Looking for info: Colt "Commanding Officers" 9mm 1911

[WC145]

There's an oddball 1911 at the local gun shop that I've never seen before, have any of you?

It is a Commanding Officers model in 9mm. It has the short officers length slide on an alloy commander size frame. The right side of the slide is stamped "1 of 500". I called Colt and they said that it was the third issue of a three gun series - a .45 made in 1985 (500 of them), another .45 made in 1988 (365 of them), and this 9mm made in 1990 (500 of them). In their system it is designated the "Officers Lightweight Commander".

It is in the shop either on consignment or a trade in (can't remember which) and the asking price is $650. I'd say it is 95%+. I'm interested in any thoughts, info, experiences on these because it's calling to me and I may have to buy it!!

 

[CWL]

That really is an oddball, it'd make more sense to have Cmdr slide with Offcr frame. That'd be the ideal config for CCW.

If it is a legit Colt issue, it certainly is a rarity. I would also seriously consider it just for the rarity of it.

 

[Phil DeGraves]

Buy it.

 

[golden]

Beware

In the 1980's, COLT was putting out all sort of limited edition models using a mix of COMMANDER and OFFICER MODEL slides and frames.

These are generally very good guns and are well made.

Here is the catch, many COLT 1911 models in 9m.m. are not 100% reliable feeders. If you are buying a collector or just a plinker, it will not be a problem. If you intend to use it for self defence, you may have to invest some money into it.
The shorter length of the 9m.m. cartridge is the cause of the problem.

If I remember right, KIMBER and PARA ORDNANCE are now selling 9m.m. 1911 models. You may want to try using their magazines.

Jim

 

[WC145]

Thanks for the replies. I guess they are pretty rare, I've only found a couple of pics on the web. The gun shop is closed tues/wed but I'll be waiting at the door when they open tomorrow and see what kind of deal I can work out on it. If I buy it I'll post some pics.

 

[Phil DeGraves]

I've had good experience with Colt 9mms Gubmint and Commander. If anything, the 9mm works better in the shorter action Officers and Commander Models because the case is short. You do have to watch the magazines though.

 

[WC145]

Here's a link to a european gun auction site I found with some pics -

www.egun.de/market/item.php?id=1713156&PHPSESSID=138c