Commander 1911 in 9mm

[GregC]

I am interested in a Commander size 1911 in 9mm. I already have a 5" 1911 in .45, but as ammo prices are crazy for .45, think I would like one in 9mm. I know some will say reload for the .45, but that is not an option currently. Any recommendations, as well as reasoning, would be appreciated. Also, the price does not need to go much over $1,000.

 

[aliveisalive]

Its not a commander, but I recently got a springfield loaded in 9mm and am loving every minute of it!

 

[Quack]

not many "Commander" 9mm 1911's for under $1000. the only one that i can think of is the Kimber Pro Carry. I believe that STI is coming out with a Compact Spartan 9mm soon, which will probably be less than $700

If an 'Officer" size is also an option, Bud's has 9mm EMP's for less than $1000. This would be my choice.

 

[9mmepiphany]

If you can get a EMP for less than $1000, it would be a much better score than any 9mm Commander sized 1911 on the market

 

[gc70]

Rock Island makes a Compact 9mm 1911 (4" barrel) that will let you scratch the 9mm 1911 itch for around $400.

 

[Wags]

They are getting scarce for under a $1000, but I found my Colt Combat Commander in 9mm about 6 years ago. Sent it off to Novak's for carry work and couldn't be happier. The IWB holster shown by Horseshoe Leather Products is much darker today than when new due to LOTS of carrying this great little piece.

 

[fredeee]

Technically not a "commander" but the Kimber Pro Carry line has a few in your price range. Had one, great gun. A 9mm 1911 is a nice combo, especially for the smaller sizes. Good luck!

 

[ichiban]

A couple not mentioned yet.
Para LTC.
STI Ranger

 

[loadedround]

Let's look at your ammo cost problem in a different light since 9mm ammo these days is still close to 45 acp ammo. Have you considered a 22lr conversion unit for your 45? Having one would allow to shoot as much as you want at less than 1/10 the cost off 45acp aammo. There all many conversion units on the market and mine is the Ciener Platinum Model (read Gold Cup) and this 22 conversion unit is more accurate than I am able to shoot it. Give it so serious thought.

 

[jyo]

9mm is much cheaper than 45 in my neck of the woods---like almost half!

 

[ProCarryNAustin]

I carry an STI Ranger II in 9mm. Best pistol I have ever owned. Got it for under $1000 before tax from Dawson Precision.
9mm here is about $11/50rds and .45 is closer to $19/50rds.
I'm able to shoot a lot more 9mm for the same allowance.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

I picked up a steel framed late 70 series 9mm Commander in nice shape about 6 months ago for $900. I Only put a box of ammo through it before doing a detail clean and placing it in safe queen status. It ran fine and was really pleasant to shoot... a few months back I saw some C.A.I. re-imports on Gunbroker for around 500- (If you dont mind rust freckling and the sloppy CAI Import stamp)
If this is mostly a target gun for you do yourself a favor and watch for a steel frame. I have heard that the aluminum LW models wear more quickly ymmv

 

[9mmepiphany]

Let's look at your ammo cost problem in a different light since 9mm ammo these days is still close to 45 acp ammo.

9mm is much cheaper than 45 in my neck of the woods---like almost half!

And that is the thing about regional pricing...either loadedround's local pricing for .45ACP is really low or 9mm is really high.

Locally 9mm runs about $10/50 while .45ACP runs about $15

 

[gc70]

GregC,

Have you considered a .22 top end for your 1911? I bought a 9mm Government Model to compliment my .45 GM. While 9mm is less expensive than .45, it is still pricey in comparison to .22 ammo.

 

[GregC]

I have a buckmark in .22, so that solves the realy cheap plinking role. As I stated above, I have a 5" 1911, but my daily cary is a Sig P238. I am going to buy another gun, and the commander size will be a nice addition to the rotation, whether in 9mm or 45acp. Of the two, I will be able to shoot the 9mm more and be able to enjoy shooting it more often than the .45. (In my area, 9mm is about $10 and .45 is $17 to $20 per 50)

I knew about the Kimber and had only heard of the STI, but did not realize that Colt used to make one in 9mm. I think the Colt or Kimber would be good options. Anybody else have experience with STI?

 

[AZGlock13]

Like ProCarryNAustin mentioned, the STI Ranger II is a great commander sized 9mm 1911 (The Ranger II has a 4.15" barrel, where a true commander sized barrel is 4.25", but close enough IMHO). I really enjoy shooting mine. The slide racks like it is on greased ball bearings, very smooth action. The gun is very accurate and a pleasure to shoot. I highly recommend it. STI uses a ramped bull barrel, which Looks great. They don't use a barrel bushing like a conventional commander .45ACP 1911 does. Here are some pics of mine:

 

[G27RR]

STI makes very good pistols. I have a pair of Ranger IIs - one in .45 and one in 9mm. I EDC an STI Shadow and also have an Escort. They make everything but the Spartan here in TX and have a lifetime warranty. I highly recommend the Ranger II if it doesn't have to be a "true" Commander.

If you search my posts, I wrote a review a while back.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

On the high end, the Dan Wesson Guardian 9mm is supposed to be really good, but that's aboutt $1300.

 

[Ankeny]

Dan Wesson Guardian 9mm is supposed to be really good...

The one I shot was really nice. I prefer it to the EMP.