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bigmark9000
5th May 2009, 03:00
Greetings.

My father left me a pistol several years ago and Ive recently become interested in learning more about it, but I am having difficulty determining not only the make and model, but also the year it was manufactured. Basically I know little more about this gun other than the fact its a Colt .45. I had no idea there were so many different variations of colt .45's out there!

It has a black finish, with the words "COLT COMMANDER MODEL AUTOMATIC CALIBER .45" on one side and "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A." on the other side. The grip is brown and has what appears to be a small golden colored coin shaped emblem in the center (on each side of the gun) with the word COLT and an image of a rearing horse.

The model number is CLW029099


Ive looked high and low on the internet as well as in a few gun reference books. Im unable to learn more about the gun because I cant find the serial number range for this handgun beginning with the "CLW" anywhere online nor in the reference books.

Any help with this is greatly appreciated ladies and gentlemen!!!
Thank you very much.


ps--- My father was a Green Beret serving from the late 70's through the mid 80's. There is a chance this is his military issue sidearm, but we dont know that to be a fact.






***** THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. I CALLED THE NUMBER PROVIDED BY JIM AND JOHN AND SPOKE WITH A VERY HELPFUL CUSTOMER REP. TURNS OUT TO BE A LIGHTWEIGHT COMMANDER MANUFACTURED IN 1976. WE ARE VERY HAPPY TO HAVE THIS KNOWLEDGE AS THE GUN WILL PROUDLY REMAIN IN OUR FAMILY FROM THIS POINT ON. THANK YOU AGAIN!

John
5th May 2009, 05:13
Colt Lightweight Commander, meaning aluminum frame and steel slide.

Call Colt with your serial number, and they'll tell you when it was made.

VFRpilotJim
5th May 2009, 11:21
Hi Mark, I agree with John. Colt will look that information up for free. Their number is 1-800-962-COLT.

Jim

OD*
5th May 2009, 11:38
There are a number of serials listed here with the CLW prefix. http://proofhouse.com/colt/ccom.htm
(edit: guess it would help if I included the link)

But I agree with John and Jim, I'd call Colt to be certain.

ps--- My father was a Green Beret serving from the late 70's through the mid 80's. There is a chance this is his military issue sidearm, but we dont know that to be a fact. It may have been his privately owned weapon, I doubt it was issued to him.

paul45
5th May 2009, 12:41
very late 1976

dakota1911
5th May 2009, 16:10
I would expect 76, but call Colt. Also were there any boxes or papers left? You know, attic, basement, guestroom closet, shed.................