new to me commander. questions.

[coopershooter]

I picked up a colt combat commander. its in about 90% condition. it has some handling wear. it also has some funky stag grips, the guy said were original, with a wooden backing.  How do i determine the date of manufacture? and can any one tell me what to expect from its accuracy and reliability? Ive always wanted one. thanks

[williamlayton]

Well now---define how accurate is accurate to you. They can be danged reliable. Some are--out of the box. I prefer to have 'em polished up a bit.
I am just anal in this respect.
Blessings

[Flint]

Depending on how old it is, it's year of manufacture may be listed by serial number range in R.L. Wilson's book on Colts.  Otherwise, you might ask on the Colt Forum.

[SharonAnne]

for a Commander size pistol, I consider 1/2 minute of bad guy to be quite fine.

[Smokin Joe]

Dates of manufacture:

http://www.coltsmfg.com/CustomerServices/SerialNumberLookup.aspx

[Ranger99]

send it to me, and i'll gladly
test fire it and report back to you.

[Mike in Virginia]

I've owned some Colt Commanders.  I've found them always to be ultra reliable, but way lacking in the accuracy department.  They are quite well suited for defending yourself at all reasonalbe distances, but a target gun they ain't.  I wish I had one now. 
You know what?  The most accurate auto I ever had was an Officer's Model.  So very accurate that I used it to hunt squirrels.  Although not nearly that accurate, the Colt Commander is the original carry big caliber pistol.