Accuracy: Commander vs Full Size

[Bravo11]

What kind of difference in accuracy can be expected between a Commander model vs Full Size model 1911. (4.25 vs 5)

 

[Al Thompson]

Zero. It depends more on the individual gun and the quality of the parts/assembly.

Practically, the slightly shortened sight radius may be a slight factor, but it's more of a "fine tuning" issue, than one worth worrying about.

 

[Jim Watson]

Mechanical accuracy, none. In fact, my MOST accurate .45 ACP is a fully accurized Combat Commander... when shot from a Ransom rest. Handheld, I get better practical accuracy and faster times from a G.M. with its longer sight radius and heavier muzzle.

 

[Highland Ranger]

I have a Kimber Stainless Gold Match II (full size) and a Pro CDP (Commander Size) - the Gold Match has a slightly better trigger, maybe because it is well broken in . . . . so that might make it a slightly unfair comparison however, I was surprised that there was no difference in accuracy from a two handed hold.

Both are tack drivers.

Note that when I recently went to purchase the CDP, I did want an ultra (very small) size but wound up with the commander size because I felt more comfortable with the full size grip.

I tried the SIG GSR full size and the Colt Commander size - didn't like the trigger on either as compared to the Kimber.

 

[1911Tuner]

Accuracy?

Howdy megcatia,

On an intrinsic level, assuming both pistols are correctly fitted...none.
On a practical level, the 3/4 inch shorter sight radius will make a little
difference if you are shooting at a paper target...but very little difference,
and that's a matter of geometry. The shorter the idstance between the sights, the more deflection on the target for a given amount of misalignment of the sights.

The Commander variant of the 1911 is not, and never was intended to be a target pistol. (unless we're talking about the Gold Cup Commander, which is neither fish nor fowl.) Neither is the standard Government Model, for that matter.

The Commander was intended to be a close-range defensive pistol, and
its two advantages over the 5-inch gun are a better balance for some shooters...and it's a shade quicker out of the leather. The first advantage
is largely negated if the Commander has an allloy frame.

I like Commanders. The lightweight version is as close to an ideal carry gun
(for me) that I've ever handled, and the top-heavy aspect doesn't bother me at all.

Luck!

Tuner

 

[Bravo11]

Thanks for all the replies. The reason I ask this is because the gun will be used as a carry weapon but I see myself shooting at paper more than BG's and I want something that will be able to be used as a target gun too.

 

[BluesBear]

If you were to take six 5" barreled models and six 4½" barreled models from the same manufacturer and compare the accuracy of all of them in a Ransom Rest, you'd find that some of the 5" will outshoot some of the 4¼" and some of the 4¼" will outshoot some of the 5".

Get whichever size you feel more comfortable with. That will be the most important aspect. You will shoot better with the one that feels better.