1911 Commander Carry Decision

[SalchaketJoe]

I have three in mind, if you could let me know your experiences and impressions with them I would appreciate it. These three are within the price range I am looking at. Roughly $800

Colt XSE Lightweight
Para LTC PXT
S&W 1911 PD Scandium frame

I plan on turning this into what is to me a dedicated carry pistol. Hence all three options are lightweight.

Another question: I want to have the pistol bobtailed. Anyone know how much that would run me? Or would it be less $$$$ to get something already bob tailed, which would seriously narrow my options.

I have owned three 1911s, Springer ultra compact, Charles Daly (ran like a top) and a Springer Loaded parkerized, which if you want a full size 1911, I would recommend it. Just sold it to a friend to fund the commander that I should have gotten in the first place.

 

[Oro]

In my experience the best carrying commanders are steel frame. You can shoot them without wrecking them, and with a good carry rig, you can't feel the difference when loaded. They point better and offer faster follow-on shots. If sacrificing those features are worth it, then get a lightweight.

It sounds like you have not carried these guns much and are choosing based on catalog specs. Well, the sellers love you to do that. But real-world carrying is not done by catalog specs.

If you want a bobtailed gun, buy one. It's always wiser and cheaper to buy the gun you want than to pay through the nose to turn the gun you have into the one you want. (SaxonPig rule).

 

[SalchaketJoe]

I have handled all of my choices, never carried a 1911 long enough to make up my mind.
Really for carry I think a shorter grip would be ideal as that is the hardest part to conceal. I just dont care for the way the shorter 1911 grips feel.
Though as far as weight goes, for carry I would prefer less of it. I will admit that I have some concerns about durability with the LW frame. That is what got the S&W scandium on the list as I hear it some stout stuff.

 

[JTQ]

Really for carry I think a shorter grip would be ideal as that is the hardest part to conceal.

How about the S&W 1911 ES?

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57754_757752_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

As much as I like Colt's, and that's what I own and always recommend, the XSE comes with the "ducktail" grip safety. The "ducktail" is my least favorite grip safety. If it works for you fine, just be aware it will feel different from a beavertail grip safety.

I believe the standard Colt Commander, model #04691 is a much better value than the XSE, though admittedly it is not a lightweight. Everything you need and nothing you don't.

 

[G27RR]

Of the three you listed I'd get the Colt. I don't have one of those models, but I do have a Colt Combat Elite in the XSE series and a Colt Defender that has the alloy frame. They're both solid and I've got close to 1,000 rounds through the Defender without issue.

I do like the Commander size for carry, and I chose the STI Ranger II. It is all steel but doesn't feel much different weight wise with a good holster and belt.

 

[71Commander]

The main concern to your problem, as I see it, is comfort. That being the case, the weight issues with the heavier all steel commander can be overcome with a good quality holster and belt. You can't go wrong with the Milt Sparks VM ll and a belt. DON"T OVERLOOK THE BELT.

 

[9mmepiphany]

A quick look at the S&W 1911 ES certainly caught my eye. There is a lot to be said for a Commander slide on an Officer's frame...it would be close to my ideal carry gun without spending what NightHawk Custom wants for their T3 series...and the it also has a Scadium frame.

I have a S&W 1911Sc, their original Scadium 1911 offering, and I like the fit better than the Colts'. I don't think the Para is even in the same class for fit and finish

I also echo 71Commander in a good stiff (and wide enough) belt and holster will make carrying much more comfortable

 

[BlayGlock]

In my experience the best carrying commanders are steel frame. You can shoot them without wrecking them, and with a good carry rig, you can't feel the difference when loaded. They point better and offer faster follow-on shots. If sacrificing those features are worth it, then get a lightweight

Bam. Oro nailed this one. /thread

 

[AK103K]

I carried a Combat Commander daily for about 25 years, and never had any problems with the weight, or its size. Carried GM's too, with the same results.

If you wear a good belt and IWB holster, once you get used to it, the only time you'll notice its there, is when it isnt.

As much as I like Colt's, and that's what I own and always recommend, the XSE comes with the "ducktail" grip safety. The "ducktail" is my least favorite grip safety.

