progunner1957
member
I am thinking about getting a 1911 and am having trouble deciding on the 5" full size gun or the 4.25" Commander length. Just out of curiosity, which do you prefer, and why?
Thanks for your input!
Thanks for your input!
1911 fans: Do you like 5" or 4.25" length?
- Thread starter progunner1957
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I prefer the 5". I carry mine, and with a good holster, the extra 3/4" doesn't make any difference in concealment. So, I figure, why not? The full-length barrel adds a little bit of oomph.
That, and aesthetics. Personally, I think the shorter guns lose the classic lines.
That, and aesthetics. Personally, I think the shorter guns lose the classic lines.
Steelharp
Member
I like both, but for carry, and my most often used holster is a SmartCarry, the shorter Commander size is better for me. The full size is a bit long; jabs me in the gut when I sit down.
Given a situation where I would be able to conceal a Commander-length 1911 but not a Government-size model, the difference would be too close for comfortable concealment and I would go with some other weapon, so I see no reasons to go with a 4.25" barrel. Besides, below 5", the recoil of a 1911 becomes less pleasant.
10-Ring
Member
I voted for the full size, gov't model. I usually like getting fullsize models first, shoot it, learn to appreciate it and then get a compact version later. In general, the fullsize is the way the original was intended & the best way to get to know them! 
tegemu
Member
I carry a 3", a Commander Bobtailed and a 5". The 3" for pocket carry and I used to carry the 5" IWB untill I got my Smith & Wesson Scandium Commander and had it Bobtailed. The S&W is now my full time companion, for comfort, weight, concealibility and reliabillity. Being shorter helps with seated comfort and the 3/4 inch sight plane reduction has a negligible effect on my accuracy but improves pointability as much. My 5" GI-45 is now my #2IWB gun.
larry starling
Member
I voted for the commander length, But at the same time I tend to be a traditionalist and love the goverment model also.....
GoRon
Member
How are you going to use it?
If it is strictly a range gun go full size. The longer sight radius will be a little easier to shoot longer ranges.
I have both and the commander is slightly more snappy when shooting. It is a little lighter than the full size. I bought the commander for ITWB use in the practical gun games I participate in.
robctwo
Member
I have the 5" Springfield Armory Black Stainless Loaded and a SW1911PD Commander with alloy frame. 5" stainless much more comfortable for long range sessions, 50 or more rounds. 4.25" alloy frame much more comfortable for packing around. Both are accurate. Both are reliable. Probably a good idea to get both. Decide which one first based on primary use. 1911 model pistols seem to be habit forming. I ask myself if I started out with an Ed Brown Cobra Carry and Executive Elite, would I buy another 1911? Probably.
sm
member
5"
I like the handyness of the shorter length, but think the full-sized gun is a better choice for most purposes. Unless concealed carry is a major consideration I believe that new buyers should pick the original Government Model.
Aguila Blanca
Member
I'm just the opposite of kbheiner7 -- I find that the Commander balances much better than the Government model. Visually, I also find that the proportions of the Commander seem better (to me).
It isn't on the survey, but IMHO the ideal CCW 1911 is the "CCO" version, as offered by Colt in the Gunsite series. This is a 4-1/4" Commander barrel and slide on the shorter Officers frame.
It isn't on the survey, but IMHO the ideal CCW 1911 is the "CCO" version, as offered by Colt in the Gunsite series. This is a 4-1/4" Commander barrel and slide on the shorter Officers frame.
michael_aos
Member
Yep, I'm in the same camp for both.
But interestingly, 4/5 my 1911's (.22, 9mm, 38 Super, 40 S&W, .45) are full-size. The exception being my Springfield Micro-Compact .45.
Mike
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
Choices
I like the Commander length gun for carry at certain times of the year. Other times it doesn't matter. Oddly, I like the Commander in colder weather, and the GM as the heat goes up. The LW Commander is greatly appreciated when the day wears into overtime, but I prefer the steel-framed gun for the balance advantage over the LW and because it's a shade quicker out of the leather than the 5-inchers. Plus the fact that the steel frame offers better
durability over the alloy guns, which lets me practice as much as I'm prone to do, and with the same one I carry.
However...If I was forced to choose one as my go-to pistol, and I had to live with that choice for the rest of my days, it would have to be a 5-inch gun...
and likely one of my older ones, or possibly one of my reworked Norincos.
