Two tone Combat Commander

[Ratzo]

I found this Combat Commander .45 ACP at a gun show two years ago. It has been hardly used, and shows minimal wear. It came with the original box. Here is where it gets dificult. The frame started life as a satin nickel 9mm. The slide is from a blued Combat Commander. It is all Colt. As one can see the trigger, hammer, and grip safety are not correct for a Commander. It has not been refinished. I lettered the pistol and found it left the Colt factory 12/22/75 for Pamida distributors. In a footnote, Colt's records show that the pistol was transferred to Fin Feather Sport Shop dba Omaha Midwest Wholesale Distributors 7/22/76 along with 24 others. I have attempted to find information about Omaha Midwest but have hit dead ends. The only information I could get is that the owner was being investigated for improper record keeping by the ATF in 1976. The box end label shows the original serial number and model number for this satin nickel 9mm with the exception that the caliber and finish have been changed to read .45 and S/B I assume for satin/blue. Do any of you ever recall a special distributor run of a pistol such as this? Does anyone remember the sport shop or distributor above? Any information will be greatly appreciated. Jim

[azasadny]

That looks like the Colt I had in FL, back in 1980, only mine was .45ACP and purchased new at a local gun shop near Ft Myers. I wish I would have kept that gun!! Very nice!

[wiuprof]

It looks like my Lightweight Commander in 38 Super, circa. 1951.

[Ratzo]

Well I guess this pistols' origins will remain a mystery. It shoots extremely well so I will add the necessary ambi safety and use it. Thanks for looking. Jim

[oldlawdawg]

A place you may want to call is "Fin-n-Feather" in Iowa City, Iowa which has been around since the mid or late 70's to ascertain a connection (supplier) of Omaha. Area code is 319 .

[Rapidray]

wiuprof - I like your LW Commander!

[dirtygeary]

Looks good.