Firearm Blogs > Clapp on Handguns

How about the CCOs?

February 03, 2011

Several friends have asked me to find out why Colt no longer makes the CCO, which stands for Concealed Carry Officer's Model. I have to wonder if any readers are also interested. This little 1911 variant is one of the slickest 1911 iterations I have ever seen. Colt made a number of them in the 90s, then followed up with a short run of Gunsite CCOs. They were very popular and are approaching cult favorite status. Basically, this gun was an Officer's ACP frame with a Commander slide fitted thereto. This gave the gun the length of a Commander and the height of a Defender.

The resulting pistol had a 4 1/4-inch barrel for performance and sight radius advantages, but a receiver that took a short 6-round magazine. The shorter butt was much easier to hide than a long one and the top end had all of the advantages of a Commander, particularly in the reliability sense. The Gunsite pistols were much preferred by concealed carry handgunners and bring top dollar in the secondary market.

Making one of these pistols is simply choosing the right parts. Colt currently makes everything required to assemble a CCO, so I am puzzled that they have not done so. If you want to write with your concerns about the availability of such a gun, write to me care of this blog. I will get your feelings to the right folks at Colt.

Tags: blogs, colt carry officer’s model, colt firearms, how about the ccos?, wiley clapp

Share |

Comments

ADD YOUR COMMENT

Enter your comments below, they will appear within 24 hours

13 Responses to How about the CCOs?

Add your Comment

Jessica M wrote:
December 11, 2012

I have an original run Colt CCO...anyone know about how much those are worth nowadays?

Mark Sharrah wrote:
December 15, 2011

The magazine capacity is incorrect. The Colt CCO has 7rd capacity mags, though they are the size of 6rnd mags. They have a follower that allows 7rnd capacity in a 6 rnd mag. Readers should be advised of this err.

Michael Kay wrote:
March 03, 2011

Mr. Clapp, Thank you for this piece. I have noticed that Kimber made similar configuration 1911s, and S&W continues to do so. It would only be right for Colt to return to this offering as well. Manufacturers tend to think that those who yell the loudest are the only ones who talk. Truth is, many Americans love Colt, and are loyal to Colt FIRST. I believe, if Colt made this gun, it would sell. P.S. Rumor is you had a hand in a custom Colt SAA yet to be released-is this true?

Orlando wrote:
February 11, 2011

I wonder: If the CCO was such a great model of fire arms, Why they stop making them? It dose't make any sence at all. Dont they get feedback from thous who has them? I'm just asking!!

Grady Gillis wrote:
February 10, 2011

I have fullsize, commander, and officers' models. I'd really like to see the merger of commander slide and officers' frame. Short frame should help printing.

David Barham wrote:
February 10, 2011

I'm very interested in the Colt CCO. I have a Defender and wonder if it's possible to replace the 3" slide and barrel assembly with a Colt 4.25" slide and barrel assembly to acheive the desired result. I have a SIG RCS that I really love that is configured as you described the CCO. A Colt would be nice too.

Tim Cooke wrote:
February 10, 2011

My preferred carry gun, now and for 21 years as an Armored Cavalry officer, is the Colt Lightweight Commander. The CCO provides better concealability, but I'm doubtful I would buy one to replace my LWC. It would seem an ideal option for someone that doesn't already own a concealable .45ACP

Terry Ladage wrote:
February 10, 2011

I have both a Colt Gunsite CCO as well as the Dan Wesson CCO. As long as Dan Wesson makes theirs, I'm sorry to say, Colt doesn't need to make one. The Dan Wesson is a much better gun and the gun I carry every day in the summer. If Colt is thinking of coming out with the CCO again please ask them to at least make it to the specs of the Gunsite version. The non Gunsite versions were not acceptable.

ronald echler wrote:
February 10, 2011

I like the sigarms GSR 1911 with a 4.2in barrel and a 7 rd mag.

William Pratt wrote:
February 10, 2011

Dan Wesson offers a very nice CCO. Mine has replaces my Kimber Compact Carry as my preferred carry gun. The bushing type 4 1/4" barrel is a plus for shooting and reliability while no detriment to concealment. The bottom of the mainspring housing has been rounded and smoothed to further prevent printing of the shorter grip.

Michael Lentini wrote:
February 09, 2011

I carry a LW Officer's model 1911 Colt. The longer bbl, is a good option. Need more info on conversion. Where could I find that info? Thanks.

Terry Schrecongost wrote:
February 09, 2011

While working for the local police dept. as a level one reservist I chose the Colt Officers model as my concealed carry weapon. I always scored higher with this weapon then any other including my colt 6" revolver and the duty issue Smith and Wesson model 19. I would really like the opportunity to re-acuire a new version of this model.

Tom Weisbeck wrote:
February 08, 2011

I don't own a Colt CCO, but I do own a Kimber CDP Compact. It is one of my favorite carry 1911's. I really like the concept. Accurate, easy to carry and easy to shoot well.