*LIVE* 1996 Colt Lightweight Commander .45 4.25" -BANGER'S DISTRIBUTOR- Only 300

Bryant Ridge's Analysis

The pistol that would eventually be named the Colt Commander was Colt's Manufacturing Company's candidate in a U.S. government post–World War II trial to find a lighter replacement for the M1911 pistol that would be issued to officers. Requirements were issued in 1949 that the pistol had to be chambered for 9mm and could not exceed 7 inches in length or weigh more than 25 ounces. Candidates included Browning Hi-Power variants by Canada's Inglis and Belgium's Fabrique Nationale, and Smith & Wesson's S&W Model 39.

Colt entered a modified version of their M1911 pistol that was chambered in 9mm that had an aluminum alloy frame, a short 4.25-inch barrel, and a 9-round magazine. In 1950, Colt moved their candidate into regular production. It was the first aluminum-framed large frame pistol in major production and the first Colt pistol to be originally chambered in 9mm. The first year's production included .45 ACP and .38 Super chamberings. In 1970, Colt introduced the all-steel "Colt Combat Commander", with an optional model in satin nickel. To differentiate between the two models, the aluminum-framed model was renamed the "Lightweight Commander".

Specifications

Manufacturer: Colt 

Model: Lightweight Commander

Serial: COP0234

Date of Manufacture: 1996

Caliber: .45 ACP

Finish: Stainless Steel Slide with Teflon Coated Frame

Barrel Length: 4.25"

Optics/Sights: 3-White Dot Sights

Stock/Grips: Double Diamond Wood Grips with Diamond Checkering

Action: Semi-Automatic

Markings: Standard

Images