Rare Colt Super Lite Commander .38 Super Semi-Automatic Pistol & Box, 1988
SOLD FOR: $4625
LSB#: 230810BD001
Make: Colt
Model: Super Lite Commander
Serial Number: SUPER 483
Year of Manufacture: 1988 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 4 1/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a single white dot fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch with two white dots dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have a few light nicks and scratches, most notable on the right panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is some minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has very minor play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. This pistol has a firing pin block safety (Series 80). 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 in a maroon cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label, two-piece styrofoam insert, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual and a total of two 9-round magazines. One magazine is Colt branded, the other is unmarked.
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 more powerful .38 Super cartridge.
This example was produced in 1988 as a very limited run of 550 pistols. The “Super Lite Commander” is aptly name, chambered for .38 Super, lightweight alloy frame, and with a Commander length slide. Taking the place of the earlier Lightweight Commander models, the pistol has a Series 80 firing pin safety and upgraded sights. This example is in Excellent condition, having minimal wear paired with a great bore and strong mechanics. It even comes with its original box! While this will make for a nice carry pistol in a potent chambering that doesn’t compromise on capacity, it will certainly also be a nice addition to a Colt or 1911 collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
