Colt Combat Commander Model 9mm Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1973 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,775
LSB#: 231104TP003
Make: Colt
Model: Combat Commander Model, Pre-Series ’80
Serial Number: 70BS18082
Year of Manufacture: 1973 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
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 walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-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 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks. There is some faint surface oxidation on the unfinished side faces of the hammer with a little in the slide serrations. There is a minor “idiot mark” on the left of the frame below the slide stop. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in 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. The magazine has light operational wear, infrequent minor surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 model was chambered for a few different cartridges and the “Combat Commander” was also introduced with all steel construction.
This example is a Combat Commander chambered for 9mm, giving it a 9+1 round capacity and making recoil very manageable. The pistol is in Fine condition retaining about 96% of its blued finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. This would make a fantastic defensive pistol, but the pre-Series 80 pistols are also prized by collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
