Trapper Gun George C. Nonte Colt Combat Commander .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol
SOLD FOR: $3,026
LSB#: 231213CG058
Make: Colt, customized by Lin “Trapper” Alexiou of Trapper Gun
Model: Combat Commander Model, Pre-Series ’80, George C. Nonte Commemorative
Serial Number: 70BS86979
Year of Manufacture: 1979 (https://www.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 S&W-style serrated ramped blade with an orange plastic insert fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a S&W-style square-notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base screwed to the top of the slide. The original rear sight dovetail has been filled and blended. The top of the slide has been re-profiled with a solid rib and a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece stag panels. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Gold Trim
Finish Originality: Original to customization.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is some light wear in the edges of the thumb safety and slide release. The action shows minor operational wear. There are a few scattered minor marks, most notable on the left of the frame below the slide stop. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear and most have been filled with silver paint. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition as customized.
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: Included is a custom display case, 7-round magazine and a matching gold-finished bushing wrench.
Our Assessment: This is a fascinating piece from the late 1970s with eye-catching features and connection to a pair of contemporary firearms luminaries. This pistol was made in 1979 as part of a limited series of 200 guns to commemorate handloading and firearms author George C. Nonte. Nonte was a prolific writer and is the eponym of American Handgunner‘s annual George C. Nonte Award for excellence in Firearms Journalism. He was also a WWII veteran who had a 20 year career in the U.S. Army.
To commemorate Nonte, noted gunsmith Lin “Trapper” Alexiou produced 200 custom Colt Combat Commander pistols. Trapper is probably best known for his customization of S&W automatic pistols, frequently compared with the likes of ASP and Devel. His skill is certainly on display in these radically altered pistols. The frame has been welded up with finger grooves in the frontstrap and a pointed trigger guard. The grip safety has an effective, but small profile beavertail. The ejection port has been flared. The slide has been reprofiled with a solid rib and equipped with S&W-style target sights. This is set off by matte and polished blue finish with gold trim as well as a nice set of stag grip panels.
This pistol is number 14 of the 200 produced and comes with a display case as well as a matching gold-finished bushing wrench. For those who remember the heady days of combat handguns in the 1970s, or those can appreciate them, this is a wonderful piece for your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
