Commander-length 1911s in 9mm

[blee]

Hey all,

Thinking about adding a 9mm pistol to the (small) collection. I really love the 1911 design and aesthetic, so I was thinking about finding a commander-length 1911 chambered for 9mm. I'm looking to spend entry-level money (under $1000). The problem is that there don't seem to be many choices out there. Kimber makes one...and that's about it, unless I find a used Colt.

Does anyone have other suggestions?

 

[docnyt]

Don't Dan Wesson and STI make them as well?

 

[flatlander937]

Dan Wesson, STI, and Para makes them as well.

http://www.tombstonetactical.com/catalog/para-usa/1911-ltc-pistol-9mm-4.25in-9rd-black/


There seems to be plenty of 9mm 5" 1911s, and a good selection of 3" or 3.5" 1911s, but very few in Commander length.

I think when I get a 1911 that shoots something it wasn't designed to do... it will be a Colt Defender in 9mm, if you're considering looking at 3" 1911s in 9mm as well, that might do the trick for you as it's usually $800-900 depending on where you shop.

 

[Zach S]

There's the STI Spartan IV. Not my cut of tea, but you may want to look into one. Based on the reviews of the 5" Spartan, I don't think you could go wrong. Dawson has them for $635. They were on Dawson's site before they were on STI's.

http://www.dawsonprecision.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=800012D3-1323296259

Note that the pic is a .45ACP, but the description is 9mm.

 

[Jed Carter]

Rock Island commander sized 1911 in 9mm, http:///centerfiresystems.com/AC-RI1911-9MM-MSTT.aspx

 

[johnnydollar]

A good friend of mine just bought a Series 80 Colt Commander in 9mm for $900 OTD yesterday. Great shooting gun, just right for carry, and so damn cool! And for those that don't know, the Commander was DESIGNED around the 9mm cartridge.

 

[Zach S]

No, the Springfield EMP was designed around the 9mm cartridge.

The commander is simply a chopped 5" 1911, chambered in 9mm.

 

[johnnydollar]

No, the Springfield EMP was designed around the 9mm cartridge.

The commander is simply a chopped 5" 1911, chambered in 9mm.

In 1949, the US Army decided it wanted a smaller, lighter pistol (than the Govt. Model) for issue to Officers. The Army specified the caliber (9mm), as well as the OAL (no more than 7 inches) and the weight (no more than 26 oz). Colt submitted a gun, as did several other makers, only to have the Army decide not to pursue acquistion at that time. Colt then decided to take the gun they had developed for the proposed Army contract straight to the market--this gun was named the Colt Commander. And, yes, it was offered in .45 ACP, but the Commander was designed as a 9mm pistol.

 

[Zach S]

If it was, Springfield wouldn't have proprietary parts for their EMP.

The commander was first offered in 9mm, but the EMP was the first that didn't have extra room in the magazine due to the 9mm's shorter OAL. We're both right, in a sense. We'll just have to agree to disagree.

 

[glassman]

Like you, I really like the 1911 platform and found the Dan Wesson Guardian to be perfect for me. Very well made, reliable and as accurate as you could ask for. Down side is that it's a bit pricey. Worth a look if you can find one.

 

[Oro]

If it was, Springfield wouldn't have proprietary parts for their EMP.

SA can create proprietary parts all they want for a new design; that has no reflection on the design history of the Colt Commander. That statement is a non-sequitur.

You can argue the EMP is a more-tailored 9mm interpretation of the 1911 pattern, but the Colt Commander was designed as johnnydollar outlined, for the 9mm. The frame is not interchangeable with a .45acp slide for example, as well as several other parts.

For the OP: do look for a used Colt; they are great quality and satisfying to shoot. The all-steel "Combat Commander" model is especially satisfying in 9mm. The added weight makes for a less felt recoil and great controllability.