Colt's Combat Commander

[Dennis The B]

Dropped by my LGS today, and found this one in the display case. It's a 1977 Colt's Combat Commander, satin nickel, and has had some modifications by Carniak Custom Colts here in Michigan.

This one had a Wilson FLGR, bushing, Novak sights, and a Wilson ambi safety. Fortunately, it also had the stock parts, including the original stocks, etc. I can't get it completely "home", but now it's close enough. Won't ever be a collectible, but it will be a fine shooter/carry gun.

 

[6518John]

I think it should be "Dennis The Triple C"* not "B."

*Colt's Combat Commander.

 

[rog8732]

Dennis, except for the sights, looks to me as though it is "back home".

My eyesight on the picture appears as though the mainspring housing pin is, (supposedly) backwards from what the Colt assemblers were taught; but that matters not a whit.

The grip panels as you pointed out are correct type also, if with silver medallions ? Checkered, no diamonds. They actually supplied two grip materials in that time frame. The other type being the near-smooth, sand blasted type in "fruit wood" (?), also with silver medallions.

You say, "not collectible", but man they are getting very close to that status. Nice, nice find !

 

[Cyrano]

I sure like mine. It in the gun room and if I'm there at night and hear 'noises off', I have something to fill my hand when I go investigate. Clark stippled the front grip strap and mainspring housing,installed their long safety and beavertail grip safety and installed Novak night sights. The 'adjustable' feature of the Novak sights are a laugh but the rest of the rig is very nice to have in your hand if you should need it. Lots of fun to shoot with cast wadcutters too.

 

[dingomann]

Looks great! I also have a '77 which I bought new in Dec. 1977 for $219.95- a whole lot of money at the time. It is likewise a satin nickel in .38 Super and I have carried it a lot; never felt under-gunned, either. The grips are identical to yours. Still puts a magazine of hollow points in 3 or 4 inches at 25 yards and I figure that's plenty good enough. I really like it and I imagine you'll like yours, too.

 

[arjay]

Found a "minty" early 70s blue one about 10 years ago.Love it,but I can't see the sights anymore [emoji4]

 

[Dennis The B]

Found a "minty" early 70s blue one about 10 years ago.Love it,but I can't see the sights anymore [emoji4]

When I first laid eyes on mine, I was a bit put off by the Novaks. However, that changed in a heartbeat when I held it and took aim. The sights are a game changer, and I decided right then and there, that this Commander was going home.

I had forgotten just how bad original 1911 sights are, especially when your eyes age a bit.

 

[TenTea]

vintage CCC = fantastic piece

Enjoy!

 

[Frizzman]

I also bought a Combat Commander in satin nickel in 1977 and paid a bit over $200 for it. I carried it under my uniform jacket in a shoulder rig in cold weather while on patrol. I had a few occasions when that came out and my issued model 10 HB stayed in the holster. I worked an urban district where the nickel .45 got more respect than the M10...Off duty, it rode in a Bianchi Pistol Pocket...Mine wouldn't reliably feed anything but hardball but that was all I used in a 1911 back then anyway. Wish I had kept it. That brings back some interesting memories.

 

[txbirdman]

I bought a minty pre-firing pin safety Combat Commander about 20 years ago at a local pawn shop. Mine is blued and it cost me $350 as I recall. It's in my collection to stay. I never could find out when it was actually made. Maybe someone can help me with that the s/n is 80BS233XX.

 

[arjay]

I bought a minty pre-firing pin safety Combat Commander about 20 years ago at a local pawn shop. Mine is blued and it cost me $350 as I recall. It's in my collection to stay. I never could find out when it was actually made. Maybe someone can help me with that the s/n is 80BS233XX.

If you call Colt's customer service,they'll tell you.

 

[frankmako]

I pickup one back in 79 at the rod and gun club when I was overseas. Still got it and it still shoots as good as day one.

 

[max]

I have one of those also. I did add King-Tappan sights and it is a treat to shoot now.

 

[Tadeus67]

I have one Combat Commander. it is one of the earlier ones made in 72 or 73. Originally in 38 super, now it wears a custom conversion in .380 to be "Legal" here in banana land.

My son is the one who uses it the most, you can see him in IDPA and Bowling pin matches. Its been modified since I took the first picture. It has now green fiber optic front sight, adjustable Kensight rear sight, and a magwell.

All the originals are kept safe (Slide, barrel etc...)

 

[wbraswell]

Looks to me that all it needs is a different grip safety. I have one from 1982 that has a blue trigger and grip screws.

 

[jsfricks]

Very nice! I've always loved this finish on the Colts but it doesnt seem to hold up good for carry. But they look and shoot great!

 

[TheHobbyist]

Colt's Combat Commander in Satin Nickel is one of the 'grail guns'.

I started to type a long dissertation...a tome...but, I will leave it at that. YMMV.

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

great find!!!