1979 Combat Commander Model

[DCPlumber]

Hey folks,

I am new to the forum and was referred here by a member over at the 1911 forum. I have a mystery gun and have some questions. Any and all opinions are very much appreciated.

I acquired this gun through some horse trading. It appears to have been shot very little and is in 90-95% condition, I think. It doesn't even have the idiot scratch.

The mystery is: The serial number is 70BS95XXX, but the gun is not blue. There is no trace of blue anywhere on the gun that I can see. Most everyone says that the serial number indicates it was a produced as a blue gun. Also, what is the finish. Stainless, nickle, satin nickle, Coltguard (which I had never heard of). The finish seems very durable and does not show smudging on the dull areas as some suggested that satin nickle might.

Also, what year is the gun, I was told 1983 by the seller, but 1911forum folks think it's closer to 1979.

I have an original magazine with it that says, "COLT 45 AUTO" and has an "M" also stamped into it.

So, is this a desirable gun? What would you estimate the fair market value of it to be, and would it be a bad idea to install a high ride beavertail grip safety. Would that alteration make it less desirable?

I was thinking of getting rid of the gun, but it seems that maybe I have a nice little gem here.

Thanks very much and Happy New Year.

[kenhwind]

A picture would help in determining if the finish is OEM or if maybe it is a re-finish. The original owner may have sent it to Colt for a nickel finish or I suppose it is possible that Colt nickeled a pistol that should have been blue. You will get more qualified responces than mine as I really don't know and just guessing.

[JudgeColt]

Your gun is late in the 1979 range shown by the serial number charts. The standard factory finishes on the Combat Commander in 1979 are blue and satin nickel. Your gun has been refinished.

This is the place for correct Colt information, not the 1911 forum.

[paul45]

The Judge has given you the right answer. Looks like hardchrome to me.

[Ratzo]

A refinish for sure, but the markings are crisp and the edges are sharp. Whoever did the refinish knew what they were doing.

[DCPlumber]

Hey folks, thanks for the replies.

Yes, the finish does look good, even the magazine matches. Where the magazine contacts the frame, it is hardly showing any scratching, so it must be a fairly durable finish.

It's nice to know it's date of manufacture, as it is nice and close to my dad's retired service revolver, a Smith and Wesson 19-4 from 1978.

OK, now to fit a new grip safety.

Thanks again.

[JudgeColt]

Looks like hardchrome to me.

I agree. Hardchrome is one of the best finishes for a firearm, and looks terrific with the polished flats against the matte remainder.

The comments on "crisp" and "sharp" are to be expected when only plating is involved without any metal work polishing.

[DCPlumber]

Hey guys, I finally got through to Colt today. They were closed for Holidays, for an extended period of time.

I suspected my Commander was a 1983, others here said it was closer to a 1979. Also, because it is a nickle/chrome looking gun, with a 70BN serial number, it looked like it had been refinished.

When I called Colt today, she said it was manufactured in 1978. I then asked her if she could tell me what finish it had, and I told her about our conversations here on the Colt forum. She ASSURED me that the BN serial number does NOT mean that it was manufactured as a blue gun. She put me through to the archivist who would be able to tell me what finish it had when it left the factory. I got his voice mail, left him a message and am waiting to hear back from him. Hopefully he will actually call me back. I'd like to not have to spend $100 to find out how it was finished.

The plot thickens. Is the lady at Colt correct?

[elliotf]

Hey guys, I finally got through to Colt today. They were closed for Holidays, for an extended period of time.

I suspected my Commander was a 1983, others here said it was closer to a 1979. Also, because it is a nickle/chrome looking gun, with a 70BN serial number, it looked like it had been refinished.

When I called Colt today, she said it was manufactured in 1978. I then asked her if she could tell me what finish it had, and I told her about our conversations here on the Colt forum. She ASSURED me that the BN serial number does NOT mean that it was manufactured as a blue gun. She put me through to the archivist who would be able to tell me what finish it had when it left the factory. I got his voice mail, left him a message and am waiting to hear back from him. Hopefully he will actually call me back. I'd like to not have to spend $100 to find out how it was finished.

The plot thickens. Is the lady at Colt correct?

I have not ever seen a 70BN S/N. If it was a 70BS S/N It was a Blue Combat Commander. Just maybe, after you spend the 100 for a letter, it is slightly possible that it was a one off custom shop pistol..

[DCPlumber]

Ooops, yes it is a 70BS serial number. That's what I get for cutting and pasting from my other forum where I typed this first. Sorry. Guess I gotta yuk up the $100.