Colt listened. American Rifleman Field Editor Wiley Clapp has been writing about handguns—especially defensive handguns—for a living for 35 years. In that time, let alone his time as Marine infantry officer in Vietnam and as a sheriff's deputy in Southern California, Wiley has learned a thing or two and formed some strong opinions, opinions implemented on the factory floor at Colt. This stainless steel Wiley Clapp Commander has "Everything you need and nothing you don't." A gun with Series 70 lockwork, Altamont Tactical Oval grips, Pete Single 25 line-per-inch front strap checkering and genuine Novak sights—including a brass front bead and a wide rear—this piece of "fighting iron" is our Gun of the Week.
Specifications:
Model: Wiley Clapp Stainless Commander
Manufacturer: Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC
Chambering: .45 ACP
Action: single action, recoil-operated, semi-automatic center-fire pistol
Frame: stainless steel
Slide: stainless steel
Sights: Novak drift-adjustable; brass bead front, wide notch rear
Magazine: detachable-box, eight-round capacity
Trigger: 3-lb., 3-oz. pull
Barrel Length: 4.25”, stainless steel
Stocks: Tactical Oval grips with fingerprint checkering
Weight: 36 ozs.
MSRP: $1,259
NRA Gun of the Week: Colt Wiley Clapp Stainless Commander Pistol
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Gun of the Week: Savage Arms Axis 2 Pro Western
Savage Arms has a whole new line of Axis rifles to suit the needs of a new generation of hunters and shooters, all loaded with premium features, and we took a closer look at the company's Axis 2 Pro Western.
Bookshelf: Rifle Cartridges for the Hunter
Richard Mann's latest book offers all the color of hunting stories with plenty of practical information, to boot.
The Armed Citizen® March 27, 2026
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
Statements to Members Regarding Indemnification
A statement to members regarding indemnification insurance for directors and officers of the National Rifle Association of America.
Review: Colt Enhanced Patrol Rifle II Pro
For many AR-15 enthusiasts, the Colt 6920 remains the benchmark for a solidly built rifle. The company's new Enhanced Patrol Rifle II Pro builds on that legacy with a number of welcome updates.
Winchester Ammunition: More Than Just Ammo
Winchester Ammunition has proven its commitment to the community through several initiatives that show the company is dedicated to making more than just ammunition.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
