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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:00:06 PM EDT
I don't know why but this pistol just turns me on for some reason. The thought of a parkerized WWII Colt revolver.
Anyone know the history behind these guns? I read somewhere that they were carried by WWII secret squirrels? Colt Commandos are very interesting relics from the WWII period. There were about 48,000 of them made from 2/1943 to 9/1945. 7,193 of them (about 15% of production) went to the OSS, or Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the CIA, headed by General William "Wild Bill" Donovan. Most of the others went to plant or maritime guard people. I acquired this one a few years ago; it was made in 1943. http://smith-wessonforum.com/firearms-knives-other-brands/117230-colt-commando.html I could probably get this one for around $1000.00, maybe a little more. This one is obviously OSS old stock;) 
More history... At the end of the war, the Army Ordnance historical report, "Project Support Paper #39," summarized the Commando's military history as follows The Colt "Commando" revolver, Caliber .38 Special was produced in fairly substantial quantities, totaling over 45,000 revolvers through February 1945. This revolver gave a very good performance and was distributed through Defense Supplies Corporation to police officers, factory guards and other nonmilitary personnel. Military use of this model was not extensive. In addition to misstating the number of Commandos procured by the Army, this summary understates the war contribution of the Commando. Although the overall number was modest, within the intelligence community the number of Commandos used was significant. Orders for the Counterintelligence Corps, Military Intelligence and the Office of Strategic Services totaled nearly 12,800. http://www.gunandswordcollector.com/Templates/articles/7_WW2_colt.html |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:02:21 PM EDT
[#1]
How about we talk you into buying it for me?
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:02:26 PM EDT
[#2]
If it "turns you on" and you can afford it, go for it.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:03:05 PM EDT
[#3]
I'd buy that.
So I can't talk you out of it. Doooooeeeeet. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:04:38 PM EDT
[#4]
Nope not gonna happen..
You know you want it.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:09:32 PM EDT
[#5]
Is that surface rust, or just globs of Cosmoline?
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:14:54 PM EDT
[#6]
That's a nice looking revolver, do it!
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:18:37 PM EDT
[#7]
Sexy name COMMANDO...But you know the guys who guarded the shipyards, bomber plants and ammunition factories...it was made by Colt for them...I had one a long time ago...a 2" snubby...one of just a handful of guns I ever regret selling...
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:19:09 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If it "turns you on" and you can afford it, go for it. This. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:19:10 PM EDT
[#9]
That gun is in good shape. If it does it for you, buy.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:19:47 PM EDT
[#10]
What else would you spend a grand on that's better or make you happier?
Probably not much.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:25:10 PM EDT
[#11]
id drop a grand on that right now if it was out in front of me
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:26:10 PM EDT
[#12]
Buy that gun.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:27:26 PM EDT
[#13]
That would be a nice gun to have re-blued...
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:28:30 PM EDT
[#14]
Again, what's the history?
Who were those issued to? Pilots? Officers? |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:29:19 PM EDT
[#15]
Lots of lesser guns cost more. I'd buy it.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:31:26 PM EDT
[#16]
Nice piece, I'd buy it.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:31:36 PM EDT
[#17]
What caliber?
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:31:49 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Again, what's the history? Who were those issued to? Pilots? Officers? Pilots and crewman, civilians that needed armed (ie security guards) about anyone who might need a weapon. It was Colt's version of the S&W Victory model. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:33:42 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Sexy name COMMANDO...But you know the guys who guarded the shipyards, bomber plants and ammunition factories...it was made by Colt for them...I had one a long time ago...a 2" snubby...one of just a handful of guns I ever regret selling...  |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:34:06 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What caliber? .38 Special |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:34:09 PM EDT
[#21]
Wrong Commando.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:36:15 PM EDT
[#22]
I don't like revolvers. However I could get used to that real fast.
Buy it. Now. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:40:34 PM EDT
[#23]
Price is high by several hundred bucks.
Is there a flaming bomb on the left side or a US property mark the frame or back strap? If so, add some bucks but a non marked one with a 4" barrel isn't worth a grand. It's just a OP Colt revolver with less finish work and parked. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:44:53 PM EDT
[#24]
I wouldn't even hesitate on that one. And I rarely buy pistols any more.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:46:18 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'd buy that. So I can't talk you out of it. Doooooeeeeet. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:48:10 PM EDT
[#26]
I was looking at that one yesterday.
OP, if I had the $$ that one would already be mine! |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:54:26 PM EDT
[#27]
Basically a Colt New Police stripped down for .GOV during WW2.
Cool pics OP. 
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:54:49 PM EDT
[#28]
That's pretty sweet. I wouldn't recommend buying it and having it blued though as someone else stated. It looks great the way it is. I would buy it if given the chance. Great collector's piece.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:56:20 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Lots of lesser guns cost more. I'd buy it. That's a nice way of summing it up. 
