Make: Colt

Model: Commando

Serial Number: 3815

Year of Manufacture: 1943 (C&R)

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the top strap.

Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered brown plastic with Colt medallions. While they are in excellent condition with minimal handling wear, they do not appear to be original to the firearm.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minor handling wear and light operational wear on the cylinder. The parkerized finish remains strong, with only small areas of thinning and slight edge wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and well-defined. Overall, this revolver rates in about excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with little play, and the double and single-action trigger pulls are smooth. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Colt Commando was produced during World War II as a wartime alternative to the commercial Colt Official Police. These revolvers were intended for military and law enforcement use, featuring a parkerized finish and plastic grips for durability. Many were issued to guards, military police, and defense workers during the war, making them a significant part of American wartime history.

With its 4-inch barrel and chambering in .38 Special, the Commando was well-suited for security and law enforcement roles, offering reliability and ease of use. The parkerized finish helped protect against corrosion, making it ideal for military and government service in various conditions.

This example remains in outstanding condition, retaining about 90% of its original finish, though the grips, while excellent, do not appear to be original to the firearm. Its strong bore and smooth action make it an excellent choice for collectors of military and police revolvers or anyone interested in WWII-era firearms.