Colt Commander Lightweight 4 1/4″ 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1977-1979
SOLD FOR: $3075
Make: Colt
Model: Lightweight Commander Model, Pre-Series ’80
Serial Number: CLW031865
Year of Manufacture: 1977-1979
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 a Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S COMMANDER MODEL”. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and “CLW047297”. 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 “I”. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “D”.
Barrel Length: 4.25”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade with a serrated ramped face fixed to the front of the barrel. The front sight has been painted orange. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. The panels are free of any notable wear or damage. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Black Alloy Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is light thinning on forward edges, the slide chin has light operaional wear. The matte slide surfaces have scattered minor nicks and scuffs. The action has standard operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has very little 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, and Accessories: This pistol comes with (1) one 7-round magazine. It will ship in its original serial-matching box with styrofoam inlayand manual.
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 there were different configurations and chamberings produced. This example is a .45 ACP Commander Light Weight model produced between 1977 and 1979. The pistol is in Fine-plus condition with wear consistent with gentle use and holstering, a more than decent bore, and strong mechanics. This will make for a nice carry pistol, but it will also make for a nice addition or start to a Colt auto collection. Now, ready, aim, bid!
