Colt Lightweight Commander Series 70 .45 ACP 4 1/4″ Semi-Auto 1911 Pistol
SOLD FOR: $1,015.00
LSB#: WY250319DS014
Make: Colt
Model: Lightweight Commander Model
Serial Number: CLW047363
Year of Manufacture: 1970’s
Caliber: .45 Auto
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMMANDER / MODEL”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN, U.S.A.” / CLW047363”. The chamber is marked “COLT .45 AUTO”.
Barrel Length: 4 1/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade with serrated face, fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a rectangular notch sight dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered wood with Colt medallions in their centers. The grips have a few minor handling marks. The high contact areas show more wear on the peaks where they have been flattened a bit. The checkering is generally well defined and attractive. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are a few minor handling marks and faint thinning at some edges. There is a very minor “idiot mark” under the slide stop on the left of the frame. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has light 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: This pistol includes on 7rd .45 ACP magazine in Fine condition.
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 the 1970’s shortly after the serial number prefix change in 1969, is chambered for .45 ACP, and is in Fine condition. While this will make for a nice carry pistol in a potent chambering it will certainly be a nice addition to a Colt or 1911 collection, too. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
