1911 Officer and Commander sized pistols [Archive]

Bullwolf

01-11-2017, 01:00 AM

I bought a new Colt 1991 officers model back in the early 1990's.

Not my pistol, just a random Google picture of a Colt Officers 1991
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a266/LOBO2/COLT1911M1991A1COMPACTa.jpg~original

It had a very short slide travel range, and was fussy about some types of ammunition generally preferring RN Ball Ammo.

I grew up shooting a 5inch government model 1911, and I never could adapt to the shorter sight radius of the officers model. I always pointed it wrong and shot to a different POI when I'd first pick it up. I sold the Colt in less than a year.

The guy who bought that 1991 Officers model loves it. Ive noticed folks offer to purchase it from him, while shooting it at the public range. I've shot it a couple times since selling it as well, and I still can't warm up to the pistol.

Alternatively some just folks love the officers model. It's definitely a more compact pistol.

I'd prefer a full length slide, and a frame with a bobtail cut rather than the officers model personally.

- Bullwolf

Silver Jack Hammer

01-11-2017, 01:49 AM

I echo Bullwolf's comments. The Commander size has a shorter slide cycle and I couldn't stand the way it felt when I shot mine. I've got 2 steel 5" Colt's 1911's and 1 Colt's alloy 1911. They all shoot like a dream. Then I picked up an alloy Commander that I hated. All these guns are .45's. Sold it to a Glock shooter and he loves it. Maybe I'll try a steel Commander some day just out of curiosity. Once a guy has one good 1911 5" operating well he can enjoy the liberty of trying other versions. If they don't work for you nothing has been lost.

Der Gebirgsjager

01-11-2017, 01:57 AM

I've got both a Series 70 and 1991-A1 Combat Commander. Their good feature is that they are just a bit more concealable. But I never liked their balance and feel in the hand as much as the full sized model.

DougGuy

01-11-2017, 02:08 AM

I have owned Officer's models with full size frames, 14+1 Para frames, and compact frames, prefer the full size frame models for the extra round capacity. All of the Officer's I have owned have experienced recoil plug failures. They crack and the little nib that holds the recoil plug in the slide breaks off and the recoil springs go flying downrange.

They have a shorter but very stiff recoil spring, and the velocity of the slide is the fastest of all 1911s, they are very hard on recoil springs and seem to work better with a guide rod. The recoil impulse it imparts to the shooter's hands and wrists are VERY sharp, they will have your hands shaking in short order, making it hard to hold the sights steady. There really isn't any way to lighten them up too much and shoot target ammo, you can, but they become even more finicky with loads when you want to load 200gr LSWC.

I also owned and carried a Commander I built on a Caspian frame with Colt slide and all aftermarket goodies like McCormick sear, Videcki trigger, Wolff springs, etc and it was a real sweetheart, best 1911 I ever owned. I would recommend the Commander 10 to 1 over the Officer's model any day of the week.

LUCKYDAWG13

01-11-2017, 08:17 AM

I'm really liking Rugers new line up of 1911 especially the new 9mm I have one of there 45 Commander but that 9 mm is calling to me http://www.ruger-firearms.com/products/sr1911/models.html

Lloyd Smale

01-11-2017, 08:19 AM

ive got an officers Kimber cdp and a Kimber custom commander. Like them both and they both run good. that said my Kimber pro carry cdp which has a commander length slide and a officers grip frame is probably my favorite carry 1911. Theres no doubt though that the smaller you get the more likely you are to have problems. Especially in a cheaper gun. I once had a springfield commander (if I remember was called the champion) that was an unreliable gun and a springfield officers (think they called it the GI) that would have made a great rock to throw in the lake and that's about it. The cdps though are pretty amazing. Darned little things run like a top and are just as accurate as most of the full sized 1911s ive owned. But they don't give them away. Ive heard the springfield range officers are good little guns too as are the sti officers sized guns. I have a buddy who has two of them and there great little guns

osteodoc08

01-11-2017, 08:28 AM

You've just got to try it. Some like it, some don't. I prefer a Commander size for carry especially if bobbed. Full size is always good. My EDC is a Colt LW Commander

osteodoc08

01-11-2017, 08:36 AM

Just remember the shorter the barrel, generally the reliability goes down

georgerkahn

01-11-2017, 08:53 AM

A few years back a buddy elected to move to warmer clime, and sold me his 09180 Model Colt 80 Type IV Officers Model Stainless Steel .45ACP. In my opinion -- perhaps I should have underlined "my" -- it was one very pleasing to the eye firearm! The ability to hold one less round than its bigger sisters was of little/no consequence to me. And, at range it had as-expected Colt reliability of function: 100%! IF I recall, it chambered Bullseye-propelled H&G 68's and H&G 130's sans any difficulties. I recall noting the report seemed a bit louder, not surprising from its smaller construction. Lastly, I did NOT notice any great increase in recoil as compared to same bullets fired in a full-sized 1911.
It is/was indeed a great pistol! An added bonus was buddy passed on six or seven extra mags he had, too.
Money got short :( , and it went to another... a regret. Should one appear, and I have the funds then, I'd hesitate not a milli-second in again making this model mine!
Just MY thoughts...
BEST!
geo

Dan Cash

01-11-2017, 09:08 AM

I own both Colt Commander and a Kimber officer's 1911 and did own an early Colt stainless Officer model.

