Full Size 1911 v. Lightweight Commander

[Petrol & Powder]

Ground Rules:
I don't want a "1911 vs. __________ ", thread.
I don't want a "This brand vs. that brand.....", thread.

Some back story to set the tone - I trained with the 1911. I was proficient with the platform. I reloaded for the 1911 in 45 ACP. I worked on 1911's. I carried a 1911.
I owned some full sized government models and shot the Officer models but the bulk of my trigger time was with the Lightweight Commander.
- I had a lot of miles with the 1911 but moved on years ago. I do NOT dislike the 1911 (it's a good design) but there came a time when I went in a different direction. Sort of like a dating a girl you liked but realizing that she wasn't "the one".


Therein lies the root of this post - I've been checking out the Ruger SR1911 and I like what I see. I'll probably never carry a 1911 as personal weapon again but I might want to play in that sandbox again.
My history with the Lightweight Commander is pushing me towards that type but my head is telling me to go with the full size model since it will unlikely be used as a full time CCW.

I'm looking for input from forum members, particularly ones with knowledge of the Ruger SR1911.

[35remington]

Decent pistol for the price. As a carry option, the lightweight Commander is substantially superior to the plastikpistoles in shootability at a cost in magazine capacity. Just my opinion.

My most time in grade with the Ruger is with the all steel Commander variant. Like it a bunch, and the 3/4 inch shorter slide makes it carry much easier IWB than a full size especially folded in a car where a five inch toys annoyingly with your nether regions by comparison. You may not care about that but I do.

[Rainier]

I know a little something about 1911s but can't address the Ruger SR1911 - you might try asking the same question of these folks - http://rugerforum.net

[Petrol & Powder]

Roger that. Thanks

[Petrol & Powder]

Decent pistol for the price. As a carry option, the lightweight Commander is substantially superior to the plastikpistoles in shootability at a cost in magazine capacity. Just my opinion.

My most time in grade with the Ruger is with the all steel Commander variant. Like it a bunch, and the 3/4 inch shorter slide makes it carry much easier IWB than a full size especially folded in a car where a five inch toys annoyingly with your nether regions by comparison. You may not care about that but I do.

Copy that. I had a steel Colt Commander and the shorter length was nice but the small weight difference between it and the full size always made grab the Lightweight Commander. The extra weight made the steel Commander a joy to shoot (it felt a lot like the full size when shooting).
As for magazine capacity, Not a deal breaker for me. I'm comfortable with a DA revolver so an eight round pistol is already more than I expect.

[35remington]

Since the shootability is more important to me than capacity (early hits are most likely to prevail) and a good holster supports the weight well, the durability and shootability of the steel Commander make it my choice.

But if the lighter weight of an aluminum frame was not a viable option for some they would not sell them.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I have both SR 1911 CMD steel in 45 LW in 9mm no issues at all with them from the start not one hiccup over 4 k in the 45 only 2 k in the 9mm
if your looking for a range toy go steel carry gun go LW

[vzerone]

Let me ask you then since you said you had a lot of time on the LW Commanders. Did you ever have any problems of certain jacketed hollow points gouging the feed ramp? Did you ever get any cracks in the frame especially where the slide release nose goes through? Sounds like you're not sensitive to the little more recoil of the LW's so can really tell you the all steel is a little more comfortable to shoot. My preference is towards all steel. I do have those models. It's not only the weight difference that people look for with the LW Commander, but it being shorter too.

[Cottonpicker]

I own both the full size Ruger and the light weight commander. Not much difference in felt recoil to me using the same load in both guns. One positive note about the light weight commander is the titanium insert feed ramp which reduces wear on the aluminum frame. I had Doug Guy work on the barrels and enjoy shooting both guns. For the $ I think Ruger has a fine product with features found on more expensive guns.

[Petrol & Powder]

I never cracked a LW frame but I had one that was a dog from day one.
Along those same lines, I had a full sized stainless Springfield that I was not impressed with. It went away and I don't regret it.

Surprisingly, (or maybe not) one of the best was the oldest. A had an early model Colt LW Commander that was a decent pistol. Sold it like a fool because I wanted a stainless model. The stainless slide / alloy framed Colt that followed was the dog.
I had a Kimber LW Commander that was a very good pistol.

