Colt Combat Commander Pre-Series 80 1911 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol MFD 1976

SOLD FOR: $4625

LSB#: 210519LC04

Make: Colt

Model: Combat Commander Model, Pre-Series ’80

Serial Number: 70BS44858

Year of Manufacture: 1976 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: 9mm Luger

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Fed By Removable Magazine (no magazine included)

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMBAT / COMMANDER”, “COLT”, “9MM LUGER / CALIBER” 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 “70BS44858”. The barrel at the port is marked “CAL. 9MM. LUGER”. The left-rear of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle, the left-front has an incomplete inspector’s mark. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “S”.

Barrel Length: 4 ¼”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small, serrated, ramped blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide. The back of the rear sight has been painted white, there are remnants of a red paint on the front sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels. The grips have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a more notable scratch on the left panel above the bottom screw and a more notable nick at the bottom-rear of the right panel. The grips have no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Most finish is Original, the chamber has been cold-blued and the mainspring housing has been replaced with a checkered black rubber housing.

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

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in handling wear in the grip areas. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is some minor surface erosion along the top of the left slide flat. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.

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: None. Please note, this pistol does not come with a magazine.

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 Commanders such as this one are what most people think of when they think of “The Commander”. This example is chambered for 9mm and was made in 1976. It has about 85% of its finish remaining with a great bore and strong mechanics. This would make a fantastic defensive pistol, but it could also make a nice addition to a Colt collection missing a Combat Commander. Please see our photos and good luck!