JackBull
Hunter
Thinking of getting a 1911. Havent had one for 25 years. Ive owned all 3 sizes. Since I wont carry I dont need the Officers. Whats your vote, Commander or Full size?
Commander or Full Size?
- Thread starter JackBull
- Start date
I think the Commander is the best looking, hands down, but my only 1911 that I have now is a 5 inch model, they are reliable.
I've had both, shot both and carried both. I can't think of a single (real) advantage that the slightly shorter version has over the original. On the other hand, I can think of at least three advantages that the original has over the shorter version....You can take it from there.
DGW
DGW
For what purpose? I find my Commander size much faster handling on plates and drills than my full size 1911's.
If you are just casually plinking I'd go full size.
You didn't mention caliber.....
But that's just my experience/opinion....Basically it's up to you as this type of advice solicited from a forum will be biased for one reason or another.
If you are just casually plinking I'd go full size.
You didn't mention caliber.....
But that's just my experience/opinion....Basically it's up to you as this type of advice solicited from a forum will be biased for one reason or another.
I own and/or have owned both. Flip a coin.
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2012
- Messages
- 10,891
Personally I like full size steel or stainless 1911’s, my commanders are all light weight models.
When I was considering an officer size, a member here talked me out of it.
RIP
When I was considering an officer size, a member here talked me out of it.
RIP
Strawdog
Single-Sixer
Combat Commander. ... Steel frame ... best balance and handling.
Like to share the advantages?
I prefer the colt commander
If you're carrying, Commander length. Otherwise, full length.
I’ve got three, all full length. I prefer to carry a Colt Cobra snubbie and I’ve done so for nearly fifty years. If I were to carry a 1911 it would be a Colt Commander just because of the size/weight.
Picked this one up this week and it’s already been shot. I have no safe queens.
Picked this one up this week and it’s already been shot. I have no safe queens.
Killer Bee
Advanced Level Novice
really depends on the factors most important to you.
SA Custom Pro - hard fit custom, extremely accurate and reliable, stunning looks, prestigious CRG pedigree, highly collectable
Colt CLW - great range shooter, holster friendly, light weight, reliable, collectable Bicentennial year
- finish quality
- functional quality
- reliability
- accuracy
- price point
- collector value
SA Custom Pro - hard fit custom, extremely accurate and reliable, stunning looks, prestigious CRG pedigree, highly collectable
Colt CLW - great range shooter, holster friendly, light weight, reliable, collectable Bicentennial year
Without handling both to see how they feel in the hand to you personally I go with flip a coin, and perhaps down the road when you can and have the itch get the other one. We have two of the full sized Colts, a Gold Cup Trophy(his) and one in .38 Super(Mine). Both are great pistols. Can't go wrong whichever you pick.
p345Fan
Single-Sixer
For me it’s the Commander because of the sight radius. I have Astigmatism and wear glasses. The Commander is just the one that I can see the sights clearly on.
Absolutely! It is those little, and at times not so little bits, that actually handling can let you notice that may be an issue now or down the road a ways.
all good points above and over the past 78 years, we have had ,carried, used both versions even some earlier ones like the Detonics, but after all is said and done we only have two left, a 'retired' 1960s National match 45 and when the Ruger came out with their SR1911, we got one of the first full sized stainless ,works for us, and cAn even carry it, if we have to...the choice is what works for YOU and what you like and want to use it for, cannot go wrong and in time ,heck get one of each........
GasGuzzler
Hawkeye
Both
I have a full and want a small one in 9mm.
I have a full and want a small one in 9mm.
Full size. I have had all sizes. The Commander carries better in a police duty holster in the car. However, the Full Size 1911 .45 acp is more accurate because the longer sight radius helps me with the aim.
That said, a new 1911, EVEN Colt, often has reliably issues due to the factory making them too quickly, skipping steps. I use only Colt factory mags, the best in my opinion, and only hardball. After all, it is .45 caliber and that’s a big hole maker. After market mags, even the popular ones have all given me problems at some point. I suggest at least two spare mags, mostly because you might accidentally push the release button if you wear it all the time and have not proven your holster might allow that, or cause the accidental release. That way you have a reload for initial shooting. It does happen. If you are active, it can happen. Shoot at least 500 rounds before carrying to see if a reliability issue arises and needs fixed. After you have proven your 1911’s reliability, it’s the ticket (to life saving).
This is exactly the bias I'm referring to. This OP, who throws these broad brush type questions out frequently brews a mix of "I'M RIGHT BECAUSE..." type answers without them even knowing what the heck the OP intends to do with either. Sometimes INHO it's intentional like an arsonist lighting a match. Additionally, the OP usually never responds back.
COLT was once king of the hill....yeah they have some issues now. Big problems sadly. But it wouldn't prevent me from buying a base gun. Factory mags? The best? Aftermarket giving problems? Most folks who shoot competitively would see the humor in that. Wilson 47 series are the go to in Comp, Military, Contracting and LE for a reason. Not opinion but fact. Opinions are sometimes from experience in shooting, duty, or just hearsay, reading or viewing.
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Commander.
Lightweight.
9mm.
Lightweight.
9mm.
More velocity with a given load=more power.
The longer gun is easier to shoot well due to it having better balance and a longer sighting plane.
As a general rule the original length is less prone to malfunctions due to it retaining the JMB designed barrel-link-frame geometry....in other words, as the barrel gets shorter the more acute the feed angle of the barrel ramp will be during feeding. Sometimes that don't work so well with non-ball ammo....of course, "balance" can be an objective thing, and custom work can overcome an ammo-associated problem. Still though, after having and using both, those are the conclusions that I came to.
DGW
OP
JackBull
Hunter
A 9mm 1911 is like tits on a bull.
The Commander still has the same size handle as a full size gun. The full size 1911 is only 3/4" longer than the Commander. If not carrying concealed, I see no reason for the short barrel and if carrying concealed I don't want either. Give me the Officer.
And known to be far more reliable and faster in a 1911 platform than a 45, 38, 10.....
I like the balance and handiness of the Commander, but retain my full size for a "house" gun. Both are Kimbers. The Commander is a 9mm, as at 75, I don't tolerate recoil as well as I used to. It has been reliable with all types of ammo.
True that. The only things that make the Commander a little better for carry are it's hammer and it's shorter grip safety, which most people these days discard in favor of "beaver tail" set ups anyway. Even the aluminum frame of the original Commander don't help all that much because either way, it is still a heavy gun when fully loaded, and either way, it is best carried in a proper holster....Or leastways, that's the best way I've found to do it.
DGW
Agreed...If one simply must have an all metal, .36-Cal pistol, there's better platforms for that...The BHP comes to mind here...Yeah, the 1911 has a faster trigger reset, but how many shooters are good enough at high speed shooting to actually benefit from the difference?...Yes, I'm sure of it. If I'm going to arm myself with a 1911, it's going to also be a .45 .
DGW
I agree. I wrote that from my experience. Thank you for your view point. I appreciate it.
