I am looking for a Commander type 1911

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bernie

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I want a commander length, steel framed, .45 with the old plug and spring set up. Everything now seems to be either a 4" barrel, some lightweight alloy, or has a guide rod recoil system.

Does anyone besides Colt make such a beast? What do you have that fits my criterea, and do you like it?
 
A couple of companies still offer Commanders with the 4-1/4" barrel, but they are hard to find. I've been making the same search, and I also refuse to settle for a 4" barrel in a Commander-size pistol. This eliminates a lot of guns right from the start.

How do you feel about Para Ordnance? Their mid-size guns use the 4-1/4" barrel. And after all the hooplah surrounding the LDA series has died down, Para is now offering a bunch of single stack guns, as well as the tried-and-true double stack single actions. The P13.45 would be the Commander size.
 
There are lots of Commanders out there on the used market. The older Springfield Champions, albeit a 4" barrel length, are also a dead ringer for the Commander in any other respect, complete with the traditional recoil spring/guide/barrel bushing setup.
 
There are lots of Commanders out there on the used market. The older Springfield Champions, albeit a 4" barrel length, are also a dead ringer for the Commander in any other respect, complete with the traditional recoil spring/guide/barrel bushing setup.
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My sense from reading the original post is that Bernie, like me, isn't willing to settle for a 4" barrel in a gun that should have a 4-1/4" barrel. Once you eliminate the models with 4" barrels there aren't many left to choose from.

For me, a Commander would also require sacrificing round capacity compared to my Para P12. If I'm going to give up capacity, I'm certainly not about to do so without getting the full benefit (such as it is) of the longer barrel. Unless a true Commandr or clone crosses my path very soon, I'll probably buy an older model Para P13.45.
 
Does Armscor or Rock Island make something that fills this niche? I see that Armscor has a "medium" gun, but the website gives very few details.
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I had the clerk measure an RIA at a gun shop.

4" barrel. To bad -- it was a decent gun and the price was very right.
 
What's wrong with a Colt? They're making some of the best product they've ever made right now. Get their Commander; you won't be disappointed.
 
I second Steelharp on the Colt. The only problem is finding one. I went to the Greensboro gun show this weekend with the intention of getting a commander. I only saw two new Colts and the used ones were pricey. Of course the threat of bad weather made the show so crowded that I couldn't make it to all the tables. It was so crowded that I got shoved out of the way at one table while trying to fill out a 4473.
 
Wow - I musta been waaaay off-base. I was reading the original post as a lament over the current trend towards 4" pistols with bull barrels, two-piece guide rods, and other such 'non-traditional' acoutrements. I didn't think that the lack of 1/4" of barrel length was by itself the source of the concern.

Not trying to poke at anyone by asking this, but what's so special about that last .25" of barrel? My 4" 'traditional' Springer, for example, has pushed about 20,000 rounds down the bore and damn if any of 'em knew that they were missing out on that last quarter of an inch.... I certainly can't tell the difference in functionality or in reliability between my Colt Commanders and my 4" Commander-wannabe's.

So what am I missing in all of this?
 
Not trying to poke at anyone by asking this, but what's so special about that last .25" of barrel? .... So what am I missing in all of this?
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'cause the original/classic/real Commander has a 4.25" barrel?
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But that's circular logic that doesn't answer the question.

Don't get me wrong - I have both Commanders and 4" clones, and I love my Commander as much as any other pistol. But I still don't 'get it' WRT why that extra .25" of barrel is an issue, and I'm really hoping that somebody can explain it to me (rather than just say 'because it is').
 
I would agree with everyone's recommendation for the Para Lt. Colonel EXCEPT it has a full length guide rod.

rbernie, I think that .25" is definitely noticeable when we're talking about guns with smaller barrels. I can't see a striking difference in guns with longer barrels. I like the looks of 4.25" barrel; I don't care too much for the 4.00" commanders. Whether or not this difference is noticeable in terms of lost velocity with larger bullet weights...I don't know. Are there more holsters for 4.25" or 4.00" Commanders?
 
Smith and Wesson have a 4 1/4" commander, but is is made with the scandium frame. I Rented on at the Smith and Wesson shooting sports center last week and really liked it. I believe that one will be calling my range bag home some time this year.
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But!!! Sig arms has shown an all stainless commander sized 1911 at the shot show this weekend. I will own two of these bad boys!! As soon as i can!!
gsr-commander-3.jpg
 
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My first choice is a Colt Commander, my second and if you don't mind owning one made from China, I say a Norinco commander size, their steel is one of the best.(Ask 1911Tuner)Look for his thread here for the Norinco evaluation.

The commander size Nork have the original spring and plug set up.

Regards
 
But that's circular logic that doesn't answer the question.
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It's not circular logic. That IS the answer ... at least for me. I can't anser for the guy who started the post.

Perhaps that last 1/4" isn't important to you ... it is for me, for no particular reason other than that a Commander "should" have a 4-1/4" barrel. I believe it has some effect on bullet velocity, and therefore to me it matters. YMMV.
 
To answer the reason behind my original post, I prefer the original setup sans guide rod, bull barrels, etc. I also do like the 4.25" barrel better, and this is the original "short gubment model". I also think long time parts availability will probably be better for them. But honestly, the parts thing is pretty minor. As far as steel versus some lightweight alloy, I prefer the heavier feel when shooting.
 
Bernie:

The Dan Wesson PT-C is their Commander type model. Barrel length is 4.25", it's an all-steel, Series 70 Frame, and the guide rod is standard length. It is also available with the Ed Brown Bobtail conversion of the mainspring housing (designated the PT-CBOB).

The Dan Wessons are one of the most underated pistols on the market, IMNTBHO.

Regards,
Sam
 
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