Colt Combat Commander Model, Series ’70, Matte & Polished Blue 4 ¼” Semi-Automatic Pistol, 3 Magazines & Box, MFD 1974
SOLD FOR
LSB#: 160514LK05
Make: Colt
Model: Combat Commander, Series 70.
Serial Number: 70BS18967
Year of Manufacture: 1974 (http://www.colt.com/Customer-Services/Serial-Number-Lookup)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMBAT / COMMANDER / COLT / AUTOMATIC CALIBER .45” with the rampant Colt logo, the right is marked “COLT’S COMBAT COMMANDER”. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The right side of the trigger guard bow is marked “J”, the left is marked with the “VP” verified proof in triangle and “3”. The barrel is marked “COLT .45 AUTO”. The top lid of the original factory box is serialized to the pistol.
Barrel Length: 4 ¼”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade that is fixed to the slide; the rear sight is a square notched leaf base that is dovetailed onto the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are silver medallion smooth wood Colt Grips. The grips are not checkered and are only lightly varnished. The grain on the wood is clear and deep, the medallions and screw heads are flush with the wood surface. There are light tool marks around the screw holes, the left panel has a very small ‘short fit’ to the butt of the grip frame. The grip panels are in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Matte & Polished Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is an odd blemish under the finish on the right forward portion of the slide; the finish is definitely original, telling us that the pistol left the factory with it. The lower dustcover portion of the slide has some operational scuffs, as do the flanks of the trigger. The spring plug checkering has a few spots of light compression with some marks on the surrounding base. The grip screw heads show very light tooling, one of the three screw heads is slightly more matte finished than the others. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the pistol’s original factory two piece wood grain cardboard box; the lid’s end label correctly reflects the serial number and configuration of this pistol. The box has some edge wear, areas of compression on the side walls, some separation of material and a tear on the upper lid’s side wall, as photographed; the box is in Very Good condition. Also included is a Colt factory owner’s manual, rating in Fine condition, showing minor bend marks. Three 7-round blued magazines are included, bearing no makers markings, showing rough finishing under the surfaces; these magazines still have strong feed lips but have ‘grittiness’ when loading; a thorough cleaning should remedy this; the magazines are in Very Good Plus condition.
Our Assessment: This is an Excellent condition Colt Model Combat Commander with a 4 ¼” barrel, beautiful matte and polished blued surfaces and a bright, sharp bore. The metal surfaces show only a few areas of wear, most from normal cycling. There is a small factory blemish on the right forward side of the slide, which is under the finish. Beyond the aforementioned items of note, this pistol is a show-stopper for sure and comes with its original serialized factory box, three unmarked magazines and a factory owner’s manual. Colt’s legendary 1911 design lived on through the 1970’s with production of this slightly shorter variant; this model has been in use by civilian, military and law enforcement personnel since its creation and for good reason. Please see our pictures and good luck.
