[Skunkabilly]

While I think the 'Commander' style 1911s and Centurion Berettas are pretty, what is the benefit of such a 'compact', where the grip is fullsize so you gain nothing in concealability, and all you get is a shorter sight radius? For people with shoulder holsters? :confused:

[Jerrywahid]

Perhaps it helps concealability when carrying in a canted holster.

[Dobe]

Skunk
It does shed a little weight, but like you, it doesn't seem to make sense to me either. If I am going to pack a full sized frame, I believe I will also pack the extra 3/4 inch. That is not too much more to hide. My concealment is a Kimber Compact, 4" barrel and shorter grip.

[B27]

Those who carry their gun on their belt and do a lot of sitting during the work day may well find the guns with slightly shorter top ends are much more comfortable to wear.
Many find the slightly shorter guns are "quicker".
For this quickness some of them sacrifice some of their instinctive pointability.
TANSTAAFL.:)
I am a big fan of the P220 which is quite comparable to a Commander size 1911.
The P245, on the other hand, I have absolutely no use for. Sawing off the grip completely ruins the feel of the gun for me.
Same for Officer size frames on 1911's.
ALL of this is just as subjective as all get out, of course.;)

[Skunkabilly]

Hmmm I can see how it would help from peeking out under a cover garment carrying OWB...man I want a Beretta 92G Centurion!

[Andrew Wyatt]

commanders are also 26 ounces unloaded, compared to a 40 ounce government model. this also helps concealability.

[Skunkabilly]

What? A pound for an inch of metal?

[Andrew Wyatt]

commanders are aluminum framed. :)

[motorep]

Some Commanders are aluminum framed. I like Commander sized guns because for me they are quicker from the holster, quicker transiton-wise target to target, and do conceal better than a 5" gun. In a butt forward, FBI cant holster grip length isn't the concealability issue, barrel length is.

[Soap]

The only way a short gun is faster from the holster is if you're bowling on your drawing technique. Of course, this applies to guns within reason as it is nearly impossible to not bowl with a 7"+ barrel.

[firestar]

[QUOTE]I am a big fan of the P220 which is quite comparable to a Commander size 1911.
The P245, on the other hand, I have absolutely no use for. Sawing off the grip completely ruins the feel of the gun for me.
Same for Officer size frames on 1911's."

I agree. On most guns, I could stand to lose an inch off the bbl as long as the grips is still comfortable. I love the feel of the Kahr K9 but the K9 Covert feels really akward in my hand and I don't like it. It is hard to shoot any gun with only two fingers on the grip.

[motorep]

How is a gun that's 25% longer going to be as quick from the holster? I've got as many 5" guns as Commander sized, the shorter guns are quicker to first shot from a canted holster or a straight draw holster. You can't start to get the front sight on target until the gun is out of the holster. I don't bowl. Straight up, straight to the target. Basic physics. The poster asked the benefits, these are the benefits to me.

[sm]

Even the all steel commander size has a certain appeal . My first firearm purchase was an all steel commander. I liked it "because". A bit more comfortable for prolonged sitting/driving.

Some body shapes/build and just not ladies find it more adaptive to carry.
Alloy framed (Pro Carry) for instance is -well- you can forget and have to return to vehicle. Dang metal detectors at courthouses...btdt.

Never warmed up to officer size, all my mags fit full size. Simple, no chance of mag problems, redundent me.

[Soap]

motorep- I draw straight up to bring the gun into a split second retention position and then I move it forward to the target. To bring it up to that retention position, it requires you to lift the gun to a certain distance, unless you are in the habit of leaning to your strong side when using retention position. Why do you draw straight up if you're not putting the gun into that split second (or if you need it, longer) retention position?

[motorep]

You're not addressing the issue- explain how draw to first shot is not enhanced by a shorter gun. I've proved it to myself and those I've competed against for years, with a timer and match results. If your mechanics slow you down, so be it. Opinions vary.

[Dave Markowitz]

commanders are aluminum framed.

Lightweight Commanders are AL-framed. Combat Commanders have steel frames.

I happen to like the balance of a Combat Commander. I'd love one in .38 Super.

[El Tejon]

motorep, when you transition from #1 to #2, it matters not how long the barrel of the pistol is. It only matters if you're fishing or bowling.

"Neither a bowler or a slapper be." Uncle Jeff.:D

[motorep]

My intent here was to answer the original question, not to hijack the thread. In my experience the draw to first shot is/can be affected by the length of the barrel, the type and postioning of the holster- #1 to #2 is the same for a high ride as opposed to a field type belt holster? I think not- etc. If someone wants to start a "who's got the best mechanics?" thread, ok. To again answer the original thread, see my first post.