Designed by Shooting Illustrated Field Editor Wiley Clapp, Colt rolled out its new 21st Century Commander at the NRA Annual Meetings in Charlotte last weekend. He signed autographs for fans, showed off the gun and explained a few of its features during the event. Clapp knows his Fightin’ Iron—also the name of his column in the magazine—so this 1911 handgun has “Everything you need, nothing you don’t.”

The Series ’70-style action does not have a firing pin safety, no light rail and no guide rod. I didn’t have a gauge at the meetings to test trigger let-off weight, but it’s light, there is no creep and it’s extremely crisp. I was told it’s between 4 and 4 1/2 pounds, but I have to admit it felt less than that.

There is no mag-release extension. Clapp explained it’s just one more thing to get hung up on the draw. It has a standard safety and no extended slide lock, further bulk-reducing touches designed to enhance a shooter’s ability to carry.

Clapp explained it’s the company’s first Commander since the 70 Series and it’s “A very nice carry gun.” His comment is a little understated. In your hand this is one of the most natural feeling and comfortable 1911s I’ve held.

The feel begins with Tactical Oval grips with a slight forward taper and fingerprint checkering. Pete Single 25 lpi checkering on the frontstrap ensures positive purchase, even in damp conditions.

With a flat mainspring housing, Colt’s new beavertail grip safety and an alloy receiver to reduce weight, it’s hard to put the gun down. Sights are Novaks, with an extra-wide notch at the rear and bead up front for quick target acquisition, regardless of light conditions.

Even though the finish was impeccable, it’s not glitzy or flashy. Instead it’s one heck of a self-defense gun, a subject Clapp knows well. After you take it out of the box, he said, “It’s going to live the rest of its life in a holster.”

I thought that’s what all handguns were supposed to do? MSRP is $1,379.

Story and Photos By Guy J. Sagi