The Colt MKIV/Series 80 Commander is a significant evolution of Colt’s iconic 1911 pistol design, first introduced in 1983. It was part of the MKIV/Series 80 lineup, which incorporated an internal firing pin safety mechanism to improve the pistol's drop safety. The Commander model, originally developed in the 1950s, was designed as a more compact variant of the full-sized 1911, with a 4.25-inch barrel, making it easier to carry while still retaining much of the original’s handling and accuracy. The Series 80 improvements added a unique firing pin block system that required the trigger to engage a safety lever to release the firing pin, addressing concerns raised after several high-profile incidents involving accidental discharges.