NRA Gun of the Week: Colt Wiley Clapp Stainless Commander Pistol

by
posted on November 26, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

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

Latest

American Made Fowlers F
American Made Fowlers F

American Fowlers: The Colonial Longarm for Hunting & Home Defense

In colonial America, it was firearms from other countries that armed soldiers, but for most of the civilian populace, American-made fowlers fit the bill.

Mossberg's Stock Options: The 590R & 590RM Chisel Folders

The Mossberg pump-action 500/590-series is the most widely produced shotgun of all time, and now there are two new models that use the innovative Chisel Machining folding stock.

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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.