Colt Combat Commander 4.25″ Blue 1911 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1976

SOLD FOR: $2625

LSB#: 220927JH005

Make: Colt

Model: Combat Commander Model, Pre-Series ’80

Serial Number: 70BS42849

Year of Manufacture: 1976 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: 9mm Luger

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic fed by Removable Magazine (no magazine included)

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMBAT / COMMANDER”, “COLT”, “9MM LUGER / CALIBER” 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 “70BS42849”. The barrel at the port is marked “CAL. 9MM. LUGER”. The left-rear of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle, the left-front has an incomplete inspector mark. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “B”. The magazine floorplate is marked “COLT / CAL 9MM LUGER”, “M” and with a rampant colt logo.

Barrel Length: 4 ¼”

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 grip is a one-piece checkered black rubber Pachmayr Signature wraparound grip. The grip has minor handling wear with only a few small marks. There are no rips or tears. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grip is in Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 93% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The barrel has some minor oxidation and there is infrequent other very minor oxidation. There are a rew minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: 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, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None. Please note, no magazine is included.

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 Commanders such as this one are what most people think of when they think of “The Commander”. This example is chambered for 9mm and was made in 1976. It has about 93% of its finish remaining with a great bore and strong mechanics. This would make a fantastic defensive pistol, but it could also make a nice addition to a Colt collection missing a Combat Commander. Please see our photos and good luck!