Colt Combat Commander .45 ACP 4.25″ 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol MFD 1972
SOLD FOR: $3532.75
LSB#: 220118LA001
Make: Colt
Model: Combat Commander Model, Pre-Series ’80
Serial Number: 70BS15522
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 “70BS10722”. 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 has an “S”. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “0”.
Barrel Length: 4 ¼”
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide and the front sight is a serrated blade fixed to the front of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood with silver-colored Colt medallions. There are a few compressions on the left panel above the top screw. There are light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few little light marks on the mainspring housing. There are some areas of faint thinning on the bottom of the slide and dust cover, hardly noticeable. There are some light handling marks and standard operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide is snug 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 in a two-piece faux-wood cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label, manual and a single 7-round magazine marked “COLT / 45 AUTO.” on the floorplate.
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 Combat Commanders such as this one are what most people think of when they think of “The Commander”. This example was produced in 1972 and is chambered for .45 ACP, it has hardly any wear and even comes with its original box. While this would make a fantastic defensive pistol, it is almost certain to make a Colt collector very happy and take a prized position in their collection. Please see our photos and good luck!