I'll second that. Mine used to pinch me something terrible when I'd shoot it. I filed it down to a traditional profile, and it was fine after that.

 

[wgp]

I frequently carry a Colt LW XSE Commander. I also have an XSE Commander and I think the extra weight is noticeable so the LW gets the nod from me.

I more often carry a Colt CCO (Officers frame, Commander slide). The shorter grip is easier to conceal, but these pistols are not common to find.

 

[ultraspec]

I have a 1911PD you will love it if you get one. One sweet shooting pistol and accurate as anyone could ask for, very well balanced. I carry mine all the time.

 

[saltydog452]

You can discretely haul around a 1911. Maybe you'll have to work out holster, belt, pant issues that are related you your build, vocation, avocation, dress stds., etc.

I like the Cmdr length because, when I sit, the Cmdr does not pinch my cheek. I find myself sitting more often these days.

A IWB with widely spaced loops/slots like the FIST #14 suit me just dandy when carried on the point of my hip.

We all gotta find our own salvation when we chose to carry. That is mine.

salty

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have steel commanders and LTW Commander . I prefer the LTW for daily carry I can carry either but I like the LTW.
Now I have a Dan Wesson bobtail and I love the feel of it , I am seriously considering having my LTW Commander bobtailed Then be perfect for me at least carry pistol.
Its really your choice

As for the alloy frame I have a 1951 Commander alloy frame and its still trucking along I have no idea how many rounds been fired I found in a pawn show and bought few years back.

I also own a Defender their nice to if you want a compact.

 

[SalchaketJoe]

I do like the Defender as my dad has one. I discovered the DW CBOB right before they stopped making thm. That is what I was going to get. The VBOB is a little more pricey, for a bit more could get a Wilson. Thanks for all the advise. I am expanding my seach to steel too, looking hard at the Springfiel loaded champion. I can get one new for $800 near me. Also considering a S&W M&P45 Compact for carry.

 

[bhk]

I have a SW1911PD and enjoy it greatly. It shoots wonderfully and is MUCH more comfortable to carry than my full-size, all-steel 1911. Yep, you can buy a great holster and belt and make the all-steel gun ok to carry. Use the same gear to carry the lightweight commander and you will really know the difference.

As per barrel length vs. grip length, I guess body shape and holster cant dictate which is more important for you. I am a relatively lean 6'1'' shooter, and find the grip length makes no difference in concealment if I wear a properly canted IWB holster (Milt Sparks). But the barrel length ended up being really important. I, like another poster, got butt check pinch with a five-inch barrel and not with the shorter commander-length barrel.

 

[ttheel]

As much as I like Colt's, and that's what I own and always recommend, the XSE comes with the "ducktail" grip safety. The "ducktail" is my least favorite grip safety. If it works for you fine, just be aware it will feel different from a beavertail grip safety.

From what i understand Colt has gone to the "beavertail" grip safety with their new pistols and have ditched the much griped about "ducktail". I had heard that this was going to happen and then I recieved my latest Colt brochure in the mail a few weeks back and their 1911's, including the XSE are pictured with the beavertail grip safety now.

 

[JTQ]

I recieved my latest Colt brochure in the mail a few weeks back and their 1911's, including the XSE are pictured with the beavertail grip safety now.

That is good to hear.

Their website still shows the "ducktail" on several models. Hopefully, they just haven't updated the site yet.

 

[gym]

Been there when I was younger, I like the para, alloy frame p-13, it had plenty of rounds and still light enough to carry, until you are in a fancy restaurant. Then it's jacket and shoulder holster time, if you want to be able to enjoy your meal.

 

[BullfrogKen]

My convertible 9x23/38 Super/9mm Commander is a Colt aluminum frame gun.


It has well over 10,000 rounds through it. A properly forged 1911 alloy frame will last a long, long time.


The only real downside with a lightweight frame is longer shot-to-shot recovery times, and off course a bit more felt recoil.


I like that Smith. But I caution you, if you buy something that's not the classic Colt design you're limiting yourself with aftermarket parts and upgrades. Personally I'd find an old, bare-bones Colt and give it to Jim Garthwaite to work it up exactly the way I like mine.

