While it doesn't bear the 1911 name, this Colt Lightweight Stainless Commander pistol is a direct descendant of that well-respected old warhorse. The Commander is basically a cut-down 1911, with a shorter frame, barrel, and slide. Other significant differences include an alloy frame and an redesigned hammer spur, which makes the hammer more difficult to manually cock, but helps prevent it snagging on clothing when drawn from a holster.
The Commander came into being shortly after World War Two, and hit the commercial market in 1950. Initial chamberings included 9mm Luger, 38 Super, and 45 ACP. Initially, all Commanders had alloy frames, but some folks still preferred the strength and durability of steel, and a steel-frame version was brought out two decades later, dubbed the Combat Commander. Subsequently, alloy-frame versions were referred to as Lightweight Commanders.
I picked up this particular gun several years ago as my first 1911, and it has seen a few changes in its life. Because I haven't found it in any Blue Book, I'm not certain what features this model had when it left the factory, but by the time I got the pistol, it already had its full-length stainless steel guide rod and checkered walnut grip panels by Millett. I added a Pearce rubber finger groove insert, and replaced the cheap-looking black plastic trigger with a nicer one from Wilson Combat.
The left side of the gun is shown above, and is marked COMMANDER LIGHTWEIGHT on the side of the polished stainless steel slide, with the rampant colt logo just behind those words. The magazine (not clip) release is located aft of the trigger. Above the mag release is the slide release, and the safety is at the rear. When the safety is engaged, it locks the slide shut by engaging in the triangular notch that's just above the safety in this photo.