Both of the Officer models are remarkably accurate and reliable. To me, the recoil impulse is less than that of the Commander. Because of their short grip, they don't feel as comfortable when holstered (Milt Sparks IWB) and are not as fast for me to draw due to the short grip.

The commander carries well and is as accurate as any non target 1911 but to me, is the kickingest auto I have ever shot. I carry a standard Government Model 1911.

Virginia John

01-11-2017, 09:39 AM

I owned a 1911 Officer that shot amazingly accurate and was one of my favorite 1911s. My son now has it and it is probably his favorite 1911. It is a lot easier to conceal than a full sized 1911 and it can hold 7+1. Would I buy another, absolutely.

BigAl52

01-11-2017, 09:57 AM

I have Sigs Kimber and Rugers. I have one in commander size a Sig Spartan. I love it it shoots very well better than my full size Kimber. I dont have any trouble with any of the four I own. I would buy this Sig again. Al

pmer

01-11-2017, 09:58 AM

The one at the LGS is a stainless Officer for $749 and its looks like the black one up above. I have a Stainless Gold Cup Trophy that runs like a dream. I put a Wilson flat wire recoil spring it after misplacing the target spring. I have more .38 caliber revolvers than I can shoot and was thinking of trading a couple of them along with a G30 and having smaller all metal pistol that is thinner than that wide body G30.

Thanks for all the comments, it's interesting reading these posts. I never heard of a spring flying out the front like that before. I wonder if the slot in the slide for the bushing was too big?

floydboy

01-11-2017, 10:23 AM

I have a Springfield Champion-Commander size-and a full size Government model. The Champion has a light weight alloy frame so weighs less than the full size. I have spent countless hours on both polishing and tuning. They are both 100% reliable and equally accurate with my loads. The full size is of course more comfortable to shoot. It has to be because of the reasons outlined above. That being said I don't shoot full power loads in my 45's. I mainly punch paper and don't enjoy the recoil of full power loads so I really can't tell much difference in recoil between the two. I figure for self defense even a slow moving 45 is going to make a plenty big hole. The full size is tamer but not by much. The Commander is better for carry purposes but is still to big to be really practical. The Officers model would be a little better but in my opinion still too big for carrying. The shorter barrels can have reliability issues so be prepared to do a little tweaking if needed. I like fooling with 1911's so not a big deal to me.

To answer your question, in my opinion if you want a shorter 1911 go for it. Give it a try. Get it to run well and I don't think you will be unhappy with it. If you get a good deal you can always get your money back.

You can't get too many 1911's.

Good Luck....Floyd

Greg S

01-11-2017, 11:16 AM

I have a Colt SS Officers model. I had it reworked in late 86 or 87 and it was a reliable shooter as long as it had fresh recoil springs in it every 350-500 rds. Few years ago I upgraded the spring plug to an EGW guide rod and flat wire spring recoil assembly. Still need to cut a dovetail front sight for a lamped front sight to finish the upgrade. I like the pistol, mine has been accurate and reliable but needed sights and trigger work outta the box to make it shine.

Kraschenbirn

01-11-2017, 12:06 PM

Never regretted for a minute the Series 70 Commander .45 ACP I bought new in 1976. It still resides in my desk within easy reach of where I'm sitting right now.

Bill

35remington

01-11-2017, 02:14 PM

Commanders are generally GTG.

However, due to being fed by magazines that often do not advance the next round fast enough, the 3.5 inch and smaller 1911's are some of the most jam prone automatics ever created. The original designer did not envision it being shrunk that much, and reliability pays the check. That is.....less reliable.

Stick to the Commander if you need a much less twitchy 1911. Shrinking overmuch is a
mistake with 1911's.

Blackwater

01-11-2017, 02:27 PM

I've had several through the years. Currently have three. Two are a pair of Combat Commander Colts, made from Series 70 slides on Series 80 frames by a local highly lauded 'smith who was a "shooting machine" with the .45. He could really make some VERY accurate .45's, but they were target guns, and I had to do a bit of minor modifying to get them to be "carry" guns. The 3rd is a 4" barreled Kimber Lwt. Compact, and they've all been very reliable. The Colts can be a little ticky about OAL, but once you have that sorted out, they're very reliable. Just got the slides milled for low adj. sights a short time ago, and they're even better now. Big, white outline notch in the rear, so I can SEE the sights these days!

