Colt Commando...special (I think)

[finfanatic]

I went to a Local Gun Show this week in LA.... Lower Alabama..... it was packed. Prices were MSRP and above on the newest stuff, with low availability on most (popular) ammo.

I found a beat up S & W Model 19 2 inch blued (from some of the blue that was left) that the dealer wanted $650 on and would not budge.

At the table beside him I spied this....

Colt_Commando_Special2

• finfanatic
• Aug 17, 2020

A parkerized Colt Detective Special looking firearm.

IMG_0053

• finfanatic
• Aug 17, 2020

It has Commando engraved on the barrel.

I didn't need it, but....

It was wearing some Det. Special grips, but the seller said it had come to him wearing the black Colt grips which were included.

Some holster wear on the top and a touch of rust on the bottom of the trigger guard, but very clean.

From what I am able to google-fu, it was a way for Colt to keep selling product when the majority of it's workers went on strike in mid-80s. They didn't have the labor to blue and polish, so they parkerized some Det. Specials, called them Commando Specials and sold them.

If anyone has any other info, I would be glad to hear it.

 

[dfariswheel]

You have it right.
During the big Colt strike they had several models made with unpolished black finishes.
These were the Commando Special/Detective Special, the Peacekeeper/Trooper Mark V, and black finish Cobras, of which they just kept the Cobra name.

These were great deals because they were still nicely fitted inside, but you got a cheaper price.

 

[Pat Riot]

Finfanatic, that is a nifty Colt.

I would love to come across one of those Commandos. I have never seen one in person, only in photos. Let us know how it shoots.

How much did it cost you, if you don’t mind telling?

 

[CajunBass]

A friend of a friend had one back in the 80's I guess it was. Seemed to be OK, if ugly. I never fired it, and it remains the only one I've ever seen I believe.

 

[finfanatic]

Thanks for the replies.

I had no luck on any firearm dealings at the gunshow as everything was selling like hotcakes at kinda/sorta high prices I thought.

The seller wanted $550 for it, and would only come down to $525. But he threw in the extra grips and the case.

As it was the only one I had ever seen and it was in good shape, I plunked down the money not feeling like I had overpaid THAT MUCH....

I stopped by the FIL's on Monday evening as he has his own range setup in his backyard. The Commando shoots fairly high. You have to get the front sight down to just the very tip in the back sight channel. But function and trigger were fine.

I like it...even if I overpaid...

 

[Jimfern]

I think that's easily a $500 gun in a normal market. With the case, I think you got a decent deal.

 

[Pat Riot]

I would have paid $525 for it. Heck yeah.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Looks just like a 1980's Agent, except with a steel frame.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Looks just like a 1980's Agent, except with a steel frame.

Ive only ever seen the Agent version in person, several years ago. The machining of the aluminum frame itself was terrible, with uneven lines and many visible tool marks.

The OPs Commando looks much better, even with the "subdued" finish, lol.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have a couple of Agents. The machining and finish is noticeably better on one. Neither is fantastic.