I see that Smith is using a Novak sight cut now, which is nice. Their early guns used a lot more proprietary parts - and cuts to fit those parts. Once the frame/slide has been cut to fit a proprietary part, you're stuck with using those. Novak's offer a lot more flexibility than what Smith first started out using.


I think that Smith Commander is a much better value, if comes the way you want it right now that is. And forget that "Bobtail" . . . you really don't need it.

 

[SalchaketJoe]

I have thought of doing just that, getting bare bones and having it smithed how I want. The problem seems to be, finding one that isn't costing as much as the ones that come with those features. A colt commander seems to run right up there with the XSE model. Will hit the gun show here in a few weeks and look around some more.

 

[AK103K]

Other than maybe something like my buddys Nighthawks, my experience has been that the "bare bones" guns have always been the most reliable, and have always worked the best for me, and especially the Colts. A decent set of sights is all I've ever felt was necessary. Well, that and a lanyard loop.

Its all the "add on's" and out of spec components that seem to cause the troubles. Many, if not most of the add ons are really unnecessary, and not needed. But then again, I suppose the urge to "accessorize" is too great for some people. Me, I like simple reliability over fashon.

 

[SSN Vet]

I purchased a SS Colt Commander (non XSE) early this year and love the gun. Trigger is great. Feeds reliably. Shoots accurrately.

It is heavy.

The key (imho) is the belt. You want a double layer belt that is 1-3/4' wide. Snug a pancake holster up tight and it's reasonable. Not what I would call all day carry comfortable, but not that bad either.

I do not carry it daily.

 

[BullfrogKen]

Me, I like simple reliability over fashon.

Really? I would have never thought reliability might be nice to have on a carry gun.


And what on either of these would you consider fashion?

 

[orionengnr]

If you wear a good belt and IWB holster, once you get used to it, the only time you'll notice its there, is when it isnt.

I keep reading this, but have not found it to be true. Even after five years of daily carry, it is impossible not to notice two pounds of steel on my hip.

The fact that I am 5'(', 150 lbs, and have had spinal fusion surgery...may enter into it That said:

I can pocket carry my 14 oz Kahr PM 9 all day, every day with no problems at all. I did it for three years, but I would rather carry a .45acp.

I can carry my 18.5 oz Kahr P45 IWB with minor discomfort (pressure against the back of my hip bone, which eventually causes lower back pain) for the entire day.

I can carry a 24 oz 3" 1911 with a somewhat greater level of discomfort, due entirely to the weight. I shoot a 1911 better and would prefer to carry a 1911 year round, but if I have to live in pain every day to do so, it is not really a good trade-off. I am trying to train myself to deal with this, but have not been very successful so far...

When I step it up to an alloy Commander sized 1911, it is a bit more noticeable, and a bit less tolerable. I can do it, but I really don't enjoy it.

Make it a steel Commander 1911, and I will be re-adjusting pretty regularly during the day. The difference is notable. I can do it for a weekend, but will be looking for something else in short order.

I also enjoy carrying a 4" N-frame in the winter time. Of course, "enjoy" is a relative term... In reality, I enjoy the concept more than the reality.

Bottom line: what works for me may not work for you, and vice versa. You will really have to find out what is tolerable/comfortable for you.

 

[AK103K]

Really? I would have never thought reliability might be nice to have on a carry gun.

Yea, quite a concept, eh?

And what on either of these would you consider fashion?

The beaver-tails, ambi safety, FLGR, etc.

The "long", aluminum trigger and arched MSH (wheres the loop?) doesnt work for me either. I like the short steel ones.


Any other spelling mistakes you might have picked up on, feel free.

The fact that I am 5'(', 150 lbs, and have had spinal fusion surgery...may enter into it

It may.

As an observation though, it seems there are a lot of people out there who look at carrying a gun as a fashion (theres that word again! ) accessory, instead of a tool, and seem to be overly concerned about size.

I'm 5' 6", 170, and "fit". I've never found it to be a chore to carry a full size handgun IWB, along with a double reload, as well as smaller BUG. I might have a different outlook on things if I had a disability, but I dont, so I dont.

Hey, if it doesnt work for you, do what you have to to do what makes you happy. I've done the 4" N frame thing too, and it never did.