Pre-Series 80 Colt Combat Commander Nickel .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
Sold for $2055.00
LSB#: 220817BP001
Make: Colt
Model: Combat Commander Model, Pre-Series ’80
Serial Number: 70SC2644
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMBAT / COMMANDER”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45” and with a Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S COMBAT COMMANDER”. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and “70SC2644”. The barrel at the port is marked “COLT .45 AUTO”. The left-rear of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle, the left-front with “3”. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “0″.
Barrel Length: 4 1/4”
Sights / Optics: This pistol is mounted with a square notched flat topped rear sight dovetailed into the slide and serrated blade front sight with a ramped rear face fixed to the front of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece chekered wood with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips don’t appear to be factory but do have attractive grain. The grips show minor handling wear with only a few scattered light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Satin Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but there is some stubborn copper fouling.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some scattered minor scuffs and scratches, mostly not through the finish. There is a light “idiot mark” on the left of the frame under the slide stop. There are spots of discoloration in the frontstrap. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol has a tight slide and a crisp trigger. 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 with a nickel 7-round magazine.
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. While the original development centered on an aluminum-frame 9mm as a candidate for US Military post-war officer’s pistols, the steel frame .45 Commanders such as this one are what most people think of when they think of “The Commander”. This example has about 95% of its satin nickel finish complemented by wood grips which have a beautiful grain. This would make a fantastic defensive pistol, but it would also make a Colt collector very happy and make a great “BBQ-gun” for any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!