Colt Lightweight Commander Series 70 .45 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 4.25-Inch Barrel, Two-Tone, 1978 Production
The Colt Lightweight Commander Series 70 blends the classic 1911 platform with an aluminum alloy frame, giving shooters a compact .45 ACP sidearm that shaves weight without sacrificing reliability. Manufactured in 1978, this CLW-prefix pistol retains its original Series 70 lockwork, rowel hammer, and fixed combat sights, making it a desirable example of Colt’s pre-Series 80 production.
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.
This pistol displays light finish wear and small handling marks on the blued slide and matte alloy frame from previous use. The bore is bright and clean, reflecting careful maintenance.
What’s Included
- Three 7-round steel single-stack magazines
- Colt instruction manual: “Combat Commander / Commander Model (Lightweight)”
- Leather belt holster
- Canvas double magazine pouch
The 4.25-inch Commander-length barrel shortens overall length while preserving the full-power .45 ACP chambering, a combination prized for carry and duty use.
The factory blued slide over a matte anodized aluminum frame gives this Series 70 a distinctive two-tone appearance, highlighting Colt’s early work with lightweight service pistols.
Original checkered walnut grips with gold Colt medallions remain installed, providing secure purchase and a period-correct aesthetic.
Safety features include a manual thumb safety, grip safety, and half-cock notch, reflecting the traditional 1911 configuration before the addition of the Series 80 firing-pin block.