The Birth of a Legend: The Historical Context
The crisp snap of a Colt .45, the familiar weight in your hand, the promise of raw stopping power – these are the hallmarks that have defined generations of firearms enthusiasts. Among the many iconic models produced by Colt, the Combat Commander 45 Series 70 stands out as a particularly compelling example of how to combine proven design with practical application. This article delves into the history, features, performance, and enduring appeal of this legendary handgun, exploring why the Combat Commander remains a favorite among shooters.
The story of the Colt Combat Commander is intricately woven into the fabric of military history. The model’s genesis stemmed from a clear need: a lighter, more compact version of the revered 1911 platform, specifically designed for officers and those who desired a potent sidearm that was easier to carry and conceal. The full-size 1911, while undeniably effective, could be cumbersome, especially for prolonged carry.
Colt, recognizing this demand, set out to create a pistol that retained the power and reliability of the original design but in a more manageable package. They didn’t just shrink the existing model; they carefully engineered a balance between size, weight, and performance. This was a significant departure, and a crucial one. The goal was to provide a weapon that was equally at home in the hands of a law enforcement officer, a concealed carry permit holder, or a soldier requiring a reliable backup.
Colt’s legacy is legendary, having supplied countless firearms to the military, law enforcement, and civilian markets. It’s a name synonymous with quality, precision, and the American spirit of innovation. The Combat Commander was a testament to that heritage, leveraging the design strengths of the 1911 but adapting them for a new era.
Defining Features and Design Philosophy
The Colt Combat Commander 45 Series 70, particularly in its original configuration, is a marvel of functional design. The choice of materials, construction methods, and overall layout was carefully considered to achieve the best results.
One of the most striking aspects of the Combat Commander is its chambering. The powerful .45 ACP cartridge is a defining feature, known for its ability to deliver devastating results. The round is renowned for its stopping power, offering significant kinetic energy transfer to stop threats. It’s a round that demands respect, and the Combat Commander delivers it in a compact, readily accessible package.
The pistol’s size is a critical element of its appeal. While it shares the overall 1911 design, the Combat Commander is noticeably more compact than its full-size counterparts. This reduction in size makes it significantly easier to carry concealed. The shorter slide and barrel, and a generally reduced overall length, contribute to its portability without sacrificing too much of the original 1911’s inherent qualities.
The design itself is a symphony of well-placed elements. From the slide and frame materials, which initially employed steel for the frame and slide for robust durability (though some later models utilized aluminum alloy frames for weight reduction), the construction was aimed at balance and reliability. The grip ergonomics are excellent, providing a secure and comfortable hold that promotes accurate shooting. The overall balance feels just right.
The barrel length, shorter than a standard 1911 but longer than the even more compact Officer’s model, strikes a perfect balance. It provides a decent sight radius, contributing to accuracy, while still allowing for relatively easy concealment. The sights themselves, typically the original low-profile iron sights, were simple yet effective for the intended use cases.
The controls on the Colt Combat Commander are classic 1911: the thumb safety, grip safety, magazine release, and slide stop are all in familiar locations. This familiarity is a key advantage for those already familiar with the 1911 platform. The Series 70 models had a distinctive internal collet bushing to help improve accuracy, and some of the early models had the standard firing pin safety.
Performance in the Real World
Ultimately, the true test of any firearm is its performance. The Colt Combat Commander 45 Series 70 has built a reputation for accuracy, reliability, and ease of handling.
The accuracy of the Combat Commander is generally very good. While it might not achieve the pinpoint precision of a custom-built target pistol, it is more than capable of hitting targets accurately at typical self-defense distances. A skilled shooter can produce impressive groupings with this pistol.
Recoil management is a crucial aspect of any handgun. The .45 ACP round, while potent, can produce a noticeable kick. The Combat Commander, with its weight and design, absorbs and distributes recoil well. The grip design helps mitigate the impact and allows for quick follow-up shots.
Reliability is paramount in any defensive firearm. While 1911s in general have sometimes been known for being particular about ammunition and requiring some break-in, the Colt Combat Commander is generally very reliable. Regular cleaning and maintenance are, as always, essential to maintaining optimal function, but overall the pistol is well-regarded for its ability to function under various conditions.
The ergonomics also play a significant role in performance. The comfortable grip and well-placed controls make the Combat Commander intuitive to handle and shoot. It feels natural in the hand, which contributes to both accuracy and confidence.
Many owners upgrade their Combat Commanders with custom features. These may include enhanced sights, improved triggers, and upgraded grip panels. Such modifications can boost performance and customize the pistol to individual preferences.
Comparison with Other 1911s
The Combat Commander occupies a unique place within the 1911 family. It serves as a useful comparison when evaluating other pistols of the same type.
Compared to a full-size 1911, the Combat Commander offers a clear advantage in terms of portability and concealability. It’s much easier to carry concealed due to its more compact size and lighter weight. The full-size 1911 offers a longer sight radius and potentially a bit more stability, which may be advantageous for target shooting.
Compared to other compact 1911s, the Combat Commander often strikes a good balance. Some of the very compact 1911s might sacrifice some shootability due to their small size. The Combat Commander provides a sweet spot, offering a compact package without compromising the fundamental qualities of the 1911 platform.
In particular, the Series 70 versions bring certain features to the table. The precision of the barrel bushing helped maintain and increase accuracy, and it provided a distinctive level of craftsmanship that made the model even more appealing.
Applications and Practical Use Cases
The Colt Combat Commander 45 Series 70 found its niche across multiple applications. It’s a very practical pistol.
Its primary purpose is as a personal defense weapon. The Combat Commander’s balance of power, portability, and reliability makes it an excellent choice for concealed carry. Its compact size allows it to be easily concealed under various types of clothing. The powerful .45 ACP cartridge provides confidence in self-defense situations.
The Combat Commander is also suitable for competition shooting, though it might not be as popular as some purpose-built competition guns. Its inherent accuracy and good handling make it a viable choice for action pistol shooting.
The pistol’s place in the collectors’ market is also undeniable. The Colt Combat Commander 45 Series 70 is a highly sought-after firearm. Collector’s value is particularly high for models in excellent condition, especially those from the Series 70 production run.
Considering the Advantages and Drawbacks
To fully evaluate the Colt Combat Commander 45 Series 70, it’s necessary to consider both its strengths and weaknesses.
On the plus side, the Combat Commander offers a powerful cartridge, a compact and concealable size, reliable operation, excellent ergonomics, and the undeniable legacy of Colt. It provides a great balance between stopping power and ease of carry.
On the downside, some might find the .45 ACP round produces a noticeable recoil. Also, as with any 1911, the Combat Commander might require a bit of extra care with cleaning and maintenance.
The Enduring Legacy of the Combat Commander
The Colt Combat Commander 45 Series 70 is more than just a firearm; it’s a piece of history, a symbol of quality, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the 1911 platform. From its inception to its present status as a sought-after classic, the Combat Commander has consistently delivered on its promise of power and portability. The pistol has found its way into the hands of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. The pistol has held its place as a top pistol in concealed carry, competition shooting, and even for collectors.
Whether you’re a seasoned gun enthusiast, a new shooter, or a collector, the Colt Combat Commander 45 Series 70 is worth your consideration. Its blend of power, reliability, and portability makes it a true classic. The Combat Commander has earned its place in the halls of firearm fame, and will continue to bring joy and power to the owner.
