Colt Combat Commander Nickel Pre-Series 80 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1972

Sold For; $1400

LSB#: 201019RL08

Make: Colt

Model: Combat Commander Model, Pre-Series ’80

Serial Number: 70SC16323

Year of Manufacture: 1972 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMBAT / COMMANDER”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45” and with a Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S COMBAT COMMANDER”. The right side of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and “70SC16323”. The barrel at the port is marked “COLT .45 AUTO”. The left-rear of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle, the left-front with “P”. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “Z”. The magazine floorplate is marked “COLT / .45 AUTO.”.

Barrel Length: 4 ¼”

Sights / Optics: This pistol is mounted with a square notched flat topped rear sight dovetailed into the slide and serrated blade front sight with a ramped rear face fixed to the front of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Satin Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 93% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in scattered minor scuffs and scratches, most not through the finish. There is a more notable “idiot mark” under the slide stop. The action has light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol has a tight slide and a crisp trigger. 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 with a nickel 7-round magazine. The magazine has light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring. Overall, the magazine is in about Very Good-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. While the original development centered on an aluminum-frame 9mm as a candidate for US Military post-war officer’s pistols, the steel frame .45 Commanders such as this one are what most people think of when they think of “The Commander”. This example has about 93% of its beautiful satin nickel finish complemented by checkered wood grips and comes with a single nickel Colt magazine. This would make a fantastic defensive pistol, but it would also make a Colt collector very happy and make a great “BBQ-gun” for any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!