There's really no excuse for any company putting out a 1911 that doesn't run reliably now. For many years, buying an old Colt involved turning it over to a good 'smith to make it work well and reliably and consistently, and also accurately sometimes. Now, they're much cheaper than they used to be, because you can buy one off the gun rack and pretty well count on its being reliable. But even now you have to check, because QC varies from day to day sometimes. They ALL have to be checked out on the range WITH THE AMMO YOU INTEND TO USE. Once you've established it's reliable with at least 200 rds. without a malfunction, you're good to go, providing only that you get used to it and can place your shots well with it.

Personally, when I carry, it's usually the little lwt. Kimber that gets the nod, simply because that shorter butt is easier and more reliably "concealed," but the spare mags are always full sized 8-shotters, that also fit. The shorter butt and lighter wt. has never given me a problem, but I'm a stubborn sort, who won't quit until I "master" a gun, at least well enough to defend myself with it as reliably and consistently as I feel I need to get with it. Now that I've increased my belt size, that lighter gun tends to want to pull my pants down less than the steel framed ones. And with a Galso "Avenger" holster, it's ready, easily concealed with even a short jacket, and a good "stopper" that I can shoot and access quickly and reliably. It's really a go-to gun for me these days.

Picking a gun is a very personal thing, but functionality of the various models is very much less a "personal" matter, and yes, the shorter an auto gets, the less "reliable" it can truly be, generally. However, that's a relative comparison, and I trust my little Kimber more than enough to carry it to stake my life on it. When is "good enough," good enough? That's a decision everyone has to make for themselves, of course, but for me, my little Kimber is plenty reliable, and I love its light weight, too, and I can shoot it well. That's about as good as it gets. Murphy can raise his ugly head with ANY gun at ANY time and ANY where. If it ever occurs, I mostly write it off to fate. Many, many rounds keep me comfortably confident, but you never REALLY know until it's all over, and the investigators are doing their thing ... and maybe the docs or embalmer. That's the only truly FINAL aspect of a carry gun, in the end. All can fail. Few do, thankfully.

Geezer in NH

01-11-2017, 05:45 PM

I will take a Glock or other newer type than any 1911 archaic design. Back 50 years ago they were great. Not so much now.

Cooper, and others are dead and have been before the new designs.

35remington

01-11-2017, 07:02 PM

Except for capacity, a Glock isn't much of an improvement, and the trigger is a big step backward. Still functions using 1911 design principles.

So if a 1911 is archaic, so is a Glock, with the bonus of a worse trigger, and the gun is trashed with overloads that a 1911 will survive.

JSnover

01-11-2017, 07:55 PM

I'm a fan of the 1991 Commander. It's a little oversized for concealed carry… or maybe I should say I'm a little undersized for it but I like the gun and didn't have any major problems finding/making ammunition for it.

Artful

01-11-2017, 09:09 PM

I will take a Glock or other newer type than any 1911 archaic design. Back 50 years ago they were great. Not so much now.

Cooper, and others are dead and have been before the new designs.

Col. Jeff Cooper Died (https://www.google.com/search?biw=1113&bih=625&q=jeff+cooper+died&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAOPgE-LSz9U3MK0oMU2u1JLPTrbSL0jNL8hJ1U9JTU5NLE5NiS9ILSrO z7NKyUxNAQAIWUtpLwAAAA&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwi_i76PtbvRAhXriFQKHYBsAC4Q6BMIkwEoADAV) : September 25, 2006
I think the glock's were imported into the US in 1985 and 1988 Glock 19's introduced.
Cooper was very much aware of that platform.

I have double and single stack 45's and my smallest is the
Detonic's Combat Master - about the size of the smallest Colt.
While a comforting gun to carry it's not as comfortable to shoot
as a Commander or Gold Cup. - these days I use a 40 cal Firestar - same operating principle but a little less recoil and you don't have to fight the springs as much to load it (Combat Master has double springs system).

Brad Cayton

01-11-2017, 10:21 PM

I have a Ruger commander that I'm very happy with. It's as accurate as any handgun I own. I also have a Springfield Range Officer compact that's a fine, light shooter. It's shoots as well as the Ruger and is easier to carry in the warmer months when I wear lighter clothes. Neither has had a bobble after the first 50 rounds or so. Both are 45s.

Sam Casey

01-11-2017, 11:00 PM

I am with the Greezer. Prefer the Glock. My last smaller Colt was an Officers model that was so stiffly double sprung and hard to rack, I had to wear a glove on my left (non-shooting) hand for any type of range work.

nseries

01-11-2017, 11:03 PM

My Detonics Combatmaster seems to recoil less than a full size govt model. I think it has something to do with the recoil spring/spring guide setup that it was supplied with. ...and I've owned a variety of LW, compact and fullsize 1911's over the years to compare it to. Even a couple Baer's. The Detonics has generous tolerances and I don't think I've ever had it malfunction. It'll digest ammo that other 1911's won't without a hiccup.

stu1ritter

01-12-2017, 08:44 AM

If you like accuracy in a small package, I would recommend the STI Lawman 4.0. Below is a photo taken the day I first took it to the range to sight in (the moving point of impact) with three different loads that my full sized 1911 like. They are very nice pistols. I have been shooting 1911's in competition since 1960 and the Lawman is the nicest, out of the box, non-custom 1911 I've ever shot.

