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Colt had already made a decision to market the shorter, lighter version of the Government Model. In early 1950, it was introduced as the Commander Model. Calibers were .45, .38 Super and 9mm. The Colt Commander was a landmark pistol. At 26-1/2 ounces, it was our first big-bore aluminum frame pistol. Often overlooked is the fact that the Commander was the first pistol ever commercially produced in America in the 9mm chambering.

By the end of the 1950s, the position of the 1911 had evolved. Now, almost half a century old, from being a splendid military pistol, it was becoming everyman’s pistol.

After the end of WWII, all shooting sports increased in popularity. A joke of the time was that returning servicemen were only interested in two things — and the second one was shooting.

Bullseye pistol shooting benefited from this renewed interest and became very popular. The National Match Course had sections for 22-caliber, Centerfire and 45-caliber pistols. Everyone wanted a .45.

The National Matches, closed during WWII and Korea, resumed in 1953. Military “National Match” pistols were made from .45s on hand beginning in 1955. Most were made at Springfield Armory (thus getting the facility back into providing pistols, if not actually manufacturing them), and were stamped NM. Originally fitted with high fixed sights, they were made with adjustable sights in 1961. Colt furnished parts for such work.