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:56:37 PM EDT
[#30]
Are you insane? Just buy it already. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:56:43 PM EDT
[#31]
Do it OP.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:56:56 PM EDT
[#32]
Aim has a similar revolver for under $200. It's not Colt but I'm not a fan boy
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:57:41 PM EDT
[#33]
About 15k made. Almost all used for civilian security work around plants.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 12:59:02 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That would be a nice gun to have re-blued... Well if you want to turn a $1000 piece into a $400 one, sure. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:01:22 PM EDT
[#35]
If you are a collector and you think it is worth it.go for it!
If you're going to shoot it....................don't, please don't!! |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:02:51 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you are a collector and you think it is worth it.go for it! If you're going to shoot it....................don't, please don't!! Really? For $1000 it would make a great daily carry piece. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:03:28 PM EDT
[#37]
Then you will need the proper holster for it.
My Commando. 
Quoted:
About 15k made. Almost all used for civilian security work around plants. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile When the plants shut down (or there was no further need for armed .mil guards) a lot of the arms "disapeared" into the civilian market. Many were purchased by the companies themselves and sold/given to employees. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:03:54 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you are a collector and you think it is worth it.go for it! If you're going to shoot it....................don't, please don't!! |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:09:35 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Is that surface rust, or just globs of Cosmoline? Cosmoline. It's new in the box. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:10:46 PM EDT
[#40]
Buy it if you like it, but don't indulge in that "secret squirrels" stuff. That gun was in a box. It has no history. You can't invent one for it.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:13:40 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Buy it if you like it, but don't indulge in that "secret squirrels" stuff. That gun was in a box. It has no history. You can't invent one for it. Just the fact that it's a WWII Colt Commando still in the original packaging, still with cosmo on it is history enough for me. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:14:27 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Buy it if you like it, but don't indulge in that "secret squirrels" stuff. That gun was in a box. It has no history. You can't invent one for it. As far a US martial arms go the 4" Commando did not have much history. Around 2k ( of the some 45K produced) went to the Navy though. http://gunandswordcollector.com/Templates/articles/7_WW2_colt.html |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:17:38 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
As far a US martial arms go the 4" Commando did not have much history. Around 2k ( of the some 45K produced) went to the Navy though. http://gunandswordcollector.com/Templates/articles/7_WW2_colt.html Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Buy it if you like it, but don't indulge in that "secret squirrels" stuff. That gun was in a box. It has no history. You can't invent one for it. As far a US martial arms go the 4" Commando did not have much history. Around 2k ( of the some 45K produced) went to the Navy though. http://gunandswordcollector.com/Templates/articles/7_WW2_colt.html See update to my original post. About 7000 went to the OSS. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:21:44 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
See update to my original post. About 7000 went to the OSS. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Buy it if you like it, but don't indulge in that "secret squirrels" stuff. That gun was in a box. It has no history. You can't invent one for it. As far a US martial arms go the 4" Commando did not have much history. Around 2k ( of the some 45K produced) went to the Navy though. http://gunandswordcollector.com/Templates/articles/7_WW2_colt.html See update to my original post. About 7000 went to the OSS. Mostly the 2" versions. My LGS has a 2" US marked holster but it's not much count except for display. It's so flat it looks like books were stacked on it.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:27:37 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Price is high by several hundred bucks. Is there a flaming bomb on the left side or a US property mark the frame or back strap? If so, add some bucks but a non marked one with a 4" barrel isn't worth a grand. It's just a OP Colt revolver with less finish work and parked. Links please? |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:31:55 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Price is high by several hundred bucks. Is there a flaming bomb on the left side or a US property mark the frame or back strap? If so, add some bucks but a non marked one with a 4" barrel isn't worth a grand. It's just a OP Colt revolver with less finish work and parked. If it's not stamped GHD with a flaming bomb, that's a $5-600 gun. If it is stamped, $1K is a fair price, but I wouldn't consider it a bargain. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:32:56 PM EDT
[#47]
OP..you want it, there for you need it, go for it.
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:32:59 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Links please? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Price is high by several hundred bucks. Is there a flaming bomb on the left side or a US property mark the frame or back strap? If so, add some bucks but a non marked one with a 4" barrel isn't worth a grand. It's just a OP Colt revolver with less finish work and parked. Links please? Here are examples of the bomb/inspector's mark. My Commando is simply P marked in that location. Some a bomb marked only. 
More markings for a Navy issued Commando. http://www.coltautos.com/DA/Commando/commandoci_2896.htm |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:35:12 PM EDT
[#49]
I'd buy it, but I'd shoot it.
An old NIB unfired gun means it will make a great shooter to me .That said, I'd FO. |
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Posted: 2/1/2015 1:39:09 PM EDT
[#50]
That this is beautiful. The colts have much better trigger than the smiths.
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