Description
Colt Combat Elite Commander 1911 Two-Tone Gas Blowback Airsoft Pistol (EMG/Army – R47)
This is the Colt licensed Combat Elite Commander, a gas blowback 1911 made by Army Armament for EMG, finished in two-tone and listed with the model code R47. The Commander is the shorter-slide member of the 1911 family, and the Combat Elite styling with a contrasting two-tone finish gives it a smart, classic look.
EMG holds licences for a range of real-world firearms brands, and these Colt 1911 pistols are built by Army Armament, a maker known for well-finished gas blowback pistols at a sensible price. Retailer listings under the same model codes describe these pistols as T8 models, with T8 upgrade parts already fitted.
Build and design
Those listings describe a full metal build with textured polymer grip panels, and a steel hammer group (hammer and strut, sear and disconnector) for durability. The hop-up is adjustable and fitted with a T8 70-degree hop-up bucking, which is aimed at consistent performance with heavier BBs. The pistols are listed as semi-automatic, running on green gas with a 26-round magazine.
A retailer listing for the black Combat Elite Commander (R47) adds an 11mm clockwise threaded outer barrel, a weight of about 0.95kg and Colt Combat Elite markings. This version is two-tone, so please check the product images for the exact finish. The Commander format makes the pistol a little handier than a full-size Government model while keeping the full-length grip.
How it shoots
In a gas blowback pistol the magazine holds both the BBs and the gas. When you pull the trigger, the hammer strikes a valve in the magazine and releases a burst of gas: part of it sends the BB through the hop-up and down the barrel, and the rest drives the slide back, cocking the hammer and loading the next BB as the slide returns. The result is a pistol that cycles and recoils much like the real thing.
A 1911 single-action trigger is short and crisp, which makes it easy to place shots accurately. Combined with the weight of a metal pistol, that gives the Commander a steady, satisfying feel on the range.
Handling
The controls follow the classic 1911 pattern, with a thumb safety, slide stop and magazine release in their familiar places. The shorter slide clears a holster quickly and carries comfortably on the belt or in a drop-leg.
Before the first game, read the manual so you know the controls and the safety arrangement. Fill the magazine with the gas the manual recommends in short bursts, holding the can upright, and let it settle for a moment. Load BBs, fire a few shots at a safe backstop with the hop-up off, then add hop gradually until the BBs fly flat.
Key features
- Colt licensed Combat Elite Commander, built by Army Armament for EMG
- Two-tone finish
- Commander-length slide
- Full metal construction (per retailer listing)
- Steel hammer group (per retailer listing)
- Adjustable hop-up with T8 70-degree bucking (per retailer listing)
- 26-round green gas magazine (per retailer listing)
- 11mm CW threaded outer barrel (per retailer listing)
What’s in the box
- Combat Elite Commander gas blowback pistol
- 26-round green gas magazine (per retailer listing)
Compatibility
Retailer listings state that the T8 1911 range is compatible with Tokyo Marui-based 1911 parts and some Tokyo Marui-based Hi-Capa parts, and that it takes Tokyo Marui-based 1911 green gas magazines as well as Army Armament 1911 green gas magazines. Fit can still vary, so test any new magazine before relying on it in a game. Use good quality seamless 6mm BBs and the gas recommended in the manual.
Holsters made for Commander-length 1911s give the best fit, although many full-size 1911 holsters will also carry a Commander. The 11mm clockwise thread takes tracers and silencers made for that thread.
Care and maintenance
Put a drop of silicone oil on the magazine’s fill valve and seals every few fills, and store magazines with a little gas in them so the seals stay tight. Do not overfill, and in cold weather let magazines warm up naturally rather than heating them. Wipe the slide rails and moving parts with a thin film of silicone oil now and then, clean the inner barrel with a rod and patch, and use good quality seamless BBs. Never use petroleum-based oils or solvents on seals, and store the pistol unloaded and dry.
Who is it for?
The Combat Elite Commander suits 1911 enthusiasts and collectors who want a licensed Colt in a classic two-tone finish, and players who like a slightly more compact metal sidearm.
Please note: Gas and BBs are not included. Always wear suitable eye protection when using any airsoft replica, and have it chronographed at your site before play.
