question re Colt LW Commander

[dez]

I have a Colt LW Commander (CLW0424xx) which I have always assumed was a Pre-70 Series as the slide does not indicate anything regarding Series 70. However, I just read in The Blue Book of Gun Values that a "CLW" prefix means it is indeed a Series 70, while a "LW" prefix means it is a Pre 70. Does not the Series 70 have a slide stamping to that effect? Just what do I have...a mismatched slide and receiver?
Thanks for any help. I just found this site and it looks like people here know their stuff.

[OD*]

Technically, there is no such thing as a Series '70 Commander, they never had the collet bushing or accurizer barrel (the parts that make the pistol a Series '70), so they were never rollmarked Series '70 because they didn't have the feature that make the pistol a Series '70. What you would have is a pre-Series 80.

[wichaka]

The BB is technically wrong. The series 70 designator belongs to the Gov model that had certain modifications, and is roll marked as such.

But now I think I know where people are getting that term for Commanders. Commanders were never marked with any series 70 anything, they were just made in the 70's.

[paul45]

If you didn't know, it looks like your Commander is from late '69. OD and wichaka have given you really good info.

[1911Tuner]

Before the introduction of the steel-framed Combat Commander, lightweight Commanders were known simply as Colt Commanders. They were all alloy-framed pistols. When the Combat Commander hit the market, the alloy-framed pistols took on the LW serial prefix in order to avoid confusion.

And, no...There is no such thing as a Series 70 Commander...LW or otherwise. There are pre-Series 80 Commanders that were built in the 70s...but that doesn't make them Series 70 pistols, regardless of the 70 or 80 in the serial number.
Commanders built in the 50s aren't known as Series 50 Commanders, and pistols built in 1920 aren't known as Series 20s.

[OD*]

I believe they received the CLW prefix in 1970 with the introduction of the steel frames, they had the LW suffix since 1950.

[lmetmort]

If you didn't know, it looks like your Commander is from late '69. OD and wichaka have given you really good info.

Unless there is an extra "X" at the end of the serial number on the original post, looks more like 1978 production where the numbers started out at CLW0032800. if it is a 42xx serial number then probably 1969

[OD*]

http://proofhouse.com/colt/ccom.htm

[paul45]

Unless there is an extra "X" at the end of the serial number on the original post, looks more like 1978 production where the numbers started out at CLW0032800. if it is a 42xx serial number then probably 1969
Oh Man!!! I gotta say I'm wrong......apparently can't read well either! Thanks for the correction. ;)

[dez]

Unless there is an extra "X" at the end of the serial number on the original post, looks more like 1978 production where the numbers started out at CLAW. if it is a 42xx serial number then probably 1969

The actual number is CLW042490. I bought it new in June, 1980 for $275 retail. I had a trigger job done and Behlert fixed sights added at time of purchase.
Thanks for all the info! I never expected these many responses this fast. Glad to know the pistol is "proper". And I learned some new things too.

[OD*]

Oh Man!!! I gotta say I'm wrong......apparently can't read well either! Thanks for the correction. ;)
Blame it on lack of coffee, Paul, that's what I do. :p

[lmetmort]

Blame it on lack of coffee, Paul, that's what I do. :p

Hey, What's 10-12 years among friends.....

[OD*]

Hey, What's 10-12 years among friends.....
I like your attitude. ;)

[dakota1911]

CLW started in April of 1969 with CLW001001, so not all that rare compared to Commanders made in the 50's, and if anything is changed the collector value would go down.

[elijdub]

So....how 'bout some pics of this Commander, to come full circle ;)?

[Glock1911]

I know I'd like to see some pics. LW Commanders get my attention these days.

[wichaka]

A little modified, but Commander all the way.........alloy that is.......


http://w3.gorge.net/scshields/lw2.jpg

[dez]

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh174/dez45_2008/ColtLWCommander.jpg

[elijdub]

Very nice Commanders gents :)!