Colt Combat Commander Series 70 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol – 1981 Pre-Series 80, Custom Upgrades
This 1981 Colt Combat Commander is a desirable transitional Series 70 pistol that retains the original lockwork found on pre-Series 80 models. Built on a compact 4.25-inch Commander slide and full-size grip frame, it features polished blued carbon-steel construction and a host of tasteful performance upgrades, making it an attractive choice for collectors and shooters alike.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent – Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling – Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Light handling marks are visible on the polished blued slide and frame, but they do not affect operation or appearance.
What’s Included
- Blue Colt hard plastic pistol case
- Two 8-round steel single-stack .45 ACP magazines
Manufactured in 1981 (serial prefix 80BS), this Combat Commander represents the final stretch of true Series 70 production before Colt introduced the Series 80 firing-pin safety system. Collectors value this configuration for its crisp single-action trigger and simplified internals.
The pistol has been thoughtfully modernized with a low-mount two-dot rear sight and a dovetailed white-dot front blade, creating a fast 3-dot sight picture without altering the slide’s clean lines. An upswept beavertail grip safety and skeletonized commander-rowel hammer improve control and reduce hammer bite.
Control upgrades continue with a three-slot skeletonized aluminum trigger that shortens reset while maintaining the classic 1911 feel. Wrap-around rubber finger-groove grips with rosewood inserts provide a secure hold and a touch of contrast against the polished blued steel.
The 4.25-inch barrel uses Colt’s proven short-recoil, locked-breech system and remains bright with sharp rifling. Combined with the full-size grip frame and 8-round magazines, the package delivers reliable .45 ACP performance in a Commander-length format.