Tisas makes some Commander sized pistols—I’m thinking of another in 9mm that I can fit with an extra barrel in .38 Super.

 

I should add I'd like to stick with made in the USA for this one.

 

Stick with Springfiled. I have 7 of them and looking at an 8th. My stainless full-size Garrison is smooth as butter and has like zero recoil. It’s Very fun to shoot. I have a compact Springfield Range Officer in 9mm that requires a little more control to shoot accuratly but conceals very well. I have 4 Springfield 45s and my next Springer will be an Operator in 9mm, full-size with the optic cut.

 

9mm Dan Wesson Guardian... I have 2 of them..

the specialist 9mm is also amazing (i have the specialist 9mm commander, but they don't make them in commander length anymore)

 

9mm Dan Wesson Guardian

That might be the winner. I'm going to hit up my local DW dealer and see if they have one on the shelf. What's your holster of choice for 'em?

 

I have a Springfield Armory TRP .45 and love it. I also lucked out and scored a CMP 1911A1 from WWII. Now I'm thinking I'd like to get a high quality mid size or compact 9mm. Something to be a pride and joy range toy. I likely won't CCW it, I got plenty of others for that (G43, P365, LCP, etc).

I was looking at the SA Ronin 4". But then maybe I should go another notch up on the quality rungs? Dan Wesson? Should I splurge on a Wilson or Ed Brown?

I have a Freedom Arms .45LC and it's one of my favorite things I own even though I don't shoot it much. I just appreciate the quality.

Thoughts on made for 9mm compact frame vs full size .45 frame with 9mm?

I have a Wilson Hackathorn Commander Special 1911 in 9mm, it is smooth and a pleasure to shoot. It is made in Berryville, Arkansas - so USA made. You can, if your budget permits, get a Wilson Commander, Pro, or Compact from them in 9mm and you won't be sorry. Or you can get any of the name-brand semi-customs and be very happy methinks, but I have heard a lot of positive comments on the Dan Wesson. We have sub-forums on the 1911forum that deal with each major maker of 9mm 1911's, perhaps you should review those sub-forums and form your own decision; after all is said and done, it is YOU that end up with the pistol...

 

I have a couple of 9mm Tisas and am very happy. If they fit your budget you can't miss with a DW, Surprisingly in the middle, you can still find some Colt Commanders in 9mm for less than $1K. You'll still have to deal with some MIM if that bothers you but I would rather do it for the Pony than a Springfield.

 

This is a 9mm Commander that I am very pleased with. I have big hands and small frames don't work for me.

 

A DW Valor would be a good choice.

 

DW Guardian gets my vote. Recently purchased one, quality gun indeed....my daily carry.

 

You said you appreciate quality - and if your wallet can afford it think Nighthawk, Ed Brown, Wilson, etc. Down a notch you have Baer and Dan Wesson.
The hand of an artisan is what can make high end 1911s functional art. But keep in mind that as you move up on the scale each dollar buys less. We’re in the ‘golden age’ of 1911s - and one can get a fine example at virtually every price level, so acquire wisely at the best you can afford.

Good luck!

 

DW Specialist Commander

 

I’ve enjoyed my DW and Ed Brown more than any other handguns I own.

 

I also say Dan Wesson or Staccato.

 

Another vote for the DW Guardian in 9mm. Probably my favorite!

 

I would get a dan wesson. I love my Pointman. solid build, more accurate than I am. priced right too.

 

Here you go. Dan Wesson stainless steel Specialist Commander in 9mm. My EDC is 10mm and I bought this 9mm for my daughter as I have three DW 1911's (all 10mm) and they are outstanding 1911's (certainly much better quality than any SA, Colt, Remington, Sig, S&W, Ruger, etc). I got her this NIB model on Gunbroker 3 or 4 years ago for only $1,300 (all the other ones were selling for $1,500) from an FFL dealer. Like all of my DW 1911's, it is reliable and accurate.

 

Are all the DW's full size pistols (same as a .45 just chambered in 9mm?). I wonder how they compare to made for 9mm like the SA EMP models. I'm sure the answer is going to be, hit the gun shop/show and try them out....

 

Their current offerings:

View All Products - Dan Wesson Firearms

Viewing All Products

danwessonfirearms.com

It seems that they've recently dropped quite a few of their smaller pistols, and 9mm offerings. If I were to shop for a compact 9mm 1911, I'd look for an ECO, though they have been discontinued.

My ECO is my favorite 1911 for CC, but it's a .45.

 

And another vote for the Guardian. Love mine.

 

In case nobody's mentioned it ... 😏 ... I'd suggest a Dan Wesson Guardian in 9mm. It's a perfect carry weight and an absolute pleasure to shoot.

DW's are the top rung of the production ladder before you get into semi-custom. There's no NEED to look beyond them - unless and until you get into the WANT zones.

For holsters, I use Dave @ Ronin - he doesn't even have an order form on his site as he prefers to talk to you to get the best feel for what you want : Ronin Leather Holsters LLC :: Ronin Leather Holsters LLC

 

If this was an election, it should be Guardian all the way. My local dealer says they have one in stock on their website, I'm going to check one out.

Currently I don't have a "nice" 9mm range gun. I have a Glock 19, 43, and P365. The micros are no fun to shoot and Glocks work, but aren't that much fun either with their squishy triggers.

 

Any DW in 9mm or I have a Ed Brown 5” Executive that has just been incredible ! But you can get a DW for less than 1/2 the cost of the EB. But the EB is just artwork imho. I personally will not buy anymore Springfield junk, just terrible quality imho !

 

To each their own. My Springers have been great.

 

I think the Guardian with its aluminum frame is more CCW friendly than regular range gun friendly. I'd rather have an all steel gun when shooting a few hundred rounds

 

I wouldn't spend more than $750 on a 9mm unless you go all the way up to an Ed Brown. Most everything else is marketing. Springfield makes a really good 4" 9mm 1911...the EMP 4. It is specifically designed to be a 9mm, so not all parts are interchangeable on a standard 1911 frame, etc. SA also makes the Emissary in 9mm, and I handled one that REALLY impressed me (I am picky, believe me), but I did not actually shoot it. But its about $1,300, so again, read my first sentence.

As far as Tisas, I have not shot one but understand they are very high quality parts in the build...a lot of bang for buck in that regard. But do they run? I hope so...ask someone who does more than just static range shooting (like IDPA, USPSA style shooting instead) as I can't answer that question.

 

I have three in 9mm. Top to bottom: Fusion Bantam-R, Fusion Riptide, Dan Wesson Pointman PM-9. All shoot well. I usually stash the original grips and replace them with VZ grips for shooting. I find VZ's Operator IV's aggressive and most comfortable on my 1911's. The 5" DW is very smooth shooting and recoil is minimal, followed closely by the 4.25" Fusion Riptide, then the 3.25" Bantam-R.

 

If the gun is going to be a 9mm range toy, then get a 2011. They shoot just as well as a 1911 and hold at least double the amount of ammunition. If you're at the range, shooting is a lot more fun than reloading, and you shoot a lot more with a 2011.

 

If you're interested in a "…pride and joy range toy…" you may want to "splurge" on a two-tone Wilson Combat Classic. I have three.

Many people feel adjustable sights should be reserved for range use. I differ with that opinion. Top left is my EDC, top right my back-up and bottom left is an unfired Classic in case something happens to one of the other two.