Full Size vs Commander

[svtruth]

Does anyone notice a difference in accuracy between these two models?
I have one of each, and do not, but it may be that my lack of accuracy is masking a real difference.

 

[Ankeny]

I find the longer sight radius makes it easier to shoot the full size more accurately. But that's not the question. FWIW, I have had commander sized guns that are more accurate than some of my full size guns and vice-verse.

 

[CWL]

Technically, the longer the barrel, the greater the accuracy & better the sight radius. But for the slight difference between Commander and Govt. lengths, there isn't much real difference for basic defensive shooters or collectors.

It might make a difference if you are a competitive shooter. Quality of the gun will matter also.

 

[SSN Vet]

All things being equal, the 5" barrel should be slightly more accurate... mostly due to the longer sight radius.

However, barrel lock up and bushing fit will make much more difference than the extra 3/4".

So the answer really is, which ever pistol is put together better.

 

[BossHogg]

Like the OP I can't tell any difference between the 4.25 and the 5 inch barrel length. I'm sure not a master blaster but I do ok shooting. I guess the quality of the guns could make a slight difference.

 

[saltydog452]

Commanders make my wheels spin.

For IWB carry, they might not be perfect, but they'll do just dandy.

As to accuracy, no one but you can know what your standards are.

sd.

 

[Miami_JBT]

I own both and I have to say I love my commander more... though I've only had it for a day.

I've always liked the commander size guns better and I find the all steel commanders to be great shooters. You get the best of both world with a commander.

Same grip as a fullsize, same magazines, and hat .75 of a inch difference in barrel length makes the world of difference. It balances in the hand better for me and I've never had a problem shooting commander sized guns at all... they're accurate as hell. The best part about them is that they are just perfect for CCW. Not to small and not to big.... just right.

 

[rellascout]

.99% of the time it will be the Indian not the arrow that will make a difference.

The longer site radius should help but the personal shootabiliy of one platform over another will trump that .75" difference IMHO.

Some find the commader simply balances better for them. Some people cut their teeth on a Govt sized 1911 and smaller versions seem strange in the hand.

People always ask accuracy questions as if they can be answered in an absolute way when the reality is unless we are all the same shooting the same gun in the same conditions etc... the accuracy of any given gun that you or I shoot is relative.

 

[Lucky Derby]

All else being equal, the 5" should be more accurate than the 4.25".
All else is rarely equal.

 

[ichiban]

I notice more gun to gun variance than size to size variance. As stated it depends on the quality of the gun. I do find that I like the balance of the commander better than a government.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

I do find that I like the balance of the commander better than a government.

+1

I'm new to Commanders but have oodles of rounds down the 5" guns- I'm finding that the Commander recoils more straight back whereas the full size will torque a little to the left... Maybe I'm just going through new gun infatuation but the Commander just seems to get back on target a little quicker.

 

[Psa1m144]

Only slightly different IMO, not enough to make me stay away from commander models... I actually prefer them. It feels more balanced.

 

[twestbrook10]

I shot both before I purchased one. I bought the Commander 4.25". It's been an incredible gun and I haven't looked back. Shorter barrel size with the same internals and magazine. Can't beat it.

 

[k soze]

I own a Gold Cup, Commander and CCO.

The CCO is the best for everyday carry IWB. I put thin grips and the Commander and it works best with a shoulder harness for concealed carry. The shorter barrel and thinness do make a difference for shoulder carry.

Accuracy wise I am more accurate with he Gold cup (dah) and the CCO, that is because the trigger is a little heavier on the Commander. The Commander is new if the trigger does not break in I will get it worked on.

The Commander has the best balance in my had of the three.

Sight wise I don't notice a difference between the shorter barrel and full size either.