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{{distinguish|Colt Commando}}
{{Infobox Weapon
{{Infobox weapon
|is_ranged=yes
| is_ranged=yes
| image= [[File:Flickr - ~Steve Z~ - Colt Combat Commander MKIV .45 ACP.jpg|300px]]
| caption= A MK IV .45 ACP Colt Combat Commander.
| image=Flickr - ~Steve Z~ - Colt Combat Commander MKIV .45 ACP.jpg
| image_size=300
⚫
| name= Colt Commander
| caption=A MK IV .45 ACP Colt Combat Commander.
⚫
| type= [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
⚫
| name=Colt Commander
⚫
| origin={{flagcountry|United States}}
⚫
| type=[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
| era= 20th century
⚫
| origin= [[United States]]
| design_date=
| design_date=1949
| prod_design_date=
| production_date=1950–present
| serv_design_date=
| serv_design_date=
| used_by=
| spec_type=
| used_by=
| spec_type=
| part_length=
| part_length=
* 4.25 in (108 mm)
* 4.25 in (107.95 mm)
| cartridge=
| cartridge=
* [[9x19mm Parabellum]]
* [[9×19mm Parabellum]]
* [[.38 Super]]
* [[.38 Super]]
* [[.45 ACP]]
* [[.45 ACP]]
| feed= [[Magazine (firearm)|magazine]]
| feed=[[box magazine]]
* 7 round or 8 round (.45 ACP)
* 7-round or 8-round (.45 ACP)
* 9-round (9 mm, .38 Super)
* 9-round (9 mm and .38 Super)
| action= [[Recoil operation|Short recoil operation]]
| action=[[Recoil operation|Short recoil operation]]
| velocity=
| velocity=
| weight=
| weight=
| length=
| length=
| variants=
| variants=
* Lightweight Commander
* Lightweight Commander
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* Commander Gold Cup Colt
* Commander Gold Cup Colt
* Combat Elite
* Combat Elite
* Concealed Carry Officer's pistol
* Concealed Carry Officer's pistol
| number=
| number=
| range=
| range=
}}
}}
⚫
The '''Colt Commander''' is a [[Trigger (firearms)#Single-action|single-action]], [[semi-automatic pistol|semi-automatic]], magazine-fed, and recoil-operated [[handgun]] based on the [[John Browning|John M. Browning]] designed [[M1911]]. It was the first mass-produced pistol with an aluminium alloy frame and the first Colt pistol to be chambered in [[9mm Parabellum]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Ayoob|first=Massad|authorlink=Massad Ayoob|title=The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery|year=2007|publisher=Gun Digest Books|isbn=978-0-89689-525-6|page=7}}</ref>


⚫
The '''Colt Commander''' is a [[Trigger (firearms)#Single-action|single-action]], [[semi-automatic pistol|semi-automatic]], magazine-fed, and recoil-operated [[handgun]] based on the [[John Browning|John M. Browning]]–designed [[M1911]]. It was the first mass-produced American pistol with an aluminium alloy frame and the first Colt pistol to be chambered in [[9mm Parabellum]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Ayoob |first=Massad |authorlink=Massad Ayoob |title=The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery |year=2007 |publisher=Gun Digest Books |isbn=978-0-89689-525-6 |page=7}}</ref>
⚫
Colt made several variations of the Commander and offered it in [[.45 ACP]] and [[.38 Super]] chamberings. Other variants followed with different degrees of factory accurizing and materials.

⚫
Colt made several variations of the Commander and offered it in [[.45 ACP]] and [[.38 Super]] chamberings. Other variants followed with different degrees of factory accurizing and materials.


==History==
==History==
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 9&nbsp;mm Parabellum and could not exceed 7&nbsp;inches in length or weigh more than 25 ounces.<ref name= Ayoob2010>{{cite book|last =Ayoob|first =Massad|title=Massad Ayoob's Greatest Handguns of the World |authorlink= Massad Ayoob|publisher =Gun Digest Books|year= 2010 |ISBN = 978-1-4402-0825-6 |pages=33–44}}</ref>
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 9&nbsp;mm Parabellum and could not exceed 7&nbsp;inches in length or weigh more than 25 ounces.<ref name= Ayoob2010>{{cite book |last=Ayoob |first=Massad |title=Massad Ayoob's Greatest Handguns of the World |authorlink=Massad Ayoob |publisher=Gun Digest Books|year= 2010 |ISBN=978-1-4402-0825-6 |pages=33–44}}</ref>

