1911 fans: Do you like 5" or 4.25" length?

[Johnny Guest]

Commander for carry.

For over 37 years, I carried a handgun every day as a mater of duty. For the first several years, I was in uniform and mostly carried a serious revolver. When I went plainclothes and could choose my own sidearm type, I went to a full size .45 for the first few years. It soon developed that the Government Model or National Match was an unnecessary burden so I went with the Commander. The difference in weight (39 ounces vs. 27 ounces, both empty) was really significant. For raids, warrant roundups, manhunts and such, and for the occasionl uniformed detail, I used the full size, full weight pistol. I sometimes still carry a Govt. Model when hunting.

Since retirement, I tend to carry a .45 mainly in cool weather, and use an alloy .38 for shirtsleeve attire.

Best
Johnny

 

[distra]

Depends. Carry, I like the Commander. Range, fullsize. Get one of each and you won't be disappointed.

 

[progunner1957]

Any reason we can't have both?

Nope. I'd say a person ought to have 3 or 4 of each.

 

[Ala Dan]

5" for shooting, 3" or 4.25" for CCW

Edited to say: My 3" model is a Kimber Stainless Ultra
Carry II that has been 100% reliable with all types
of ammo.

 

[Essex County]

Although I don't own one I've shot a number of Commanders and I like the balance. I picked up a Star BM for it's size an similarities to my 1911's... Essex

 

[skynyrd1911]

I like them both, even the 3" models . For a first 1911 though, I suggest a full size.

 

[Richard.Howe]

Every single 3" / 4.25" 1911 I have had, from Springfield to Les Baer, has had problems. They were all fixed...but it made me start to wonder about the geometry of things.

Rich

 

[Old Fuff]

Keep wondering... You'll get there.

 

[1911WB]

5" vs. 4 1/4"

Even though my 1911s run 3 to 1 in favor of the govt. length, I still really like the Commander length pistols and tend to shoot them about as well as their
5" brothers. If I had to carry one all day, my LW Cmdr. would get the nod.

 

[tc300mag1]

I have more 5" than 4.25 but i like both of them

 

[Tigerseye]

I have several 5" guns that I shoot for recreation and keep handy for home defense.

My carry gun is a 3.5" Officer's ACP Lightweight. For all day carry I find the lighter weight to be a big advantage.

I have no use for the Commander, either steel or aluminum, as it has neither the shootability of the full size gun, nor the ease of carry and concealment of the Officer's ACP.

 

[HSMITH]

I like the 5" for most uses, but prefer a 4.25" for carry.

 

[res1b3uq]

5" vs. 4 1/4

For general shooting the 5" full size reins supreme. For constant carry I would trade a full-size off for an alloy frame. (I have two of each)

 

[Black Majik]

I only own the 5"

Longer sight radius, better pointability, better reliability, better accuracy, and it just plain looks better

 

[Seraph]

I like both of them, a LOT, but if I had to choose only one of them, my very easy choice would be the 5" pistol, without a doubt. That extra little bit of weight out front seems to allow me to feel where I'm pointing, as if the muzzle were my really long finger, with which to reach out and touch my target.

 

[XD Niner]

I can't see any significant advantage to the Commander including concealability. I have no problem concealing my 5" since the barrel extends from my waist band down the inside of my pants in an IWB holster.

The advantages to the full length model for me are a longer sight radius and better balance. YMMV.

 

[Shootcraps]

I like the 5" especially for the range. I carry a Springfield UC 3.5". I like the bobtailed commander. I LOVE the CCO - commander slide on officer frame.

 

[xx78]

My vote is for the 5" 1911. I like the longer sight radius and overall looks of the 5 incher.

 

[carebear]

I voted 5". When you start modifying an original design, all sorts of unintended consequences arise.

Mike

Yeah, 57 years isn't really enough time to wring anything out.

Just joshin' ya.

Remember, the LW Cmdr. is only a quarter century newer than the A1. Hard to believe even the "new" gun is that old.

If you can't tell, I like carrying my LW better than my 5".

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I guess I have just had a lot of bad luck, but I have only owned one 4.25 inch 1911 that worked very well. It is a Colt Mk IV Series 80 lightweight commander.

I still have that gun, and plan to keep it since it works, but I decided a while back I am going to stick with 5 inch, all steel 1911s in all future guns.