Colt commander lightweight....

[usmcspud]

In 76 a Combat Commander is all steel. A Commander is aluminum frame.

[Colt]

Commanders (alloy frame) began in 1949 with serial number suffix of LW. Then, there was a CLW prefix for a period. Combat Commanders known incorrectly as "Series 70," - they are actually pre-80 Series to purists - have a serial number starting with 70 (and a few start with 80, but do not have firing pin safety - they are the last runs of the pre 70 series). Then they hace a couple letters denotog the original finish, and unless there was a special order available I think they only had nickel (Colt called it Satin Chrome) and Blue.

For example, the following are serial number ranges for Combat Commanders of that vintage:

70BSxxxxx - pre Series 80, Blue Steel

70SCxxxxx - Satin Chrome (Nickel), pre 80 Series.

CLWxxxxxxx - Commander Lightweight (alloy frame) - I believe these were only in blue.

[GlockN'Roll]

Lots of good info in a succinct post...

Commanders (alloy frame) began in 1949 with serial number suffix of LW.

Then, there was a CLW prefix for a period.

Combat Commanders known incorrectly as "Series 70,"
- they are actually pre-80 Series to purists
- have a serial number starting with 70 (and a few start with 80, but do not have firing pin safety
- they are the last runs of the pre 70 series).

Then they have a couple letters denoting the original finish, and unless there was a special order available I think they only had nickel (Colt called it Satin Chrome) and Blue.

For example, the following are serial number ranges for Combat Commanders of that vintage:

70BSxxxxx - pre Series 80, Blue Steel

70SCxxxxx - Satin Chrome (Nickel), pre 80 Series.

CLWxxxxxxx - Commander Lightweight (alloy frame) - I believe these were only in blue.

A man worthy of his user name!

Well done.

Lots of good info in a succinct post...

[45acpguy]

thanks again for all info guys! I'll update the thread if the deal goes through!

[jazman]

If it has the original box with correct serial number, it should also have the correct finish, yes?

[GM4spd]

If it has the original box with correct serial number, it should also have the correct finish, yes?

Not necessarily,the gun could have been refinished anytime in the past 40 years
and still fit in the original box. Pete

[9mmepiphany]

The original box will also be marked if it was originally shipped in the Satin Nickel.

Unless it has been refinished a Commander will always be blued

[hadjin]

[I]"...and a few start with 80, but do not have firing pin safety - they are the last runs of the pre 70 series).

FWIW.. I have a very slightly used Combat Commander in nickel, pre 70 series where the serial # begins with an 80...
Mine is in 9mm, and I was willing to pay $1300 with no box. If it had the original box, I for sure would have paid $1500.

[Killer Bee]

1976 CLW

good luck op, I love my '76 CLW

[sintax]

I'd say you are prob right on in the 1500-1600 if it is indeed all what you are saying.

I have a Lightweight Commander, but a modern Wiley Clapp version. Its essentially a Series 70, with some nice addons. I love handing it to buddies who carry steel 1911's

As far as shooting it, I dont find it snappy at all. Seems pretty flat shooting to me.

[ironhorse1]

TTT

Time to give this thread a bump.

I just noticed a Satin 1976 Colt Commander on the S&W Forum that has been listed at $1375 since January.

Link sent to OP just FWIW to see and if there are any updates on the pending sale.

irh

[45acpguy]

Ah! That's how I got that....

[Colt]

A man worthy of his user name!

Well done.

Lots of good info in a succinct post...

Thanks.