Question about commander sized 1911s

If they are both steel frame, you'll barely notice any difference between the two. Alloy frame Commander will still be accurate, but with more recoil. You won't get your 2nd shots off as quick.

And get a real 4.25"/ bushing Commander instead of the 4" bull barrel type.

The "felt" recoil will be about the same (with both in steel) but the Commander will have more muzzle lift. I would choose the steel model if recoil or quick followup shots are important to you. Alloy will be only a little easier to carry but require a little more work to hit with.

I have a full size Range Officer and a RIA 1911 Compact. Some may not agree but I notice less muzzle flip from the compact. I can get back on target just as quick with it as the full size. I am not as accurate with RIA by any means.

Alloy Commanders can punish your hands if you shoot a lot of 230gr or hotter defensive ammo, but I haven't noticed much difference with full steel Commanders vs Govt. sized M1911s.

That rail under the barrel will add weight & a bit of balance for you.

If recoil becomes a bit of a problem with a light weight aluminum alloy framed Commander, maybe consider using lighter loads, like those utilizing 185 or 200 gr. bullets. Never have noticed much difference in felt recoil between a full size Government Model and a Combat Commander.

The same make will feel very much the same in both sizes. Only bulls eye shooting will be tighter with the extra inch.

Recoil will be roughly the same. Follow up is typically faster with 4.25" barrels since they are just a tad lighter than 5", and in my experience better balanced.

I'm a fan of the 4" 1911 platform. If it's a carry gun, get the alloy frame for sure. There is so little recoil with this pistol, almost anyone can master it. I have both steel frame and alloy, I suppose there is a difference in recoil, but doesn't feel significant. Where the alloy frame really shines is ease of carry. You'll notice a real difference there. As far as accuracy and shoot ability go, the my Kimber Pro Carry doesn't give up anything to my fullsize 1911s. When I feel the need to shoot single stack in action pistol, the Pro Carry is the one I usually reach for.

It seems like a lot of people like the shorter guns. I am not a fan. I had a few and I let them go. I just don't shoot them as well.
I don't know if it is the shorter sight radius or the faster cycling. They just aren't as comfortable for me to shoot.
I think they just don't balance well. I like the 5” guns much better, and it shows on target.

I guess everyone is different.

I have several "Commander" size autos, and two of them are in my carry rotation. I have a S&W E Series in .45 ACP. The felt recoil is a bit more than in my full size 1911's, but its not at all unpleasant.

However, the best combination, for me, is a Colt LWT Commander, chambered in Super .38. The gun is light to carry, and the Super .38 recoil is very mild. Every combination is somewhat of a compromise; and since I can't afford a gun bearer, I like the Commanders.

I carry a Sig 1911 RCS.
The recoil is somewhat more noticeable than my full size 1911s but not bad.
I have gone to 180 gr gold dot over 230 gr Ranger SXT because it is more controllable for faster rates of fire.

Commander

I have carried a Colt Commander .45acp for 30 years and cannot tell the difference in kick between it and my other full-sized 1911's.

The alloy frame makes a dramatic difference for carry, on a CCW piece I highly recommend it. Muzzle flip is more pronounced on the shorter gun but the beauty of the 1911 is that if I don't fight the muzzle flip the slide slamming home brings the sight picture back exactly where it was before, I don't know if that makes sense but I don't notice a difference in speed of follow-up shots with the LW Commander compared to shooting my full-size steel-frame 1911.

pendennis, I too covet a Colt Commander in .38 Super.

For CC I like the Sig C3. Alloy frame with commander size slide and a officer size frame. Easier to conceal, lighter and recoil is not a issue. I can barely tell any difference from the 5" steel frame 1911's

The recoil with the Commander (steel frame) is not unpleasant IMHO. If you find yourself shooting a couple of hundred rounds in a single outing you will obviously notice the strong push the .45 cartridge has, but you don't get a lot of muzzle flip, again IMHO.

I will be trying out a new (to me) Star PD aluminum frame .45 soon - I'm not worried, but I'm interested to see how I'll feel about the 7 oz. difference in weight between the PD and Commander.

I have the Sig Carry Scorpion. It's all coated stainless steel. It has nice weight. Very little difference in recoil compared to a full size .45. You'll like it!

I have several Colt Commanders I love the balance over the 5" Now my LTW has a little more recoil than the steel frame But nothing to get worked up about.

MikeFrank said:

The recoil with the Commander (steel frame) is not unpleasant IMHO. If you find yourself shooting a couple of hundred rounds in a single outing you will obviously notice the strong push the .45 cartridge has, but you don't get a lot of muzzle flip, again IMHO.

I will be trying out a new (to me) Star PD aluminum frame .45 soon - I'm not worried, but I'm interested to see how I'll feel about the 7 oz. difference in weight between the PD and Commander.

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I used to have a Star PD - its recoil was noticeable with fully caffeinated self defense loads.

Steel Commander vs Steel 1911 - IMHO, no real difference in recoil or muzzle flip.

As mentioned, no real difference. Though the Commander may be a bit lighter, the slide mass is also. I think all the Scorpions are steel frame. I have the Scorpion Carry and there is no noticeable difference between that and my MC Operator

Strangely I don't really notice the difference in recoil for any 1911s. Full-size all-steel Colt Combat Elite or 3" aluminum-frame Kimber all feel very similar in recoil for me.

I would agree with madcap. Maybe a very slight difference in steel 5". Vs Sig ultra3"

Not much difference in recoil comparing steel to steel . More difference comparing comfort carrying a smaller gun .. IWB >> sitting is what really makes a difference . I can with my Pro Carry but would not try with my full size 1911 .

I recently purchased a colt combat commander, the slide & frame are 70 series however the serial number begins with an 80.... is that correct for 70 series design? thanks...