Series 70 Combat Commander

[kphillips]

Hello all, I am new to this site and I am looking for information on my Combat Commander. I do not have the ability to post pictures as of now, but the ser. # is 70SC43XXX. On the right side of the frame is COLT"S COMBAT COMMANDER. It appears to be all original except for Wilson Combat sights, and Pachmayr grips. I believe it is Nickel matt finished. It does not appear to be stainless since the finish is wearing off the grip safety and mainspring housing, and slightly on the thumb safety. I would like to either bring it back to totally original or "make it my own" without altering the frame. If I choose to do the later, all original parts would be retained of course. I have researched a little and belive this gun was made in or near 1975. Doe anyone know what grips should be on this gun as original? I will probably keep the Wilson sights but I would like to know what was original. Any help with info on this gun would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. p.s. Thank God I have a 1911 again. It's almost like going home again.

[kenhwind]

The original finish would be satin nickel. The oem stocks would have been the uncheckered sandblasted walnut with silver medallions.
It really isn't a Series 70 it is a Combat Commander made in the 70s. The MKIV Series 70 pistols were Government Models and utilized a collet bushing, and a barrel made for it.

[kphillips]

Thank you for the info. Do you know if the satin nickel finish was very common? It appears to be pretty resiliant.

[skipsan]

As the owner of a satin nickle CC, I can tell you from experience that satin nickel is really crappy. It shows wear very quickly, and can be attacked by normal gun cleaning products that are copper solvents like Hoppes #9. The finish can be rejuvenated to near new with a light bead blast.I doubt that anyone would offer refinishing in satin nickel. Best to consider electroless nickel, hard chrome, or one of the modern painted finishes.

Satin nickel finish was quite common for Commanders in the 70's and early '80s. After about 1984, Colt offered the Commanders in stainless which was killed the market for the awful satin nickel.

[kphillips]

Thanks. I am debating on the collector value, or as I said above "making it my own". Any thoughts on this?

[skipsan]

If the slide has been modified for the Wilson sights, and you don't have the original factory box and paperwork, there is no premium for collectors value. If the pistol were in pristine condition, and you had the original box etc., the pistol could bring $1000 from a Colt collector. As noted, the satin nickel CCs were not that uncommon, or desireable because of the delicate finish.Tuned up, and with decent sights, the CC is a nice carry gun and good shooter.

[DPris]

No real collector value, as noted.
I had mine stripped of the nickel & hard chromed.
Whichever way you go, the original finish isn't very desirable or very durable.
Denis

[kphillips]

Great advise. I do not have the paperwork or the box. I had been leaning toward fixing it up for my taste, and you guys helped convince me. I'm not into the "don't use it cause it's a collectors item" way of thinking. If I can't use it for what it was designed for, I don't want it. Thanks again for the help folks. I'm glad I joined this forum.