Colt Pre-Series ’70 Commander Lightweight 9mm 4 1/4″ SA Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol 1969

SOLD FOR: $1,666.50
LSB#: 180804TP11

Make: Colt

Model: Commander

Serial Number: CLW001619

Year of Manufacture: 1969 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: 9mm 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”, “AUTOMATIC / 9 M/M LUGER” with a Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The top of the barrel at the chamber is marked “CAL. 9MM. LUGER”. The right side of the trigger guard bow is marked “T”, the left is marked “H” and with the “VP” in triangle verified proof. The right side of the frame is marked “CLW001619”.

Barrel Length: 4-1/4”

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered dark brown plastic panels with Rampant Colts in circle at their centers, smooth borders and smooth circles around the grip screw heads. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light mold flashing on the edges of the circles around the screws and light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue Slide, Black Alloy Frame

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The slide has thinning finish on the left flat along the front and top edges with some light scuffing on the left flat toward the front, a couple of very light marks on the top, and very light operational wear on the bottom forward of the dust cover. The frame has a couple of scratches under the hammer pin on the right side, a very faint mark on the left trigger relief cut and light handling marks. The barrel, hammer, trigger and grip safety have light operational wear. The thumb safety has a spot of finish wear on its edge. All serrations are sharp. The left side screw heads show light finish wear but all screw heads have sharp slots. The markings are clear. There are no cracks in the frame. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has little 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 factory 9-round magazine is included with light operational wear, strong spring and intact feed lips, in about Very Good-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. This is a “classic” configuration Commander, with an alloy frame and chambered in 9mm. It was made in 1969 and is in Fine condition with about 96% of its finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. While Colt collectors will likely be interested, this pistol would also make a great carry or home defense gun and could even be used in IDPA matches. 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.