Pick a 1911: Full size vs. Commander Length

[SQLGeek]

I'm sure this surprised some of you to see me create a thread about 1911s since I'm more of a combat tupperware type but I have my reasons. I may find myself in the near future being in a place where there will be 10 round magazine limits which is leading me to consider a handgun chambered in .45. In addition to the usual host of polymer pistols, I've also started considering 1911s.

If you were to choose one 1911, would your preference be a full size or commander length gun? I truly can't make up my mind as I see advantages to both. This will probably be both a home defense and IDPA / multi-gun type competition gun. I'd like the option to carry it too but that's of secondary concern.

[RetNavy]

Since the only 1911 i have is the Ruger SR1911 CMD i might be a little partial for that particular size.... Try both of them out and see which one you like...

[Charles L. Cotton]

I carry a Government model but I think a Commander length gun (4 1/4") is the best balanced of the two. I'm thinking about making some changes to one of my Commanders and if I do, it will become my regular carry gun.

Chas.

[Excaliber]

I'm sure this surprised some of you to see me create a thread about 1911s since I'm more of a combat tupperware type but I have my reasons. I may find myself in the near future being in a place where there will be 10 round magazine limits which is leading me to consider a handgun chambered in .45. In addition to the usual host of polymer pistols, I've also started considering 1911s.

If you were to choose one 1911, would your preference be a full size or commander length gun? I truly can't make up my mind as I see advantages to both. This will probably be both a home defense and IDPA / multi-gun type competition gun. I'd like the option to carry it too but that's of secondary concern.

As a guy who has carried all 3 major lengths (3", 4 1/4" and 5") a lot, if I had to pick just one it would be a lightweight frame commander length like the Kimber Pro Carry. I think it is the best compromise for weight, size, carryability, and shootability. That's the size I carry whenever clothing style allows.

The steel frame commander length has advantages in shootability, but its weight reminds me it's there too much for all day carry. If I didn't mind the weight, I'd carry the 5" - the weight difference between the two steel frame versions is insignificant to me, and the grip is what affects concealability much more than barrel length.

[Pawpaw]

Aluminum frame Commander, and I like the bobtail.



This particular one is my Dan Wesson Guardian .45.

[ntexaschl]

Of the two sizes, I prefer the commander.

[DocV]

I carry one of my bob-tail Commanders although I occasionally carry a government model. I have no problem concealing either government or commander models, although, the government is always IWB while the commanders are almost always OWB. The government model gives my ancient eyes a debatably-better sight picture. My favorite range gun is a 45ACP government model with a Kensight (BoMar clone) rear sight. However I prefer my carry pieces to have fixed sights.

[glennpenna]

I prefer the Commander.

[CC Italian]

In home government. For carry I would do one better then the commander and get a cco

[gigag04]

Bobbed commander.

[RPBrown]

Although I have several in the 1911 platform, My favorite carry weapon is my Colt Defender. Lightweight, and accurate. The only downside is it only carries 7 shots.

[Syntax360]

Another vote for the Commander.

[ShootDontTalk]

I have carried all three lengths as well but today all I have is the 5" version. I shot that length in competition for a long time and it just seems better balanced to me. All that aside, barrel length is not the issue with concealment, as you know. Grip length and diameter is far more important.

Having said that, I just traded a non-used Glock 31 (357 Sig) for a new Glock 30S (45). Better than sliced bread. 10+1 in a size comparable to a 19. Very concealable and can use the big mags from the 21. Also uses any 19-size holster. And I could have bought two of them for what my last 1911 cost.

[BigD1951]

Another vote for the commander length, I have a full size Kimber 5" and a Pro Carry 4". I prefer the Pro Carry as it is much less weight and my Wilson Combat mags still fit.

[SQLGeek]

Thank you gentlemen for the responses. I'm a little surprised to see the majority preference so far for the commander sized gun. And I do think the bobtail is the way to go also.

Now if only I had the coin for the Springfield Lightweight Champion Operator.