Model O9840XE is Colt's Lightweight Commander: a 4.25-inch .45 ACP 1911 on an aluminum alloy frame, which brings the unloaded weight down to 26 ounces. Both the frame and the serrated stainless steel slide carry a stainless-color Cerakote finish, and the grips are black and gray G10. Novak white dot sights sit on the slide, the trigger is single action, and the controls are a beavertail grip safety with an upswept tang and an extended thumb safety on both sides. Capacity is 7+1 with the single included magazine, and overall length is 8.5 inches.

This is the 1911 for someone who carries one. The alloy frame cuts a quarter of the weight off a steel full-size gun, the Commander-length slide rides better on a belt, and the ambidextrous safety suits left-handed shooters or a support-hand draw. The white dot sights are a carry setup rather than a target one, which is the point.

Key features

• .45 ACP single-action 1911, 7+1 capacity
• 4.25-inch Commander barrel, aluminum alloy frame
• 26 ounces unloaded
• Novak white dot sights
• Extended ambidextrous thumb safety, upswept beavertail

Handguns ship to the FFL dealer you pick at checkout, where you fill in Form 4473 and clear the background check before taking it home.