander was popular and soon they were offered in a number of variations including different frame materials and calibers. The original development centered on an aluminum-frame 9mm as a candidate for US Military post-war officer’s pistols, but were also offered in the classic .45 ACP cartridge. This example was produced in 1967, chambered for .38 Super, and is in Very Good Plus condition. This one has a few areas of wear paired with a great bore and action. While this will make for a nice carry pistol in a potent chambering and will certainly be a nice addition to a Colt or 1911 collection. Please see our photos and good luck!