Colt Combat Commander 4.25″ Blue 1911 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1976
SOLD FOR: $1,270.00
WOA#: WY240530FH013
Make: Colt
Model: Combat Commander Model, Pre-Series ’80
Serial Number: 70BS42983
Year of Manufacture: 1976 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic fed by Removable Magazine
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 “70BS42983”. 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 mark. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “0”. The magazine floorplate is marked “COLT / CAL 9MM LUGER”, “M”.
Barrel Length: 4 1/4”
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 silver-colored Colt medallions. The right panel has tool marks around the bottom mounting screw. The left panel has nicks at the front edge below the medallion. There are a few other minor marks. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 93% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. Most of the balance is handling wear on the mainspring housing. There is some scuffing on the thumb-safety. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-Fine 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: This pistol comes with a single 9-round 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 93% of its finish remaining with a strong bore and great 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!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
