I have a theory that the Commander 4.25 barrel with it's extended ejector makes for a more reliable gun (if everything else is in spec and good condition) than even the beloved 5", I know they cycle a little quicker and seem to get the brass away from the gun better IMHO.
I haven't found that to be the case...at least not consistently.
While the Commander in its original configuration is about as short as we can go and still get reliability that closely approaches the 5-inch gun without extra tunin' and tweakin'... it can still present some problems occasionally.
The main problem comes from people trying to overspring it. Coupled with the shortened runup, a faster moving slide can induce some funky magazine timing problems...especially when it's being driven 10% faster with a recoil spring that's heavier than it needs to be. I'll go ahead and say it out loud. 18 pounds is too much spring for a Commander or a 5-inch gun. 16 is a gracious plenty, and Colt has never...to the best of my knowledge...used an 18 pound recoil spring in any Commander.
If frame to slide battering is a concern, there are much better ways to control that...and I don't mean with a shock buffer. Those don't fare very well in most Commanders anyway, and further reduce the already too-short slide travel. They also absorb and eliminate the steel to steel rebound effect that helps accelerae the slide on its return to battery.
The reduced mass of the slide can also present its share of chinks by reducing the amount of momentum available to strip the next round and fully chamber it.
The extended ejector was a necessity with the shortened slide travel...not an enhancement. While it does hustle the brass out of the port, it comes at a price. Going on the dictum that you rarely gain anything without losing something else...this is a perfect example of that.
With the standard slide travel and ejector, the slide uncovers the magazine completely before the case hits the ejector nose. The rising round bumps the empty case, and helps get it on its way toward the port. It also supports it...except on the last round out...and keeps it from dropping low on the breechface should the extractor tension be a little weak. This is an aid to consistent ejection, both as to distance and exit angle.
I'll admit that the greatest majority of Colt Commanders and Combat Commanders don't give many real problems, and are are pretty easy to whip into submission when they do. Much easier than the Officer's Model class, and a casual walk in the park when compared to the Micros and the pseudo-Commander clones that use oddball recoil systems and such...but they can be problematical at times. Regardless of their near-sterling reputation...If things have to be "right" in a 5-inch pistol, they have to be "righter" whenever the slide loses mass and gains speed. The Commanders fit that category. I love'em...but they can be a little persnickety on occasion.
