Help make up my mind... Commander or Gov't 1911

Status
Not open for further replies.
W

w103tws

Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2009
Messages
45
After playing with my buddie's TLE II, I'm dead set on getting a 1911. I'm either going to get a Springfield loaded alloy frame 5'' or the Springfield champion 4" alloy frame.

I've shot a Gov model, and really enjoy the recoil, the weight with the alloy frame doesn't bother me at all, and when I draw the weapon, the sights level very well for me on a target, whatever I pointed at, the sights landed right on it.

I've not shot a commander, but have held one, so I know nothing about the recoil. The only thing I don't care for about it is that just like my glocks, when I draw the weapon on a target, I always have to bring the muzzle down to find what I want to shoot.

The 1911 I buy will be carried, but not often, as I have a primary ccw gun that I fancy. I won't target shoot with it much, since I have my G34 for that, but from my past experience with a 1911, it may end up replacing my glock.


If it wasn't for the fact that i might want to carry the new gun, I'd go 5" all the way, but I don't know how well it'd conceal.

Any opinions appreciated.
 
Agreed on concealability, the grip will be more obvious than the barrel length. Since you don't yet own a 1911 it might pay dividends to research them now, both brand and style. Not to discourage you on the Springfield but you should know they're made in Brazil and assembled in Geneseo, IL. ALL OF THEM. They're well executed and reliable to be sure but are still foreign. Only you can decide if that's important or not.

For concealment you might look at a bobtail Dan Wesson, for a made in the USA 1911 that functions properly: S&W or Colt. Smith makes several scandium frames in both govt. and commander length which shave off about 10oz. on the 5". Don't be fooled by the inflated MSRPs on their sight, real world prices tend to run much lower.

Regardless of what you choose remember the most important 1911 rule: excepting the grip panels and sights, DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING ELSE. Leave it stock, lube it properly and if it needs work take it to a paid expert.

Good luck, good shooting and stay safe.
 
I passed on the Springfield because not made in the USA. Suggest you look into a Colt Series 70 reissue.
 
As stated, the barrel length has little to do with concealment in most carry methods. The grip is what will make a difference. If you like the full size for shooting, go that route.
 
+1 for a S&W 1911 Sc (predecessor to the PD) commander length. Has been 100 percent reliable for me and I picked it up for a very reasonable price.
 
Last edited:
w103tws

I don't know if you're aware of this but Colt makes a Government Model (5" slide), with a lightweight frame. It comes with Novak style 3 dot sights, Videcki type trigger, ambi-safety, and double diamond rosewood grips.
 
Really? I wasn't aware of that. Could you post a link to this weapon you speak of?

I don't know anything about Colts. are they the same as the kimbers and springfields as far as quality goes?
 
I have both. My personal preference for carry is the Champion at 31 oz. For home defense or the range the Government is preferable at 42 oz. Recoil and follow up shots are comfortable and manageable with both. Accuracy is similar in both. If I had to choose one, it would be the Champion. :)

saco1911_04.jpg


sa1911_02.jpg
 
Is your champion as "comfortable" to shoot targets with, weather rapid shooting or slow accuracy shots, as the full size is?
 
Is your champion as "comfortable" to shoot targets with, weather rapid shooting or slow accuracy shots, as the full size is?
Click to expand...

Comfortable yes, but there's more muzzle rise with the Champion, therfore it's more diifficult to shoot rapidly and accurately, however with practice your ability to control the pistol will improve as will your accuracy.
 
w103tws

The Colt website doesn't have it listed but it is in their latest catalog. It's Colt Model 1880XSE.
 
I like the way Commanders look better.

And I like the name, Commander.

Plus, I think Colt is the only company making a true Commander size (4 1/4" barrel) pistol without rediculouls full length guide rods.

Everyone else is right though, they conceal no differently than a Gov't model.

Unless you get a CCO type Commander with the Officers model grip. That could conceal better depending on your body type as that has a shorter grip.
 
Unless you get a CCO type Commander with the Officers model grip. That could conceal better depending on your body type as that has a shorter grip.
Click to expand...

The DW CCO works pretty well. :)

dwcco1911_06.jpg
 
 
4" for IWB, 5" for OWB.
That 5" barrel pushing out on my pants is a bit annoying for IWB carry.
Click to expand...

+1 on the above I like the commander for carry if I going to carry a large frame 1911. But I carry the Defender most of the time.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

P
  • Locked
Best 9mm 1911
Replies
20
Views
13K
hso
hso
T
  • Locked
Polymer .45ACP vs. alloy framed 1911?
Replies
12
Views
810
Paints
P
F
  • Locked
Need a custom 1911
Replies
4
Views
472
SHOOT1SAM
S
Zak Smith
  • Locked
Compare Commander to Gov't Model.
Replies
21
Views
1K
Johnny Guest
J
C
  • Locked
Kimber Compact or Colt Commander?
Replies
22
Views
1K
GoRon
G
Back
Top