⚫
Candidates included [[Browning Hi-Power]] variants by Canada's [[John Inglis and Company|Inglis]] and Belgium's [[Fabrique Nationale]], and [[Smith & Wesson]]'s [[Smith & Wesson Model 39|S&W Model 39]]. Colt entered a modified version of their [[M1911 pistol]] that was chambered for 9&nbsp;mm Parabellum, 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 9&nbsp;mm Parabellum. The first year's production included .45 ACP and .38 Super chamberings.<ref name= Ayoob2010/>


⚫
Candidates included [[Browning Hi-Power]] variants by [[Canada]]'s [[John Inglis and Company|Inglis]] and [[Belgium]]'s [[Fabrique Nationale]], and [[Smith & Wesson]]'s [[Smith & Wesson Model 39|S&W Model 39]]. Colt entered a modified version of their [[M1911 pistol]] that was chambered for 9&nbsp;mm Parabellum, 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 9&nbsp;mm Parabellum. The first year's production included 45 ACP and 38 Super chamberings.<ref name= Ayoob2010/>
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".<ref name= Ayoob2010/>
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".<ref name= Ayoob2010/>


===Variants===
===Variants===
The "Colt Commander Gold Cup" was designed to offer competition-ready out-of-the-box performance in National Match competition. It came with one 8-round magazine plus a separate recoil spring and one 7-round magazine for wadcutter ammunition.<ref name= gd2011>{{cite book|last =Malloy|first =John|title=Gun Digest 2011|editor= Dan Shiedler|publisher = Krause|year= 2011 |chapter= The Colt 1911: The First Century|ISBN = 978-1-4402-1337-3|pages=108–117}}</ref>
The .45 ACP "Colt Commander Gold Cup" was designed to offer competition-ready out-of-the-box performance in National Match competition. It came with one 8-round magazine plus a separate recoil spring and one 7-round magazine for wadcutter ammunition.<ref name= gd2011>{{cite book|last =Malloy|first =John|title=Gun Digest 2011|editor= Dan Shiedler|publisher = Krause|year= 2011 |chapter= The Colt 1911: The First Century|ISBN = 978-1-4402-1337-3|pages=108–117}}</ref>


The "Colt Combat Elite" was specialized for combat-style match shooters. The .45 ACP model comes with two 8-round magazines and the .38 Super model with two 9-round magazines.
The "Colt Combat Elite" was specialized for combat-style match shooters. The .45 ACP model comes with two 8-round magazines and the .38 Super model with two 9-round magazines.


The "C.C.O." or "Concealed Carry Officer's" pistol mated the slide and barrel assembly of the stainless-steel Commander with the shorter frame of the blued Lightweight [[Colt Officer's ACP|Officer's ACP]].
The "C.C.O." or "Concealed Carry Officer's" pistol mated the slide and barrel assembly of the stainless-steel Commander with the shorter frame of the blued Lightweight [[Colt Officer's ACP|Officer's ACP]].

[[File:Commander XSE.jpg|thumb|The XSE variation of the Colt Combat Commander]]
[[File:Commander XSE.jpg|thumb|The XSE variation of the Colt Combat Commander]]


A limited run of the Colt Commander in [[7.65×21mm Parabellum|7.65mm Luger]] was made for export in the early 1970s.
==Statistics==

===Colt Commander (1950-1969); Lightweight Commander (1970+)===

*Chambering: 9x19 mm Parabellum, .45 ACP, .38 Super.
*Barrel Length: 4.25-inch.
*Overall Length: 7.75-inch.
*Weight: 27 oz. / 1.68&nbsp;lb. (0.76&nbsp;kg.)
*Magazine: Single column box magazine. 7-round (.45 ACP), 9-round (9&nbsp;mm, .38 Super).
*Finish: Blued Steel.
*Features: Aluminum Coltalloy (tm) frame.

===Colt Combat Commander (1970+)===

*Chambering: 9x19 mm Parabellum, .45 ACP, .38 Super.
*Barrel Length: 4.25-inch.
*Overall Length: 7.75-inch.
*Weight: 36 oz. / 2.25&nbsp;lb. (1.02&nbsp;kg.)[Steel model]. 37 oz. / 2.31&nbsp;lb (1.05&nbsp;kg.)[Stainless Steel model]
*Magazine: Single-column box magazine. 7-round, 8-round (.45 ACP), 9-round (9&nbsp;mm, .38 Super).
*Finish: Available in Blued and Nickel-Plated steel or Stainless Steel.
*Features: All-steel construction (frame and slide).