Stu
http://tinyurl.com/gr8rx5x

Norske

01-12-2017, 12:33 PM

I had a Colt Officer's model for a few years but traded it for a Kimber Eclipse commander-sized pistol. The Colt was accurate, and I shot it well, but the extremely stiff recoil spring was a PITA when clearing or cleaning the pistol. It also scattered spent brass in multiple directions. My biggest complaint was that the short barrel didn't support the gun in my Yaqui slide holster when the magazine was loaded. The heavy magazine would make the grip tilt out when I wanted it to lie flat against my waist. The 4 1/2" barrel of a commander solved both problems. Perhaps the nicest commander-sized 1911 I ever held was a Smith and Wesson with the scandium alloy frame. It even had a really good trigger. But, it was outside my budget.

osteodoc08

01-12-2017, 04:07 PM

Agreed. Those Smith 1911SC models are fantastic. "70 series" as well. I have been considering trading in my Colt LW Commander on one.

Lloyd Smale

01-12-2017, 05:31 PM

I'm old school and love 1911s that said if I had 500 bucks to buy a RELIALBLE handgun it wouldn't be a 1911. For that 500 bucks you can buy a GOOD glock or m&p that will run a 100 percent out of the box. Both have a place in my home.

pmer

01-12-2017, 09:25 PM

Well I stopped at a Gander Mountain to take a peek and they had Para, Kimber, Ruger, Remington, Sig and more too. I liked the commander sized 1911s over the officer sized ones and they have a sale till the 14th with nice discounts. Problem I had is I looked at so many I got burned out. They all had decent triggers and similar slide to frame fit. Probably go with a Kimber or a Ruger.

I mentioned a Glock going in on trade. I don't have much against Glocks I just want to move away from striker fired pistols. I'm keeping one Glock to remind me what I don't like about them LOL. And the store didn't one $500 Glock there, they were more. But Gander is a little spendy to I suppose.

charlie b

01-12-2017, 11:34 PM

My wife's Light Commander has not had a single issue when running factory ammo. The only time it will give her trouble is when shooting some really light loads I made up one time. After the second stovepipe she went back to full loads and never looked back. Trouble is I can't pry it out of her hands :)

I have had some modern pistols and still go back to the 1911's. I do hate Glock grips but the Springfield XD and S&W MP are nice. I just like the old std better. If I had the money I'd probably go to an HK.

One setup mentioned above I'd like to try is a Commander slide on an Officer's frame.

GlockGuy

01-13-2017, 12:55 AM

I really like my Dan Wesson Valor

gray wolf

01-13-2017, 11:09 AM

Out of my league--but just a thought.

https://s14-eu5.ixquick.com/cgi-bin/serveimage?url=http%3A%2F%2Ft1.gstatic.com%2Fimage s%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcTNLD42C010OfV_Dd_RyJRo3iZUK3fO 1_qeF3rc6xuV6Q5ab-gY&sp=c176dcc53b9c2c63a874ff19440d40a9

Char-Gar

01-13-2017, 11:14 AM

I would not go smaller than the Commander size. The Ruger LW Commander with the titanium feed ramp is the best of that breed.

fourarmed

01-13-2017, 06:44 PM

I really like my early 50's LW Colts, especially the one worked over by Armand Swenson, but I agree with Char-Gar: If I were going out to buy one today, I would go with the Ruger. That titanium insert in the feed ramp is the pinnacle of engineering. If you plan to shoot a lot of hardball through one of them, that is the one you want. The ramp on my '51 had been grooved so deeply by hardball that it grabbed the nose of lead SWC boolits and stopped them dead. It took some judicious machining by a very good workman to make it reliable with everything again.

skeettx

01-13-2017, 07:45 PM

My three Commanders
45 Lightweight
9mm Lightweight
45 Standard Satin Nickle
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/MVC-012S23.JPG

oger

01-15-2017, 10:50 AM

I carry an Ultra Carry of one flavor of another ever day. If you learn to hold on to the thing there are zero problems with anything.

Love Life

01-15-2017, 11:05 AM

The CCO is a great compromise. However, between an Officers or a Commander I would take the Commander sized gun. Colt preferably, with Les Baer as a close second choice.

osteodoc08

01-15-2017, 11:09 AM

The CCO is a great compromise. However, between an Officers or a Commander I would take the Commander sized gun. Colt preferably, with Les Baer as a close second choice.

If this is the LL in middle GA, glad to see you back buddy!

Love my Colt LW Commander. It's been.......flawless.

