Though the concept was originally introduced in the 1950s, the Colt Lightweight Commander in 9 mm Luger didn’t take off the way a modern shooter might expect. The carry and concealment qualities of the Commander-size platform—full-size grip and magazine, but shortened slide and 4.25” barrel—were appreciated, but the metallurgy for the lightweight aluminum-alloy frame, and particularly the quality and performance of 1950s-era 9 mm Luger ammunition were not, shall we say, confidence inspiring. Of course, in terms of manufacturing and ballistics, we’ve come a long way in the last 60-plus years. The Colt Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander in 9 mm Luger was designed in part by its namesake long-time American Rifleman Field Editor, and has the appearance and some features of a classic Colt autoloader—including a brass bead front sight and G.I.-style tab safety lever. Rest assured, though, the gun also takes advantage of modern technology and ammunition to yield a firearm that is very suitable for today’s armed citizen. To learn more, watch our NRA Gun Gear of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman's Joe Kurtenbach.
Additional Reading:
Colt's New M1911s: The Competition Pistol and Lightweight Commander 
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Colt Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander 9 mm Pistol
Latest
How to Accurately Measure a Gun Barrel's Length
Measuring the actual length of a barrel might seem like a simple task, but there's an industry-standard (and legally required) method to accurately measuring the length of your firearm's barrel.
Winchester Ammunition Named Second-Source Provider for U.S. Army
Winchester Ammunition has once again been selected by the U.S. Army as the second-source provider for small-caliber rifle ammunition. The most recent contract covers 5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO and .50 BMG cartridges.
Tips for Buying Your First Handgun
Buying a gun based on how it feels at the counter is like buying a car without test-driving it. It's the firearm equivalent of just sitting behind the wheel, going “vroom vroom!”
Silent Bull: The Taurus TTX Suppressor Series
With its TTX series, Taurus USA is launching a full set of suppressors designed to complement the company's line of firearms.
Gun of the Week: Savage Arms 110 Core Tactical
Recently, Savage Arms has embarked on an ambitious project to update and modernize its extensive line of bolt-action rifles, and one of the latest enhanced models available is the company's 110 Core Tactical bolt-action.
Political Report | NRA Responds to ATF’s Regulatory Overhaul
Administrative rules are not the most glamorous aspect of national governance. But they are fundamental to bureaucracy’s inner workings and how they affect, for better or for worse, the daily lives of ordinary Americans.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