The Ruger LW has a titanium insert in the feed ramp and that seems like a good idea.

As for rounds gouging the frame - nope. However, some bullet profiles just didn't get along with the Commander length action and I simply avoided them.

Logic tells me to seek out the steel full size model but I carried the LW Commander the most and that is the one that I'm drawn to.

[Petrol & Powder]

I own both the full size Ruger and the light weight commander. Not much difference in felt recoil to me using the same load in both guns. One positive note about the light weight commander is the titanium insert feed ramp which reduces wear on the aluminum frame. I had Doug Guy work on the barrels and enjoy shooting both guns. For the $ I think Ruger has a fine product with features found on more expensive guns.

/\ THANK YOU /\

That's what I was seeking.

[scattershot]

“it felt a lot like the full size when shooting”

Except for 3/4”less barrel on the steel Commander, it is a full size.

[Petrol & Powder]

I like the Ruger. The lightweight titanium firing pin without any weird firing pin block. The plunger tube cast as an integral part of the frame. The decent fixed sights, right out of the box.......

I'm not thrilled about their asking price, so I'm clearly in the used gun market. I'm also not in a hurry; just in the thinking stage now.

[9.3X62AL]

Very little trigger time with any of the Ruger 1911-series. The ones I have fired were reliable and well-fitted examples. If they could come into my home state I would undoubtedly own a Ruger steel Commander in 45 ACP.

My "happy place" for carry bottomfeeders is occupied by Commander-form pistols--4" to 4.5" slides & barrels, full-capacity grip/magazine. Glock 20/22, SIG-Sauer 220/226, CZ-75B--a Browning High power or Colt/Ruger Commander would fall right in place among these. The aluminum frames on the SIG pistols seem to wear well, so perhaps a LW Commander would fill the bill. A Glock 23 goes along once in a while, it is sort of Commander-ish.

[Lefty Red]

The SR1911 is sweet!
I have one in 9mm. Really like it. I do believe the 9mm version comes under sprung from the factory. I replaced my recoil spring with a stock Colt #18 and it’s ran like a Singer ever since!
I have shot the LW CMD in 45 and find it very controllable as well. I am retraining myself to shoot and carry right handed, so the lower recoil helps. I just prefer the Commander size in 9mm and the 45s in Government models.

My 1911 background, I have had Colts and now I have cheap Kimbers and Rugers. I just can’t carry something that i couldn’t just walk away from or worry about getting dinged and banged around.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171122/5b050aa4027b33649d0f6aa19dbb5858.jpg

Lefty


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[Petrol & Powder]

I've always admired the combat qualities of the Commander sized pistols. The Glock 19/23 comes pretty close to that happy size/weight/capacity/power nirvana of a "packable pistol" for serious social issues. The SIG 228 is in the same camp (Although the single stack 9mm 225 AKA P6, wins for me despite the loss of capacity).

When we get into the 45 ACP category, the Glocks and the Commander length 1911's are where I usually land.

[Texas by God]

My ideal 1911 would be the government length with an aluminum frame. I'm sure others make them, but the one I handled was a Kimber. Laugh it you want, but my Ballester has stayed and two Colts have left. It is a very well made pistol and very accurate and dependable. Anyway-The Commander and Officer models have never attracted me much. I'm currently drooling over a Ruger Govt Ten millimeter at a LGS. My carry .45 is a fat plastic P97 Ruger that outshoots a lot of high dollar pistols. Sorry for the rambling!

[Petrol & Powder]

You're Not rambling Texas, I get it.

[oldhenry]

I bought the 5" SR1911 as soon as they were available after introduction. I love the gun.

My range is 100 yds. from my front porch & I shoot frequently (less on the hot summer days here in the south). My only complaint was a vertical mark that it made on one side of my brass rim. A close examination reveals what I thought was an oversight: the breach face had a raised surface on the left side. I figured they failed to machine this area. A call to Ruger had the nice lady in customer support talk to a technician about my complaint. As it turns out, this raised area is intentional. They feel it is an assist to fully chamber the round.

