Question about "Tank Commander"

[Rob333]

Hi, I'm new to the forum - wonder if anyone knows anything aobut this pistol, which is new to me;

It's a MKIV, Series 80 - a sort of hybrid with a government size frame but a 3.5" barrel; it's marked 'OFFICER'S ACP' on the slide even though i don't think of it as truly an 'officers' model (what i mean by hybrid); i understand these were also called 'tank commanders', which would cohere with its sertial # - 'TC240'

Guessing from the serial # Colt may not have made many of these, or for long? Does anyone know when this "hybrid" may have been made? or anything else about it?

(I'd post a picture but i'm new here and don't know the protocol, how to do that; is it difficult?)

Rob333

[carlson1]

Pictures are not hard and would like to see it. Where did you buy it from? Would like to put my hands on one.

[wichaka]

It's basically a Officer sized slide on a Commander frame. Colt put them out in a limited number some years back.

[Pred]

This is not what Rob333 has, But it is an Officers slide on a LWT commanders frame.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd174/predspics/Hybridcolt.jpg
I put it together from my two Colts and gave it a run at the range,
It ran great,
Nice combo of full mag size and shorter barrel!
PB

[carlson1]

PRED - any modifications to make it functional?

[Rob333]

pictures, OK, i can give it a 'try' - here goes nothing

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/reno_333/100_1377.jpg
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/reno_333/100_1376.jpg

... it's kind of a hybrid; i called COLT and apparently these were made (only) in 1989, they made 350 of them

Anyone know where i can get a tank to go with it?

Rob333

[Rob333]

actually, yes; the store i found this at had two - almost identical except the other one had aftermarket adjustable sights; the grips were identical, with the medallion - apparently the original ones.... COLT told me that just 350 these were made in 1989

i've shot it some, it's nice; a good combination of ergonomics and capacity with balance and carry-ability; and acquits itself in an admirably colt-like fashion

[Rob333]

yeah - that's basically "it" - you made one up for yourself from scratch - awesome

Rob333


http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/reno_333/100_1376.jpg

[elijdub]

actually, yes; the store i found this at had two - almost identical except the other one had aftermarket adjustable sights; the grips were identical, with the medallion - apparently the original ones.... COLT told me that just 350 these were made in 1989

i've shot it some, it's nice; a good combination of ergonomics and capacity with balance and carry-ability; and acquits itself in an admirably colt-like fashion
Hey Rob,
Welcome to the forum! Great Colt! The "Tank Commander" is a very rare and unique gun. I'd love to own one...which brings me to my question: Are you saying that the store in which you bought your's, has another one for sale? Can you please PM me with the store's info if that's the case? Do you happen to remember what they were selling it for?
Thanks ;).

BTW, your's looks to be in great shape and 100% stock (though i'm not certain about the grips)!

Edited to add: Colt has made a couple variations of this "theme" (Officer slide, Gov't frame), including the "Commanding Officer" (for sure) and the "General Officer" (i think).

[paul45]

For awhile, Colt made a bunch of Officers/Commander framed limited runs when that combo was the latest and greatest. Then people realized the frame should be short and the slide could be longer.....and POOF.....the CCO was born.

My partner, Larry, has one and it's interesting.

[Grainfed]

That one is similar to the Commando I got the other day. Officers slide on LW Commander frame. It has taken the place of my Defender. Mine has "Colt Commando Series" on one side and "Lightweight Commando Edition" on the other. Mine in # 151.

Albert

[dakota1911]

I am constantly amazed how many variants of pistols Colt made in the 80's and 90's; like 1980's and 1990's. I am also amazed how people think they found something special and amazing. No. Clean out the attic or celler and find the 1911 made in 1914.

[elijdub]

I don't know...i think that a gun made in the late 80's (20 years ago), that was only 1 or 350, is kind of amazing ;). Limited runs are kinda' cool... They're unique in that very few people have them, and they'll probably fetch a decent resale price too if you ever wanted to sell. ..Sure, it's not a 1914...but it's still something neat, IMHO.

[azreloader]

I agree. Uniqueness is high on the cool factor. I have a Springer GI Champion that was a "Vault Gun" and was finished in the Armory Coat instead of parkerized. Never made it to production configured that way.

A COLT that is unique or of a limited run, is certainly to have enhanced collector interest.

Buy it!

[Pred]

PRED - any modifications to make it functional?
No Mods at all to put it together, Just slapped the officers loaded slide onto the LWT commanders frame, Ran about 50 rounds through it, All was perfect, A little snappier that the officers as to it lost about 3 oz, The commandes slide also ran fine on the officers frame, It seems as though you can just mix and match the series 80 parts together and have a good running gun!
PB

[Rob333]

yes, respect for your point... but i got nothing that good in my attic...

and i couldn't resist this one-of-350:

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/reno_333/100_1376-1.jpg