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Jim Watson · November 5, 2002, 04:58 PM

There are actually two different finishes.

The Combat Commander was available in "Satin Nickel" from the time it was introduced in the late 70s until 1986 (according to the Blue Book.)
"Coltguard" was electroless nickel applied by an outside contractor to some models *after* 1986. I think it was done to tide them over until they could get more guns out in stainless.
I don't have serial number vs dates for Commanders, but I can say that the Satin Nickel guns are much more common.
The Satin Nickel has the slight yellowish cast of regular nickel plate, just with a brush finish. The few Coltguard guns I have seen were a grayer finish that looked more like stainless. Doesn't make much difference in book values. Shoot and enjoy.

November 5, 2002, 04:58 PM	#6
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	There are actually two different finishes. The Combat Commander was available in "Satin Nickel" from the time it was introduced in the late 70s until 1986 (according to the Blue Book.) "Coltguard" was electroless nickel applied by an outside contractor to some models after 1986. I think it was done to tide them over until they could get more guns out in stainless. I don't have serial number vs dates for Commanders, but I can say that the Satin Nickel guns are much more common. The Satin Nickel has the slight yellowish cast of regular nickel plate, just with a brush finish. The few Coltguard guns I have seen were a grayer finish that looked more like stainless. Doesn't make much difference in book values. Shoot and enjoy.