I told them I was unhappy with the effect it had on my brass. The nice lady says "Oh, do you reload"? When she found out that I did,in fact reload: she e-mailed a pre-paid shipping label & the SR9111 made a trip back to Ruger. It was back to me in 7 days without the raised area on the breach face & now my brass is happy.

I don't know if this remains a feature on the current production.

Out of the box the trigger is perfect & it handles 230RN w/o a hitch. Every now & then there would be a bobble with the SAECO version of the #068, but DougGuy solved that problem. It'll digest anything now.

In my Bill Rogers Ken Hackathorne Combat Special holster, it is surprisingly pleasant to carry (getting in & out of my truck requires no adjustment).

My personal preference is for the full size all steel version (it's my only 1911 & it gets used). I'm 78 years old & have the beginning of arthritis & the extra bbl. length & weight helps tame recoil.

I've tried the Commander version (not Ruger) & I prefer the full size.

In short: the SR1911 is a good sound gun, light years ahead of the Colt Series 70 that I owned (way back............until I spend many $ to get it where I wanted it). I paid $620.00 for the SR & consider it a bargain. The size is a matter of personal preference.

I didn't mean to ramble.

Henry

.................................................. .................................................. .......
I real sport involves either gasoline or gun powder......all other are just games

[Greg S]

One positive note about the light weight commander is the titanium insert feed ramp which reduces wear on the aluminum frame.

I think Ruger put alot of thought into this platform line. Granted, I own seven 1911s and build the from the ground up. The Ruger came out right after I finished my 1911 build class. We were basically told to stick with Colt, Springfield or Caspian frames and slides. For all the problems Ruger has with their single actions with overtight barrels ect, mums the word on their 1911s.

Personally, I have no experiance with them and now only play with gussied up 1911s. I would only consider an alloy frame for a CC gun as the lifespan is only 15-25k (pre and series 70 guns) If I was in the market for a lwt Cmdr though, it might be a tough call between the Ruger and the gussied up Talo Cmdr.

Are the frame rails coated on the Ruger?

[JimB..]

I have no experience with the Roger 1911s, just jumping in to say that for me a commander points much better than full size. No idea why.

[6bg6ga]

My experiences with a commander. I find them shorter and less accurate than the full sized 1911. I mistakenly purchased a 1911 Colt Officers in stainless back in the 80's when they first came out. I thought it would be nice to carry a shorter 1911. The officers in my opinion is worse than the commander. Accuracy wise I can only do about a 3" group with it and a 1" group with a full sized 1911. To each his own I guess but I believe the shorter gun to be less accurate.

[Petrol & Powder]

Thanks for the input folks. I appreciate it.

6bg6ga - I agree the Officers Model took the downsizing a bit too far.

[Kraschenbirn]

I bought my LW Commander in the early '70s and it's been upgraded over the years...trigger job, sights, extended grip safety, etc. For precision accuracy at 25 yards, it's certainly no match for my Series 70 Gold Cup or even my 'stock class' IPSC gun but it'll still hold all eight shots in the 10 ring of a B-27 target at that distance.

Bill

[Silver Jack Hammer]

I own both the full size Ruger and the light weight commander. Not much difference in felt recoil to me using the same load in both guns. One positive note about the light weight commander is the titanium insert feed ramp which reduces wear on the aluminum frame. I had Doug Guy work on the barrels and enjoy shooting both guns. For the $ I think Ruger has a fine product with features found on more expensive guns.

Under the “your Mileage May Vary Catagory” My experience is just the opposite of Cottenpicker’s.
I have owned steel 5” .45’s and carried them on duty as a peace officer. A sore back prompted me get a 5” lightweight .45. I honesty enjoyed shooting the LW just as much as my steel frames.

I put a killer down with an 80 yard shot with that LW 5” .45. They put the gun in evidence and I bought a LW Commander .45. Here’s where my mileage varies, I hated the way that LW Commander shot. Sold it and never regretted parting with it. It felt too snappy, the buyer shoots plastic guns so he said he’d take it. I believe what I couldn’t stand is the short slide cycle
rearward. All my guns are Colt’s. All functioned with 100% reliability with cast and j-word boolits.

