Colt Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol
SOLD FOR: $2525
LSB#: 221216PK004
Make: Colt
Model: Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander, 09840WC
Serial Number: 0137WCC
Year of Manufacture: 2013-2022
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. / 0137WCC”. The barrel is marked “-COLT 45 AUTO N.M.-”. The left front trigger guard bow is marked “VP” in triangle and the lower part of the guard is marked with “U”.
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 and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered green laminate wood panels with “COLT” logo on each panel in the checkering. There are a few spots where left panel’s checkering is lightly worn down. The checkering is otherwise sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The frontstrap and mainspring housing are checkered for additional grip. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.
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 98% of its metal finish. The matte areas of the slide have a few very minor scuffs. There is minor thinning/holster wear on the forward edges of the slide. The pin heads are unmarred. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun is in Fine-plus-to-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, and 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 one (1) 7-round Colt marked (“COLT / 45 AUTO” opposite a Rampant Colt) magazine.
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 sometime in the 2010s, 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—or start!—a Colt collection. Now, ready, aim, bid!
