[doc540]

Let me state clearly for the record that I am relatively clueless about 1911's.

Because my new full size 1911 in .45 just didn't fit me and feel right at the range, I wrongly assumed a smaller, lighter Commander wouldn't fit me either and recoil would be difficult to manage in .45.

You know what they say about assuming, right?

I don't need a steel frame 9mm.

This alloy frame .45 Commander shoots extremely well, fits me to a "T", and will get regularly smoked.

I suggest everybody have at least one.

unsmoked
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/doc540/Guns/Colt%20Commander/DSCN0263-1.jpg

smoked
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/doc540/Guns/Colt%20Commander/DSCN0274-1.jpg

[David E]

The 1911 was the original "tweak it 'til it fits" gun.

Grip too big? get a flat mainspring housing. (MSH) Trigger reach too long/short? Get a longer/shorter trigger. Grips too fat? Get a set of slim grips. Grip too narrow? Get some wrap-around grips.

In my own case, I thought I needed an arched MSH and a short trigger. Turns out I needed a flat MSH and a long trigger. Presto change-o, it fit !

As for your gun, I'd invest in an Ed Brown "memory groove" beavertail grip safety. It'll fill in that gap that exists and allow a higher hand hold, making it more comfortable to hold and shoot.

And I agree, there is something special about a true Commander. While 3/4" difference in length doesn't seem like much, it makes a big difference in the handling.

[earlthegoat2]

I like the commander size best and would never consider a 5" pistol. I like the stock Colt grip safety but the beavertail will allow a higher hold. Actually it is the stock grip safety of the blued commander I like best. SS guns tend to get smoked after shooting. It looks really awesome I think.

[loop]

The commander grips, frame, etc., are all exactly the same as on the full-size 1911. The difference is in the lenght of the slide and barrel.

How it can fit you better than a 1911 is a mystery. The only differences are a better sight radius and more recoil dampening on the bigger gun.

[1911Tuner]

This alloy frame .45 Commander shoots extremely well, fits me to a "T", and will get regularly smoked.

I love LW Commanders. One of my all-time favorite carry guns...but if by "regularly smoked" you mean shootin' the bejabbers out of it...ya might wanna fall back and regroup. LW Commanders are great carry guns, but they aren't all that durable.

[BCRider]

As mentioned there's a lot of things that go into how a gun fits each person. Given the variety of MSH's, grip safetys, triggers with different reach options and grip shapes it may well be that this one has all the right stuff for you this time around.

[doc540]

1. "fit me" was a figure of speech like "it shoots better"
I'm able to control it better and shoot it more accurately than the full-size 1911.

Don't know exactly why, but it's a fact.

2. "regularly smoked" will probably translate into about 500 rnds/mo. which is a mere pittance to some but regular to me.

Look, I'm in the Commander ether here and just a tad enthusiastic.

Gimme a few months and I'll probably climb another rung on the 1911 ladder.:o

[DRYHUMOR]

You just wanted to post more pics.:D

6000 rds a year will wear that thing out, it should be fun though.:evil:

[1911Tuner]

500 rounds a month and it won't last long.

The LW Commander is a great little pistol...but it's not an especially durable pistol.
Meant to be carried a lot and seldom shot is the term that comes to mind.

Rx

Get a steel-framed Combat Commander. Make it a virtual twin of your LW Commander. Shoot it 'til ya go blind. Carry the LW.

Cheers!

[loop]

Plus 1 for Tuner's comment.

I set up a Commander and a Combat Commander identically. The only difference was that the Combat Commander had the gold Colt emblem on the grip and the Commander was all all black.

I practiced with the Combat Commander and carried the Commander.

I can identify them at a glance, but fit and handling are pretty much the same.

Alas, these days I tote a Warthog. It is smaller, lighter and carries more rounds...

[The Lone Haranguer]

I've never shot a Lightweight Commander, but do find steel Commanders (actually the equivalent in another make) to balance and point better than five-inch guns. They also look better proportioned. All this is subjective and personal preference.

[paul45]

Listen to 1911 Tuner..........since you are giving free advice.....Tuner's free advice is quite valuable.