[Allan R]

Hello,
I've been contemplating on getting a new gun. I used to have a full size 1911 with a comp but I sold it a couple of years ago and got a HK USP9. The gun is great and functions flawlessly but it doesn't really "fit" my hands, especially the double action trigger pull (short fingers, you see...). I keep remembering my old 1911 and how it fit my hand perfectly.
So now I am deciding whether to get a full sized 1911 or a combat commander. I am leaning towards the commander.
Question is am I giving up anything (like accuracy on longer distances) by going with the commander? I plan to use it as a carry gun and maybe even compete in some local IDPA matches.
I've been reading the forums and I see that the Wilson CQBs are very popular. Alas, I live in the Philippines and I don't think that they are available here.
Thanks for any info guys.

 

[shane45-1911]

Hi Allan,

I forgot to welcome you to "the other board", so I'll do it here - welcome!

My response "over there" sums up my feelings.

 

[Steelharp]

Do what I did... get both. One seems to be just as accurate as the other... now if I could just be.

Mikey

 

[PoodleShooter]

I have a real preference to the 4" Commander sized guns. I shoot just as well with a 4" Pro Carry as I do with a 5" Gov't model. I also think/feel the 4" bbl balances better in my hands. Might just be me, but most of the guns I regularly shoot are my compacts - it's the full sized guns that keep the safe warm while the others are at the range.

 

[Guest]

Allan R,
Since you're lurking around this group you'll probably end up with at least one of each.

I don't think that accuracy will be a factor. After shooting both types for a while, the accuracy is about the same (at least up to about 15 yards, in my case).

Since you're familiar with the full size, I'd recommend that you at least handle a Commander or two before making your final decision.

Dennis D. Carter

 

[gm45]

Try both, and carry the one you are better and more confident with. I carry GM sized ones, but I'm long waisted and 6'3", so the slide/bbl length doesn't bother me when I carry. Had a Commander for a while, and just didn't like the way it felt...nothing wrong with it, just didn't like it.

 

[Allan R]

Thanks for the inputs guys. I'll let you guys know what I eventually end up with.

I'll probably go to the shooting range this weekend to try out both.

Thanks again.

 

[Citizen_Gilmore]

I only like the full size 1911`s.. But i think all you will be giving up is a little weight and a little velocity.. -Gilmore

 

[jason10mm]

I have a full size 70's series Colt and a Kimber pro carry (4" barrel, full size grip) CDP, the one with the aluminum frame. I think I am equally accurate (Kimber has those drop back rear sights that sit right over the rear of the frame while my Colt has trijicons that are set a centimeter or 2 from the rear of the frame, so the front-rear sight distance is very similar). The big difference is presentation speed vs follow-up shots. I can get that Kimber up there about .1 seconds faster and it feels much smoother than the GM, but the GM fills my grip better and double tap shots are much closer together. I have smooth carbon creations grips on the kimber and textured rosewood on the GM, so that has some impact on grip feel however. Bottom line, if I only had 1, and was planning on carrying it, I would go for the shorter barrel since presentations are faster and the gun is lighter (thats why I got the kimber in the first place), but the GM is much nicer on the range and in classes after 3-5 hundred rounds down range

LAter.

 

[RickB]

As Col. Cooper said, "If I've got full weight, I want full length, too."

 

[oldcolt]

I prefer the full size 1911. It just feels right in my hands.

------------------

 

[Dogwhisperer5]

Being the owner of both a 1911 and a Commander, I agree that the full-sized pistol "just feels better". The balance seems more correct. I shoot both equally well, just enjoy the 1911 more. The Commander never has gotten a lot of road time, now that I think about it.

 

[gryphon]

Like some that have posted before me have said...."You can't have too many, get both"

I have a full size and an officers size, love them both. If I had to make a choice, I would stick with the full size, but(hopefully when we get CCW) on the days when you need to have a little more hidden, the officers model will come in handy.

 

[col132]

I'd buy the Gov't first and later on maybe add another one (or two) to go with it. Everything for the Gov't is so plentiful and generally speaking, if you can carry a Commander, you can carry a Gov't.

 

[lejarretnoir]

I've owned both. The difference is what, 3/4" and a few ounces maybe? I prefer the full size and also the 6" size for target shooting. I'll keep the 5" full size for the main stuff though. It feels right and I'm convinced that JMB designed it that way for a good reason. You will loose velocity with the Commander barrel length and a little accuracy, but you did say you are concerned with long distance. Stick with full size, unless you want to experiment for yourself.

 

[45robert]

I too own both they both feel good to me and both shoot well.PRACTICE.comes down to personal preference.

 

[EricO]

At this time I actually prefer (but just slightly) the cmdr. length over the fullsize 5" gov. model. This can probably be explained by my using the cmdr. (4 & 1/4" length) model for yrs. before the fullsize. Accuracy wise I don't believe there is a mentionable difference. Of balance, I must be slightly biased towards the cmdr. because of being more familiar with it, although the more I use the fullsize the differences decrease. However, I perceive that I handle the cmdr. length a little more competently, perhaps because of the slightly lesser weight, length, or just the specs of the gun.
Reliablity wise, either one will suffice. I haven't had any problems with either size other than once when I neglected to replace a overworn recoil spring - my fault entirely. Once replaced, reliablity was restored. Mind you, these are 1911's with tuning from "name" reputable smiths, although I can't say that I remember many problems before they were worked on.
EricO

 

[John Boy]

I'm no giant, at only 5'9" and I have no trouble carrying a full size. Course 9x23 is becoming my caliber of choice, and the long barrel is FAR better choice.