The gun that would become Colt's Lightweight Commander started out in the 1950s as a possible military sidearm, as the U.S. military sought a lightweight version of the M1911 chambered in 9 mm Luger.

Two new M1911s—the Competition Pistol and the revamped Lightweight Commander—prove that Colt is back on track. ... all-steel Government model with a typical Series 80 firing-pin safety.