Which Commander Type 1911

[ugaarguy]

I know my next new pistol, the first one I get when I get home from this deployment, will be a 1911. After some reflection, I've decided it will be a commander size. When I first fell in love with 1911s, long before I could afford them, it was always the commander style/size that I lusted after. Correia has been kind enough to "make arrangements" for me if I go with an STI since I'm not in country during this current group buy. Commander type pistol has narrowed my STI options to the Ranger II and Duty CT. Which of those do you recommend, or is there another pistol of this type I should be looking at. Please give me some reasoning behind your choice. I'm making extra money on this deployment so my price max is flexible, but would prefer to stay under $1400-$1500. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[BigO01]

I'm sure STI makes fine guns but if you want to spend near that why not get a new Colt XSE Commander or a S&W .

I hear S&W's are realy fine examples of 1911's .

 

[larry starling]

Colt XSE or a NRM commander. Unless its a 4.25 inch its not a true commander.

 

[ugaarguy]

To clarify, here is some of my reasoning. I like that the STIs are built and assembled in the US. AFAIK they also use little to no MIM which is another plus. If any of that is wrong please correct me. Additionally Correia's generosity will allow me to buy an STI pistol at a great price. So right now I'm leaning toward an STI based on its quality and where & how they're built. The group buy is further motivation - why not when you get an STI for what a Kimber or Springfield retails for? I'm just bouncin ideas around and lookin for input. I'd like details on what features, materials, etc. influence the recommendations you give. Again, thanks in advance for sharing your collective insight.

 

[HSMITH]

The STI is a better made gun than any of the traditional makers like Colt, Springfield, Kimber, etc. It really isn't even close. You have to go to a Rock River, Baer, etc before you will surpass an STI.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Colt Commander .

 

[VPJack]

My personal choice would be a Nighthawk Custom Talon II with the Ed Brown bob-tail. The Nighthawks are as nice as any 1911 style pistol made, and better than the great majority. I have a Nighthawk and a Kimber and the Talon is so superior in fit, finish, and accuracy it's amazing. It's also nice to have one built exactly as you want it.

http://www.nighthawkcustom.com/

jack(just my 2 cents and worth every penny)

 

[Josh Aston]

I'm not that big a fan of light rails so I voted for the Ranger. You're getting a good deal on it and it is by all accounts I've seen, an excellent gun.

 

[Dave T]

Since your poll indicates you've already made up your mind and are just looking for re-inforcement, who am I to persuade you out of your choice. Get what you want. I did but it was different than your STIs.

Dave

 

[10-Ring]

STI makes some good guns and the Commander sized 1911 would be a nice choice. Really is a personal choice. Me, I like steel framed 1911's so, but if you're looking for lighter weight you may want to go w/ something lighter...ie aluminum.
Look forward to seeing pics of the pistol you pick up when you get home.

 

[ugaarguy]

Folks, thanks for the continued input. I guess I was curious to see if there was anything close to the STI in terms of all forged or machine parts, hand assembled, and how close in price. It looks like y'alls posts have confirmed that it would take a large step up in price to get the same build and materials quality as an STI. I'm really torn on the rail. The primary idea with the rail is the ability to mount a light and still have a free hand in a HD situation. In a street carry situation if I have time to mount a light I also have time to beat feet and get to safety or at least gain valuable space and be closer to safety. I'm not sure if the rail is even an issue. Of course if there is another gun like either of the listed STIs that someone feels I should be looking at please list it and tell me about it.

 

[BigO01]

There is one thing to consider before buying a gun with a light rail .

Can you find a holster that it will fit into and that you like ?

From what I have read on the net it seems like the holster manufactures haven't quite caught up with the gun makers when it comes to offering these products .

I suggested the Colt merely because I have seen many examples of them over the years , I have never seen an example of STI's work .

If you're getting a great deal on the price and are confident in their quality and customer service if it should have a problem by all means buy one .

 

[Correia]

VPJack, that's great. I like Nighthawk too. However the last Nighthawk I sold went for 2.5 times the price of the Ranger, group buy price.

 

[Helstrm]

For the price you can't beat the STI, Nighthawk.. well, $$$$$$$

As far as a light. I don't think I would not want to put a light on my gun.. That just give the BGs a target in the dark. Just get yourself some night vision gogles..

 

[Arc-Lite]

either way you go, with an STI.. will be a wise choice, the Commander size is another good choice, for carry. Correla is a saint, for the effort required to make these group buys work.

 

[tegemu]

I carry and love a Smith & Wesson Scandium Commander that I had Bobtailed. It is light, amazingly easy to conceal and carry and shoots much better than I can. The S&W 1911's are somewhat of the sleeper of the 1911 world. Do some searching on them and I am sure you will be impressed. I find the Bobtail to be a Quantum improvement in the comfort and shootability of the 1911. On the standard grip, the point of the grip tends to press uncomfortably in the heel of my hand. The Bobtail nestles very naturally in the curve of my palm. The hard part of a 1911 to conceal is the point of the grip, which is not there on a BT, mine conceals better than my officers size pistol. You can see mine at www.ontargetcgw.com , select "1911 Gallery" and then "Smith & Wesson Bobtail." On target Custom Gunworks did the BT and some other work on my beautiful shooter.

 

[ugaarguy]

Decision reached...

...for the most part. I settled on the Ranger II over the Duty CT. I thought I'd share my reasons; might be helpful to others if they need to apply them in a similar which gun decision.
1) I don't need the rail, which is the primary difference. The money saved would be better spent getting a surefire fore end for my 870 for HD. I'm sure Correia will be more than willing sell me one of those at retail to go with my group buy priced STI. I know he loves being the dealer for so many THR members
2) Wider holster availability for a 1911 sans rail.
3) Back to cost savings - put the saved money into factory hard chrome. I think finish durability is far more important than a light rail for a carry gun.
4) Little things - Much cleaner lines without the rail. I also actually prefer the single sided over ambi thumb safety and front strap stippling over checkering; both of which are coincidentally done up my preferred way on the Ranger II over the Duty CT.

So there ya have it. Thanks to all who posted earlier. Your advice and comments helped get me thinking on the right track to make a better decision.

 

[BullfrogKen]

I think ya made a good, well reasoned choice.

The light rail does add bulk if you decide to carry it, and you're going to have limitations on holsters. Either you'll find yourself confined to loose fitting models to accommodate it, or have to spend the extra money for someone in the made to order business (Sparks, Sherrick, Bullman, etc) to make leather for that.


Frankly, I feel a light separate from the pistol offers more versatility. Actually carrying a pistol with the light attached, for most of us and what we do, is a hindrance to keeping the gun comfortably concealed for hours. Having the only light carried as one attached to a pistol makes it impractical to use that light without presenting the pistol. And, I have reservations about having that set-up without having training to use it properly. Searching and identifying with a light mounted pistol generally means, in practical application, the practitioner falls into the habit of pointing a loaded gun in areas before we have made the decision to shoot. It can, and does, encourage violations of universal gun handling rules.

I'm not suggesting there is no appropriate time to use one, or that since it encourages violating those rules, we absolutely shouldn't use them. I would like to simply see the possibility acknowledged and that the user be aware of the behavior, and that he make the decision fully informed.