Had I not retired I’d just have to buy a steel Commander .45 and see how I like it. They gave me back my 1911 out of evidence. I carry wheel guns now almost exclusively.

[Groo]

Groo here
I have and shot all three sizes in both steel and Alu.
I always had the best luck with the commander size, the fullsize just feels nose heavy.
[ although there was that AMT 7in 10mm]
If I was to build another one , it would be a commander light weight frame [ as slim as possible ] and an officers slide.[yes they fit.]
In 9mm[like the original commander] and be set up to shoot federal 9BPLE .

[M-Tecs]

I put a killer down with an 80 yard shot with that LW 5” .45.

Very impressive. Excellent job.

[GaryN]

I bought a SR1911 brand new about four years ago. The front sight broke off after about 60 rounds. I sent it back. They put a new sight on it. That one broke after about 200 rounds. I went after market. No sight problems now. The mags. that came with the SR would not consistently feed my ammo. It was not ball ammo. I used two different molds. One was the H&G 68 bullet and one was a hollow point mold from Mihec. I went to Wilson Combat mags. I haven't had a jam from them yet after 4000 rounds. It finally shoots the way I want. I bought a Springfield Armory Range Officer compact 45acp. I don't notice the recoil being any more than the SR with the same loads. The Range officer is more accurate. I carry the Range Officer. I mess around with the SR.

[Texas by God]

I would rather have a Star PD or Firestar .45 than anybody's Officers model. Great little guns!

[Lefty Red]

I bought a SR1911 brand new about four years ago. The front sight broke off after about 60 rounds. I sent it back. They put a new sight on it. That one broke after about 200 rounds. I went after market. No sight problems now. The mags. that came with the SR would not consistently feed my ammo. It was not ball ammo. I used two different molds. One was the H&G 68 bullet and one was a hollow point mold from Mihec. I went to Wilson Combat mags. I haven't had a jam from them yet after 4000 rounds. It finally shoots the way I want. I bought a Springfield Armory Range Officer compact 45acp. I don't notice the recoil being any more than the SR with the same loads. The Range officer is more accurate. I carry the Range Officer. I mess around with the SR.

The Ruger Mags are not the best. I went with Wilson Combats as well.

Hard to beat the RO in any flavor!

Lefty


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[6bg6ga]

I would rather have a Star PD or Firestar .45 than anybody's Officers model. Great little guns!

I still own a Officers 45acp a Colt. My wife owns a S&W Shield and it will easily out shoot the Officers.

[Petrol & Powder]

The integral plunger tube of the Ruger SR1911 is a strong selling point for me because I've had plunger tubes come loose.

Interesting to hear about the problems with the Ruger mags. If several replacement magazines were required it would increase the cost of the pistol. That's another factor to consider.

The comments about the Springfield Range Officer are also interesting. I owned a stainless Springfield 1911 (not the RO model) and I was unimpressed with Springfield. It just would not shoot well and it left the stable. That experience soured me on Springfield but maybe I should give them another chance?

In any event, I'm not currently in the market but I am trying to set some parameters.

[tazman]

The comments about the Springfield Range Officer are also interesting. I owned a stainless Springfield 1911 (not the RO model) and I was unimpressed with Springfield. It just would not shoot well and it left the stable. That experience soured me on Springfield but maybe I should give them another chance?

In any event, I'm not currently in the market but I am trying to set some parameters.

I don't own either lightweight or commander style 1911 pistols. Mine are all full size.
That said, I own two Springfield RO 1911 pistols and a recent manufacture Springfield Mil Spec. All of them shoot and function flawlessly. I am getting groups that are as good as the ones I get with my revolvers(S&W Target Masterpiece and 686 with 8 and 3/8 barrel).
I had a person who is an excellent shot fire them recently just to see what they would do with my cast handloads. He shot small, ragged holes for groups at 12 yards(about 1.25 inch groups) offhand.

[Rick Hodges]

My experience was with Colts....5" for me. It carried just fine. I have shot lightweight commanders and SS commanders. I don't like the short bbl. and to me 3/4" just wasn't a major difference in carrying. All are substantial handguns.