Thin Man

01-15-2017, 11:12 AM

In the '60s I owned several full size 1911s, most of them military and a few commercial. In 1970 I bought a LW Commander (45). It was completely reliable and the most accurate of any 45 I had ever owned. Needing cash to cover the expenses of getting married I let it get away and missed for many years.

Since then I have built up my stocks of 1911s, mostly Colt with a few others thrown in. I now have several full size 1911s, all steel frame. Once had a steel frame Combat Commander. While shorter on the top it still had the heft of a full size pistol without the sight radius so it went away. I now have LW Commanders (all pre-70) in 9mm, 38 Super and 45. Also have a 1991 Officers Model all steel. This one gives more muzzle flip, stiff to cycle into action, short sight radius reduces accurate shot placement, and is awkward for waistband carry. For carry and user convenience my final answer to the question is the LW Commander in 45. Lighter to carry, absolutely reliable, scary accurate. Yes, there are many manufacturers other then Colt, so the brand on the slide should not matter. The mid-size slide with the light weight frame gets my vote for daily carry. YMMV.

Thin Man

Love Life

01-15-2017, 11:13 AM

If this is the LL in middle GA, glad to see you back buddy!

Love my Colt LW Commander. It's been.......flawless.

The one and only! It is good to be back.

My preferred carry is either a Colt Wiley Clap LW Commander, or a full size steel 1911. Pretty much opposites, but they work for me!

Finster101

01-15-2017, 11:15 AM

I have a Colt series 80 officers model and it will feed anything I throw at it. I shoot our informal steel matches with it and have never had a hiccup even with SWC rounds. The key is leave it alone. Once you start messing with things you start affecting reliability. It is my CCW piece. The only thing I did was put Trigicon sights on it. I have the utmost confidence it.

HABCAN

01-15-2017, 03:37 PM

My Colt Officer's WAS satin nickle and a recoiling monster with loads I'd used for years in IPSC............and then the little tube pinned on the left side of the frame flew off into the grass......lost......replaced, SOLD. Norinco Commander is a real joy, and my old original DIY modded 1911 5" soldiers on.

Lefty Red

01-15-2017, 03:45 PM

Been shooting 1911s for the last two years. Gotten back into the weapon and really enjoy it. My limited yet whirlwind experience.

My two favorites are a Kimber Ultra Carry 2 with a 3" barrel and a Desert Eagle 3". Both are under $700 and well worth it. The DE is a series 70 BTW. The Kimber was purchased used from a buddy that got it new. He had some feeding issues, it was a lemon. Kimber sent him a label and fixed the problem within a week. He found another Kimber he wanted and I bought this one from him. I can't believe how accurate it is. 200gr bullets is what both of these 1911s live on.

STIs are pretty nice!
I wasn't pleased with the Colt Defender in 9mm, sold it sr a lost.
Citadel Compact is pretty nice! Rattles and eats anything. My Viet Nam vet carries it when he isn't carrying his Remington Rand. So that says something to me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

tygar

01-16-2017, 12:25 AM

I love all "good" 1911s, Officers, Ultras, Commanders, 5"! As some know I have at least half dozen of each, all Colts or Kimbers with double stacks in Paras.

All mine eat just about everything, never have a FTF, & are accurate, or their gone, but I havn't got rid of very many in the 50+ some years I've been shooting them.

I carried a Cdr from 1969-around 1990 when I got a Kimber Ultra. I still carry that Kimber & several Officers, all lt wts. I think they are great carry guns.

I also, carry some S&W .45s, the 4513/4516s, which are also nice, but still not a 1911.

You can't go wrong with the Cdr, I still have that Cdr that I carried for over 20yrs, but I went with the smaller guns that are easier to conceal & shoot just as good at carry distances & are just as reliable.

All that said, I personally have stone polished all of them, & ensured that they function flawlessly.

Get one of the Cdrs/Officer types, they're great.

pmer

01-16-2017, 12:56 AM

185375

I managed to bring home Ruger Commander this weekend and above is the nicest group I have so far. 14 shots, 4.4 grains of Bullseye with 185 grain SWCs. It started shooting better after I re-plunked my loaded ammo. My Colt can take them a bit longer than this Commander. I just shot this group in the dark with head lights on from the car. (country living LOL)

After I decided on the Ruger I called around and got prices from $829 to $749 and drove a hour to get this one for $749. I brought three to trade but ended up putting them on consignment. After 30 days the shop will put them on gun broker if they don't sell.

Its a little fussy feeding SWCs but getting better. I have some NOE 230 grain hollow points and they fed good. Its done as good with Colt and Wilson magazines as the Ruger mags.

Thanks for all the good info in this thread. Seems to be a pretty nice pistol.

Wayne Smith

01-16-2017, 10:53 PM

Based in part on this thread - at the beginning - and availability locally and my budget, I ended up with a Kimber Lightweight Commander. After DougGuy worked over the chamber it loads everything I've put into it. Now have 600+ rounds through it and I am trusting it.

