Colt Italian Contract Commander Lightweight 7.65mm .30 Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1971

SOLD FOR: $4,235.00
LSB#: 180529DM01

Make: Colt

Model: Commander

Serial Number: CLW010887

Year of Manufacture: 1971 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .30 Luger

Action Type: Single-Action, Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine, Grip & Thumb Safeties

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COMMANDER / *MODEL*, “COLT”, ”CALIBER / .30 LUGER” with a Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S COMMANDER MODEL”. The top of the barrel at the chamber is marked “CAL. 30 LUGER” and the right is marked with two Italian proofs. The right of the frame behind the grip panel is marked with two Italian proofs and “XX8” date code (1972), and in front of the grip panel with the serial number. The right of the trigger guard is marked “A”, the left is marked “H” and with the “VP” in triangle verified proof. The magazine floorplate is marked “COLT / CAL. 30 LUGER”.

Barrel Length: 4 1/4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are walnut plastic panels with gold Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue Slide, Black Alloy Frame

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The slide has a light mark on the left just above the flat in the middle, a very minor nick on the left edge of the ejection port, some light scuffing at the front of the right flat, light operational wear on the bottom forward of the dust cover and light handling marks. The barrel, trigger, hammer and grip safety have light operational wear. The frame has operational wear, concealed when assembled, and light handling marks. Serrations on the slide, trigger, thumb safety, slide release mag release and mainspring housing are sharp. Three screw heads are sharp, one is very lightly tool marked. The markings are clear. There are no cracks in the frame. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has almost no play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to fulfill your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 9-round factory magazine is included. It has very light operational wear, a strong spring and intact feed lips, in about Fine-plus condition.

Our Assessment: The Commander model was developed in 1948 in response to the US Army’s request for a smaller, lighter pistol chambered for the 9mm NATO standard cartridge. While it was ultimately decided to retain the existing 1911s, Colt nonetheless continued to produce the Commander for the commercial market. With a 3/4″ shorter barrel than the 1911 and an aluminum frame, it offered the same manual of arms in a smaller, lighter package and the pistol developed a devoted following. For the American market, Colt produced the pistol in .45 ACP, 9mm NATO and .38 Super, but Colt also produced a small number of guns in .30 Luger for Italian sales, where 9mm pistols were heavily restricted. These were the only Colt pistols produced in this caliber and they are quite rare in the United States as the majority were shipped to Italy, never to return. This one made it back and it is a beauty. It is in fine-plus condition with about 96% of it finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. You won’t see one of these every day, and this ought to be of interest to Colt collectors as well as collectors of rare foreign handguns. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This handgun CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California. This handgun CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop.