Colt Combat Commander Review
The name of Colt is understandably synonymous with John Moses Browning and the 1911. If you’re a fan of the 1911 platform, odds are good you use it for concealed carry. A Government sized 1911 with its 5.0-inch barrel can be more of a challenge to conceal, but if you size down a bit to a Commander it gets easier. The Colt Combat Commander is a fantastic pistol created for defensive use that’s great for concealed carry. We’re going to tell you all the details and you can decide for yourself if this should be your next dedicated carry gun.
Colt Combat Commander Specs
- Barrel length 4.25″
- Overall Length 7.75″
- Weight 33oz empty
- Action 1911
- Magazine Type Single Stack
- Capacity 8 +1
- Caliber 45 ACP
Colt Combat Commander Background
The Colt Combat Commander model, specifically, was introduced by the gun maker in 2017. Colt created the gun to be the ideal modernized self-defense gun that strikes the balance between concealability and ease of use. It offers a nice aesthetic and good overall performance. A few variants have been made with three calibers currently being offered: 45 ACP, 9mm, and 38 Super. Of course, there’s a lot more to this model than under a decade of existence.
The Colt Commander itself has been around since 1945—the creation of the Combat Commander model was simply a new variant. 1911s that are Commander sized have standard 4.25-inch barrels and are meant to be compact rather than full-sized. On the scale of 1911 sizes, the Commander is right below the Government, which is the platform’s full-sized model. In the generations since its creation the Commander has seen a lot of carry use.
Features of the Colt Combat Commander
This is a great carry gun that offers a lot of features that make it compatible with concealment and defensive applications. Features of the Colt Combat Commander include:
1 Novak sights
Novak sights are good quality and work well out of the box.
2 Smooth Racking
Angled serrations at rearward portion of slide for smooth racking.
3 Hammer
Rounded, serrated hammer to avoid snags and provide purchase when manipulating it
4 Extended Beavertail
Extended beavertail to encourage a high, tight grip.
5 Grip
G10 grips for a firm hold during live fire even with wet or sweaty hands.
Other Models and Colors
Colt Combat Commander—Our Take
For gun owners interested in finding the best carry gun for them, the Colt Combat Commander could be a good fit. Colt did a nice job designing and manufacturing a modernized Commander-sized 1911 that retains the attributes the platform is preferred for by many shooters. It’s both a good-looking handgun and a reliably-performing one. And although we’re covering the 45 ACP chambered model—because that’s a classic for the 1911—you can get it in other calibers.
Shootability
The reduced dimensions of the Combat Commander—at least when compared to Government models—aren’t so extreme that they make it challenging to shoot well. This pistol has a good factory trigger and felt recoil is manageable. 45 ACP doesn’t produce overwhelming recoil at all and shooters unfamiliar with it might be pleasantly surprised to find out it’s more of a firm push into your hand rather than a slap. Rapid fire is possible and remains relatively accurate with this gun.
Accuracy
This is an accurate gun at a wide range of distances. It is, of course, best suited to somewhat closer ranges due to its 45 ACP chambering (this is a caliber with a more rapid drop rate than others). However, you can also ring steel with it at 100 yards once you’re familiar with the drift and drop rate. It fulfills the requirements of accuracy for defensive use.
Ergonomics
The Combat Commander offers the expected 1911 ergonomics with a few nice touches. For example, the G10 grips are textured enough to improve grip without being overly aggressive, and the backstrap safety is fit well so it doesn’t pinch (some 1911s do). Controls can be manipulated without excessively adjusting your grip.
Value
As a higher priced 1911, the Colt Combat Commander might not be ideal if you want a basic carry gun. Although it’s a quality gun that cycles reliably and is accurate, the price point is a bit much.
Colt Combat Pros and Cons
- Blunted and rounded edges to reduce risk of snagging.
- Carbon steel frame and slide are rugged and can withstand serious use.
- Small enough to be easy to conceal without being too tiny.
- Extended beavertail grip safety facilitates a high grip and protects hands from the slide.
- Higher price point than many similarly-performing 1911s.
- 45 ACP chambering might not be your preference for defensive use.
- Limited capacity as a single-stack 1911.
Our Grade
B+
Reviewed by Kat Ainsworth-Stevens
Reader’s Grade
TBD
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Colt Combat Commander Deals Gun Deals
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$859.95
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$979.00
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$989.99
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Important Links and Manuals for Colt Combat Commander
Are you looking to pick up an Colt Combat Commander but need a bit more info? Or maybe you’ve just misplaced your user’s manual? Either way, check out the links below.
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About Kat Ainsworth-Stevens
Kat is a respected author and dedicated student of the gun. To date, she has published three books and written thousands of articles on firearms and self-defense in print and online.
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