Bill*B

01-16-2017, 11:57 PM

I have owned both full size (Government model) and Commander length Colts. Of the two, I prefer the Commander. The chunky little fellow just seems to balance better. An aluminum frame 9mm Commander is the only pistol that I regret selling. As an aside, the danger point in the 1911 design is lowering the hammer on a loaded chamber. If it slips from under your thumb, the results will really stop the music. Otherwise, I think the old gun is as safe as any other.

fastdadio

01-17-2017, 07:49 PM

I prefer my series 80 combat commander to the two govt models I had before it. I've had it for many years and it gobbles up any thing I stuff in it. Cycles well with no-brand gun show cheapie mags as well as the colt and wilson mags. I'm keeping mine.

35remington

01-17-2017, 08:28 PM

Suggestion......never lower the hammer on a loaded chamber. Eject the round first. Since hammer down on a loaded chamber has no advantage over a gun with an empty chamber (both take awhile to get into action) as well as downsides, just don't do it.

pmer

01-18-2017, 08:34 AM

That's what I do too. Drop the mag and pull the slide a couple times to eject the round and look in the chamber area. My hand is usually lower on the grip keeping the trigger finger well away from firing position.

One time my uncle got his thumb behind the slide of his German Luger that he took home with him from WWII. It really opened up his thumb.

9.3X62AL

01-18-2017, 03:23 PM

Late to the party. I have no strong preference between the full-sized 1911A1 and their shorter-barreled cousins the Commander series. A whole lot of my autopistols take the "Commander" form, though--full length grip frame, 4"-4.5" barrel. I REALLY wish the Ruger 1911A1 in 9mm could come into California. Someday, maybe. The Ruger 1911s I have shot were all delightful.

The Officer's Model Colts left a bad taste in my mouth due to systemic unreliability. An agency I worked for as part of a task force in the early 1990s bought a bunch of these pistols for issue, and try as they might the rangemasters and armorers could not get most of them to run. Since then, I've had several of these either pass through my hands or through the hands of friends, and every one of them was an ammo-sensitive PROJECT to get running with repeatable reliability. In an age when Glocks of all sizes and calibers run like Swiss watches, this sort of performance poetry is deader than 8-track tape decks.

pmer

01-20-2017, 09:35 AM

I was surprised to notice the Commander is about the same size as a Glock 19.

I was picking up brass after shooting it yesterday and found a fired slug laying on the ground with the brass. I was shooting 230 JHP with the Commander. Had a target against an old Box Elder tree trunk and it must've bounced back, its nose had wood in it. I've had FMJ bounce back from solid metal plate before and switched to swinging plate but not wood till now.

LUCKYDAWG13

01-20-2017, 09:48 AM

Mackay Sagebrush

01-20-2017, 01:23 PM

I own Colt 1911s in the standard 3 sizes.

5" Government
4.25" Commander
3.5" Officers.

I picked up the stainless Officer's ACP shown in the pics in 1991. Hard to believe it has been more than 25 years now. At the time it was a somewhat modern concealed carry gun. I used it as a BUG to my 5" Government model when I became an LEO, and carried it off duty as well.

It was extensively customized and is extremely reliable, with both ball and JHP ammo. Though, only holding 6+1 it is somewhat limited in capacity.

These days, it has been eclipsed by a considerable margin, as far as carry guns go. Shown with a G19, it really cannot compete. With 15+1 rounds of 9mm, the G19 actually weighs less than the Officer's ACP does EMPTY, let alone fully loaded. As much as I like the aesthetics of a 1911, when viewing without bias, it takes a distant back seat to some of the more modern designs.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/Handguns/P1000764_zpsvsisf3kc.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/IV_Troop/media/Handguns/P1000764_zpsvsisf3kc.jpg.html)

Same with the Commander. That said, a lightweight Commander is a darn nice little carry gun, in spite of it's limitations. I prefer to run Crimson Trace lase grips on mine, as the possibility of a low light encounter is always real. Comparing the LW Commander, to the lighter, higher capacity Glock G30S, the LW Commander comes in second place, as the G30S is (for me) easier to shoot well when combining accuracy and speed. That said, the old Colt is still a pretty decent carry gun.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/Handguns/P1000667_zpszaggu9s1.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/IV_Troop/media/Handguns/P1000667_zpszaggu9s1.jpg.html)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/Handguns/068-1.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/IV_Troop/media/Handguns/068-1.jpg.html)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/Handguns/002-4.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/IV_Troop/media/Handguns/002-4.jpg.html)

If I were choosing between a LW Commander and LW Officer's ACP today, the LW Commander would get picked every time. They both conceal about the same, but the LW shooting attributes make it a top dog between the 2.