===Colt Commander Gold Cup National Match===

*Action: Single Action
*Chambering: .45 ACP or .38 Super.
*Barrel Length: 5 Inches
*Overall Length: 8.5 Inches
*Weight: 36 oz. / 2.25&nbsp;lb. (1.02&nbsp;kg.)[Steel model]. 37 oz. / 2.31&nbsp;lb (1.05&nbsp;kg.)[Stainless Steel model]
*Magazine: Single-column box magazine. 8-round (.45 ACP), 9-round (9&nbsp;mm, .38 Super).
*Finish: Blued steel and Matte or Bright Stainless steel.
*Features: Undercut front and Colt Fully Adjustable Elliason rear sights; one-piece wraparound Checkered Rubber Composite grips.


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20090320152658/http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/downloads/Manuals/LoRes/MKIV%20Series%2080%20&%2090%20Pistols.pdf Official Safety and Instruction Manual] (.pdf) (Archived from [http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/downloads/Manuals/LoRes/MKIV%20Series%2080%20&%2090%20Pistols.pdf original])
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090320152658/http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/downloads/Manuals/LoRes/MKIV%20Series%2080%20%26%2090%20Pistols.pdf Official Safety and Instruction Manual] (PDF; archived from Colt)


{{Colt's Manufacturing Company}}
{{Colt's Manufacturing Company}}


[[Category:Semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:.45 ACP semi-automatic pistols]]
⚫
[[Category:9mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:1911 platform]]
[[Category:1911 platform]]
[[Category:Colt semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:Colt semi-automatic pistols]]
[[Category:.45 ACP firearms]]
[[Category:Semi-automatic pistols of the United States]]
⚫
[[Category:9mm Parabellum firearms]]
[[Category:Police weapons]]

Latest revision as of 20:22, 7 June 2023

Not to be confused with Colt Commando.
Colt Commander
A MK IV .45 ACP Colt Combat Commander.
TypeSemi-automatic pistol
Place of originUnited States
Production history
Designed1949
Produced1950–present
Variants
  • Lightweight Commander
  • Combat Commander
  • Commander Gold Cup Colt
  • Combat Elite
  • Concealed Carry Officer's pistol
Specifications
Barrel length
  • 4.25 in (107.95 mm)
Cartridge
ActionShort recoil operation
Feed systembox magazine
  • 7-round or 8-round (.45 ACP)
  • 9-round (9 mm and .38 Super)

The Colt Commander is a single-action, semi-automatic, magazine-fed, and recoil-operated handgun based on the John M. Browning–designed M1911. It was the first mass-produced American pistol with an aluminium alloy frame and the first Colt pistol to be chambered in 9mm Parabellum.[1]

Colt made several variations of the Commander and offered it in .45 ACP and .38 Super chamberings. Other variants followed with different degrees of factory accurizing and materials.

History

[edit]

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 9 mm Parabellum and could not exceed 7 inches in length or weigh more than 25 ounces.[2]

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 for 9 mm Parabellum, 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 9 mm Parabellum. The first year's production included .45 ACP and .38 Super chamberings.[2]

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".[2]

Variants

[edit]

The .45 ACP "Colt Commander Gold Cup" was designed to offer competition-ready out-of-the-box performance in National Match competition. It came with one 8-round magazine plus a separate recoil spring and one 7-round magazine for wadcutter ammunition.[3]

The "Colt Combat Elite" was specialized for combat-style match shooters. The .45 ACP model comes with two 8-round magazines and the .38 Super model with two 9-round magazines.

The "C.C.O." or "Concealed Carry Officer's" pistol mated the slide and barrel assembly of the stainless-steel Commander with the shorter frame of the blued Lightweight Officer's ACP.

The XSE variation of the Colt Combat Commander

A limited run of the Colt Commander in 7.65mm Luger was made for export in the early 1970s.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Ayoob, Massad (2007). The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery. Gun Digest Books. p. 7. ISBN 978-0-89689-525-6.
  2. ^ a b c Ayoob, Massad (2010). Massad Ayoob's Greatest Handguns of the World. Gun Digest Books. pp. 33–44. ISBN 978-1-4402-0825-6.
  3. ^ Malloy, John (2011). "The Colt 1911: The First Century". In Dan Shiedler (ed.). Gun Digest 2011. Krause. pp. 108–117. ISBN 978-1-4402-1337-3.
[edit]
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