I like the Commander length gun for carry at certain times of the year. Other times it doesn't matter. Oddly, I like the Commander in colder weather, and the GM as the heat goes up. The LW Commander is greatly appreciated when the day wears into overtime, but I prefer the steel-framed gun for the balance advantage over the LW and because it's a shade quicker out of the leather than the 5-inchers. Plus the fact that the steel frame offers better
durability over the alloy guns, which lets me practice as much as I'm prone to do, and with the same one I carry.
However...If I was forced to choose one as my go-to pistol, and I had to live with that choice for the rest of my days, it would have to be a 5-inch gun...
and likely one of my older ones, or possibly one of my reworked Norincos.
rtl
Member
Honestly could not decide when faced with the same dilema a while back so I bought one of each. I voted 5" because, well, it just feels right, but would never feel like I made the wrong decision had I only bought the 4.25".
ddj8052
Member
I posted 5" because I only have 3 1911's and they are all 5" guns.
But, I sure do want a comander sized gun one of those will probably be my next purchase.
But, I sure do want a comander sized gun
one of those will probably be my next purchase.vanilla_gorilla
Member
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- Jun 10, 2006
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- 360
I see no real reason to go to the shorter barrel. Mine have all been 5s except for the Kimber Pro Carry, which really did nothing for me anyway.
I like the pointability and classic lines of the 5 inch barrel.
I like the pointability and classic lines of the 5 inch barrel.
farscott
Member
My choice is the five-inch pistol for the following reasons:
1) Reliability. The original design is just more forgiving. The shorter barrel and slides usually lead to something that just is not right. I have had Commander-length pistols that cannot be slingshot into battery, ones that slam the first round into the feed ramp, and ones that like only one bullet weight. The three-inch guns of my experience are really sensitive to springs. Never seen any of this with a five-inch gun.
2) Ease of IWB carry. The longer slide lowers the center of gravity of gun in the holster and adds some stability. I find it more comfortable to tote a five-inch gun than a shorter gun.
3) Longer sight plane. I am more accurate with the full-size gun.
4) Less muzzle flip. I get the gun back on target faster with the five-inch gun.
To be fair, there are some advantages to the Commander. It is easier to acquire the sights on the first shot with the shorter gun. The shorter gun also clears leather a bit more quickly. When all is said and done, I rather have the full-size.
If weight is an issue, a decent compromise is an full-size gun with an alloy frame and a ramped barrel.
1) Reliability. The original design is just more forgiving. The shorter barrel and slides usually lead to something that just is not right. I have had Commander-length pistols that cannot be slingshot into battery, ones that slam the first round into the feed ramp, and ones that like only one bullet weight. The three-inch guns of my experience are really sensitive to springs. Never seen any of this with a five-inch gun.
2) Ease of IWB carry. The longer slide lowers the center of gravity of gun in the holster and adds some stability. I find it more comfortable to tote a five-inch gun than a shorter gun.
3) Longer sight plane. I am more accurate with the full-size gun.
4) Less muzzle flip. I get the gun back on target faster with the five-inch gun.
To be fair, there are some advantages to the Commander. It is easier to acquire the sights on the first shot with the shorter gun. The shorter gun also clears leather a bit more quickly. When all is said and done, I rather have the full-size.
If weight is an issue, a decent compromise is an full-size gun with an alloy frame and a ramped barrel.
ProficientRifleman
Member
- Joined
- May 3, 2006
- Messages
- 579
love both
I have and use both. Each has its use in social situations. The commander size is better for carry. The full size is better for plinking and competition. Its a matter of taste and preferrence.
I have and use both. Each has its use in social situations. The commander size is better for carry. The full size is better for plinking and competition. Its a matter of taste and preferrence.
Lebben-B
Member
I voted 5". When you start modifying an original design, all sorts of unintended consequences arise.
Mike
Mike
i prefer the commander. i owned both a colt commander and gold cup, and couldnt shoot the full size any better. maybe its just me, but the commander is smaller, lighter and more versatile for my needs. i still have the commander, but got rid of the gold cup.
CSA 357
Member
i like the 5 inch 1911 but i might get used to the commander if i had a chance
BillinNH
Member
If you're shooting 230 grain ball the 5" is the platform best suited to the round and vice versa. OTOH, the Commander format is also a very well balanced and desirable gun. Any reason we can't have both?
I voted for the old slabsides.
Bill
I voted for the old slabsides.
Bill
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