2ndAmendmentNut

01-20-2017, 01:56 PM

I've been breaking in a new Colt Wiley Clapp Commander offered through TALO. Best part about the Wiley Clapp Colts is they have the traditional style "series 70" trigger. I personally would avoid any of the 1911s with a series 80 trigger or Swartz safety.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170120/1ed77a9a2da574a661082e3a86ff7c3c.jpg

Really sweet shooting pistol. Only about 300rds through her so far but zero issues. The factory grips were a little thin for my taste, so I installed a pair of Grashorn's elk grips.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rodfac

02-08-2017, 10:33 PM

I've got a half dozen 1911's about the house at this point, but my all time (over 50 years now) favorite is a Sig 1911 RCS. It features an alloy frame with a 4" bbl. (vs. a Commander's 4.25"), a shortened 'Officer's Model' grip along with the usual upgrade treatments: mag well flare, tritium sights, checkered front strap and mainspring housing and a really great trigger. It'll do sub-2" gps from a rest at 25 yds with my carry loads (Hornady Hydras) if I do my part. It takes 7-round 'Officer's Model' magazines but will function just fine with standard 7-round or 8-rounders as well. After my #2 son gave it to me, I had some feeding issues (the barrel ramp extended rearward over the frame ramp!), that Sig fixed on their nickle. 'been 100% since then.

With it's light weight, superb sights and bbl., and shortened dimensions, it's just about the perfect carry piece for those of us that treasure the "antiquated" 1911. BTW, it's a .45 too, not one of those sissy calibers! LOL. Here are the obligatory pics with my Ruger CMD (commander) for comparison, albeit without the rosewood stocks that I've since added (in the 2nd Pic), and an early target in the 3rd. Best Regards, Rod

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii64/Rodfac/Handguns/SigampRuger001_zps1e19c733.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/Rodfac/media/Handguns/SigampRuger001_zps1e19c733.jpg.html)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii64/Rodfac/Handguns/IMG_5477_zpsaewvfhlt.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/Rodfac/media/Handguns/IMG_5477_zpsaewvfhlt.jpg.html)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii64/Rodfac/Targets/Sig1911RCSLyman452374004_zps07ac38f1.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/Rodfac/media/Targets/Sig1911RCSLyman452374004_zps07ac38f1.jpg.html)

gray wolf

02-08-2017, 11:18 PM

One of the greatest commander type pistols I have ever held and shot.
OUT OF MY LEAGUE --but sweet.
sorry I can't post a pic but here is a link
the Dan Wesson v bob

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/62350/CZ-USA+01983+Dan+Wesson+1911+V-BOB+8+1+45ACP+4.25%22

DougGuy

02-08-2017, 11:34 PM

I -DO- like a Commander. Don't have to be a Colt but I am partial to Colt slides, this one came from Gunbroker, ebay and my parts box. Bushing came from Briley, rear sight came from Harrison. I used to do a lot of checkering on 1911s, install a lot of beavertails, built quite a few from mild to sorta wild and the one that kept finding it's way into my holster was just a plain jane parts gun with a WWII hammer and grip safety and I got where I liked it more than other guns I had built or customized, so this is my favorite style of Commander. It's quite accurate with the Briley bushing and a Lippard link.

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/DougGuy/1911%20Commander/NewCommanderJoined1024_zpse3kkxuw9.jpg (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/DougGuy/media/1911%20Commander/NewCommanderJoined1024_zpse3kkxuw9.jpg.html)

pmer

02-09-2017, 01:05 AM

Whew, I forgot how many nice pictures of 1911 pistols are in this thread!

9.3X62AL

02-10-2017, 04:21 PM

It's almost pornographic. Well, not quite.

Love Life

02-10-2017, 05:33 PM

187711

187712

Love Life

02-10-2017, 05:37 PM

Just cuz...

187713

25 yards
187714

Walkingwolf

02-10-2017, 05:45 PM

I will take a Glock or other newer type than any 1911 archaic design. Back 50 years ago they were great. Not so much now.

Cooper, and others are dead and have been before the new designs.

You mean they won't put a hole with a bullet like they used to? Wow, didn't know a firearm became ineffective because it is older design, guess I should throw away my 51 Navy conversion that shoots one inch groups.

9.3X62AL

02-19-2017, 02:45 PM

DougGuy

02-19-2017, 03:12 PM

I will take a Glock or other newer type than any 1911 archaic design. Back 50 years ago they were great. Not so much now.

Cooper, and others are dead and have been before the new designs.

^^^^This, is illogical..</spock voice> The 1911 has and will continue to survive the tests and demands of time, because it by design is one of the best autoloading pistols ever made. To imply that the performance or the reliability of the 1911 platform has somehow degraded over time is a flawed mindset. The WWI era 1911 loaded with any modern ammo is just as reliable, just as accurate, just as DEADLY now, as it was when it was new over 100yrs ago.

How does time degrade a chunk of iron? Answer? It doesn't!

There are some new additions to the 1911 that enhance safety when carried with a round in the chamber.

