Colt Lightweight Commander Model .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol & Box, 1968 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2926

LSB#: 230329TM003

Make: Colt

Model: Lightweight Commander Model

Serial Number: 57127-LW

Year of Manufacture: 1968 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 4 1/4”

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 two-piece checkered Coltwood with molded Colt medallions. There are a few light marks to the checkering but it is mostly sharp. There are no chips or cracks. There is some minor stretching at the screw-holes, common due to shrinkage in Coltwood but fairly minor compared to many examples we have seen. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Frame

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some spots of minor operational wear, most notable on the right of the slide’s plunger housing and the sides of the grip safety. There are tiny spots of minor oxidation in the unfinished side-faces of the hammer. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scratches. The slide’s finish has a slight plum hue, more notable due to contrast with the black of the alloy frame. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has very minor 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 7-round magazine, warranty card, manual, and a two-piece Colt box with matching serial number hand-written on the bottom.

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 1968, chambered for .45 ACP and is in Fine-plus condition. This one has minimal wear paired with a great bore and action. While this will make for a nice carry pistol in a potent chambering it will certainly also be a nice addition to a Colt or 1911 collection, especially with the included box. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud

Colt Lightweight Commander Model .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol & Box, 1968 C&R
Colt Lightweight Commander Model .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol & Box, 1968 C&R