You say you are not planning on concealed carry, that makes it a no brainer for me. Full size.

[Petrol & Powder]

.

You say you are not planning on concealed carry, that makes it a no brainer for me. Full size.

/\ might be where I'm headed. If I didn't have so much time with the LW Commander I wouldn't even be considering the smaller gun.

[35remington]

The Ruger magazines are excellent. They are close copies of Colt magazines but with stronger springs and a skirted follower. If anyone does not understand that viewpoint I will be happy to explain.

Big hint: They preserve the tapered feed lips JMB thought necessary. Ruger included them for a reason. My luck with them is good.

Do not regard them as throwaways just yet. They have a better pedigree than you have been told.

[35remington]

My praise pertains to the seven shot Ruger mags, not the eight shot. The design differs in the eight shot and not in a good way.

[bgw45]

I own a SR1911 full size. Carry it routinely. It's every bit as accurate as my Les Bears and have been just as reliable. Love it.

[charlie b]

I've had both full size and currently a LW colt Commander.

For carrying the LW is a hands down winner. For shooting I still like the full size better. If I were not carrying I'd still have my full size Colt 1911. FWIW, neither were stock. They both were 'fixed up' by a good gunsmith. Barrels, bushings, springs, beavertails, sights, triggers.

[bobthenailer]

Though not a Commander length @4.25" the SA EMP4 with a 4.0" barrel and aluminum frame available in 9mm & 40 S&W is a sweet gun ! I have one in 9mm with the concealed carry contour ( bobtailed frame) 26oz empty.

[Char-Gar]

I bought a Ruger LW Commander due to the very good reviews it got from friends of mine. These pistols have been thoroughly wrung out at Gunsite and get rave reviews. Ruger has cured the Colt feed ramp gouging with HP round by putting a titanium feed ramp in the pistol. Ruger also uses a titanium firing pin to avoid the Series 80 nonsense. Ruger engineers really thought this pistol through.

Mine is very accurate and is not picky about ammo either jacketed or cast. The recoil is a smidge more than a full size steel 1911, but not bad at all. It carries well in a Simply Rugged Defcon 3 holster. It is a good solid pistol and I would trust my life to it.

[9.3X62AL]

Youse guys in the USA get to have all of the cool toys.

[Petrol & Powder]

Youse guys in the USA get to have all of the cool toys.

Al, you live in California, not the former Soviet sector of East Berlin :razz: You can move if you want.

[Petrol & Powder]

I bought a Ruger LW Commander due to the very good reviews it got from friends of mine. These pistols have been thoroughly wrung out at Gunsite and get rave reviews. Ruger has cured the Colt feed ramp gouging with HP round by putting a titanium feed ramp in the pistol. Ruger also uses a titanium firing pin to avoid the Series 80 nonsense. Ruger engineers really thought this pistol through.

Mine is very accurate and is not picky about ammo either jacketed or cast. The recoil is a smidge more than a full size steel 1911, but not bad at all. It carries well in a Simply Rugged Defcon 3 holster. It is a good solid pistol and I would trust my life to it.

A strong endorsement.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

Al, you live in California, not the former Soviet sector of East Berlin :razz: You can move if you want.

Living in Illinois I just have to snicker and think things could be worse

[Lefty Red]

Living in Illinois I just have to snicker and think things could be worse

Yep!


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[Walkingwolf]

Personally I prefer the full size, in a good holster it wears well in a OWB belt holster, just as concealable as the commander in a IWB holster. I carried one for years as a LEO concealed, never had anybody notice.

[GMW]

I have the SR1911 commander steel now for about three years without a single problem. I shoot my cast reloads, J=word reloads and factory hp's and never had a issue. In fact, I believe the factory mags are very good and I bought several more of them. I have Wilson 47d's, Chip McCormick power mags, Mecgar mags, Tripp Research mags and a few Colt mags and they all work fine in my Ruger. I own seven 1911's and I guess I am very lucky with my selection of magazines because they all run well with maybe a occasional failure to lock the slide back. When I cc my SR1911, I use Tripp or Wilson mags.