There are some newly designed autoloading pistols that are safer with a loaded chamber than the 1911.

Other than that? The dbl wide magazine is the only significant improvement to the original 1911 design that evens the playing field with ANY of the new designs, and that's ALL the original 1911 EVER needed, was more ammo at one's disposal. When the SHTF? I know what I want in my hands...

I may carry a "new design" for edc, for the simple reason that upon one occasion a backwoods podunk NC judge did NOT like the fact that I carried a 1911 cocked and locked, problem solved, potential liability loophole closed by carrying a Kahr.

However... Should an unlucky perp come into the premises here unwelcomed and armed? He/they will likely be dispatched by the 1911 that is constantly closeby.

stu1ritter

02-19-2017, 03:16 PM

You gotta watch out for those short barrelled versions, they don't shoot worth a darn. Sighting in my brand new STI Lawman 4.0 at 50 feet. You have to pardon the flyers, I'm 75 and kinda shake a bunch.

Stu
http://tinyurl.com/gr8rx5x

DougGuy

02-19-2017, 03:21 PM

stu1ritter

02-19-2017, 03:25 PM

The ones outside the main hole!! :~) I'm starting to flinch a wee bit in me olde age.

Stu

telebasher

02-19-2017, 04:22 PM

Just tell'em you was shootin' at a fly! That's what I do! LOL!

scattershot

02-19-2017, 04:39 PM

I have never understood the appeal,of a steel Commander. The only difference between it and a full sized 1911 is 3/4 of an inch of barrel.

stu1ritter

02-19-2017, 04:56 PM

AnthonyB

02-19-2017, 05:31 PM

I bought a V-Bob early last year in preparation for retiring and moving to AL. Knew I would never spend that much money later. Circumstances have kept me from shooting it, and it is in storage with youngest son in AL now. He has strict orders to wait for me to fire the first shots, and I expect it will be everything it proved to be in dry-firing countless thousands of rounds.
That said, my carry .45 is a Glock 30S or M&P Shield. I truly get the 1911 worship; nothing points as naturally for me. However, the Glock has more capacity at lighter weight, and the Shield is thinner and lighter. What I have carried most lately is a Sig 938 - it is great to have all these choices!
Tony

9.3X62AL

02-19-2017, 06:42 PM

No actual Colt or clone "Commander Models" here on staff, but a majority of my carry favorites hew to that form pretty closely--CZ-75B, SIG P-220 and P-226, Glock 20 & 22 (the Glock 23 is close-but-no-cigar due to 1/2" shorter than full-sized grip frame), and Browning HP. The full-size grip/slightly-shortened slide format works well for a lot of folks.

skeettx

02-19-2017, 07:19 PM

He he he
Mine in 38 Special :)
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/MVC-004S26.JPG

Grapeshot

02-19-2017, 10:06 PM

I owned a Colt 1911 Series 70 for years but let it go, I then picked up a Springfield M1911A1 and used it quite a bit if Wild Bunch Matches in Cowboy action shoots. After a while the M1911A1 sized pistol was a bit to much weight to put on my hip and gave my back and knee fits. I now have the Ruger R1911 lightweight Commander and love it. The added TITANIUM insert in the feed ramp allows the use of SWC's without any gouging of the feed ramp that you can get with the straight Aluminum Alloy frames. Mine shoots great. It handles 230 ball, Hollow Points, lead RN and the lighter 185 to 200 grain slugs with ease. Best buy that I've made lately.

stu1ritter

02-20-2017, 07:03 AM

Not to say I don't like the full sized gun, this is my 1911 built by Mike Curtis.

Stu
http://tinyurl.com/h5h9lh7

Green Frog

02-21-2017, 09:05 AM

It is a totally different feel. When I first approached F. Bob Chow to have an accurized Commander built in 1972 he thought I was nutz. He took my money and built it. Bullseye accuracy, very low mounted adjustable sights, everything we now consider normal. When he finished building it he tested it, and he tested it some more. When I went to pick it up many months later I found he built one for himself.
He liked it alot. A full sized 1911 is a pistol in your hand while a Commander is an extension of your hand. That's my feelings.

Stu

Stu,

I've posted here before that I had a 70 Series Combat Commander (45, electroless nickel) built up with action job to feed anything and good fixed combat sighs. I later added a blued upper in 38 Super using a factory slide with the same style sights and a well fitted barrel and bushing. In my rush to get into single shot rifle shooting, I sold that and a couple of other nearly impossible to replace now handguns. I still kick myself! [smilie=b:

About that same time there was a gunsmith in the area (now deceased) who would weld up the sight notch in a Commander slide and replace it with a S&W adjustable. If I ever build another custom carry gun in 45, that is what I am most likely to want on top. Unfortunately, all of my old friends who specialized in 45s seem to have gone to that great gun shop in the sky, so I don't know who would do the work I couldn't do for myself. :(

"Ve grow too soon oldt, und too late schmardt!"

Froggie