1911 Commander vs. goverment model?

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JimmieA.

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How different would a commander shoot compared to a goverment 5" BBl. in a 1911, all al else being equal, both .45 ACP? My thinking is the extra weight of the 5" would help me shoot the gun. I own a STI 1911 in goverment length and I like it a lot. Just toying with the notion of getting a Commander. There is one here on the exchange for sale. I own a lighter semi auto in 9mm and have trouble shooting it accurately, just for background info.

JimmieA.
 
The commander length guns definetly kick a little more than the full length versions for any given caliber and load.

I guess it depends on why you think you need a shorter version. It'll clear the holster that much more easily if you take part in such events where that is important. And if it is something for you to consider then the shorter sight radius likely isn't a big deal.
 
JimmieA. said:
How different would a commander shoot compared to a goverment 5" BBl. in a 1911, all al else being equal, both .45 ACP? My thinking is the extra weight of the 5" would help me shoot the gun. I own a STI 1911 in goverment length and I like it a lot. Just toying with the notion of getting a Commander. There is one here on the exchange for sale. I own a lighter semi auto in 9mm and have trouble shooting it accurately, just for background info.

JimmieA.
Click to expand...

I shoot a 9mm 1911 more accurately than a .45 long-slide. Sight characteristics are just one element in the equation.

If you want a commander, I would recommend the STI in 9mm, for pure shooting pleasure.

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I guess the bottom line is that I really want to buy a Wilson CQB and there is a Commander FS on the exchange. I think that it will kick more than the 5" model and am holding back from going for it. These are not cheap and one should get what he needs. I have a hell of a time with my Browning HiPower 9mm. I have a .45 Ruger P90 coming in the mail so this should give me some comparsion I guess.

Jimmie
 
I got a commander because of the whole covert O.S.S spy thing. I always loved that stuff as a kid. The recoil is slightly more punishing but the only time it really bothered me was when it was -15 out I had no gloves. The s**tty Norc grips were tendorizing my hand. Swapped to a set of $20 houges and it hasnt bothered me since. But to answer your question they kick a tiny bit more but not enough to sway a purchase IMO
 
JimmieA. said:
How different would a commander shoot compared to a goverment 5" BBl. in a 1911, all al else being equal, both .45 ACP? My thinking is the extra weight of the 5" would help me shoot the gun. I own a STI 1911 in goverment length and I like it a lot. Just toying with the notion of getting a Commander. There is one here on the exchange for sale. I own a lighter semi auto in 9mm and have trouble shooting it accurately, just for background info.

JimmieA.
Click to expand...

Commander:
-Slightly less accurate.
-Heavier recoil.
-Less muzzle velocity.

Government:
-Slightly more accurate.
-Lower recoil due to the added weight of the pistol.
-Higher muzzle velocity due to longer barrel.
 
If fired from a machine rest I doubt there would be much difference in the accuracy between the Commander and the Government model, but some might find the Government sized guns easier to shoot well.
 
I would stick with 5" 1911s, as they tend to be more reliable and are easier to shoot well. Even if concealment were a concern, the barrel length doesn't make much of a difference.
 
I had been shooting both for 10 years , the sight radius difference can be compansated by put on adjustable rear sights that closer to the eye than fixed sights . Up to 25 m ,there will be no big difference if you shoot fmj(not plated) . The recoil can make lower by adjusting the load if you make reloads . I still keep my comander as the best gun in 45acp -easyto draw, handy,faster recovery (cycling), lighter.
 
I like commander length slide/barrels, especially when mated to an officer's frame....the CCO (concealed carry officers). The shorter slide makes it more balanced, at least in my hand.
 
All I can say is that my STI Spartan IV in 9mm is probably one of the most accurate pistols I've ever owned, commander length doesn't make a difference with it's bull barrel. And price!! It's hard to beat. Just my 2 cents.
 
You'll find the muzzle lifts a little more on the commander and it takes a little more attention to form to shoot it fast. Depending on the ammo you shoot, you may or may not notice more muzzle blast. I own both, and shoot which ever i pick up first. In IDPA style shooting, i find that the speed i gain on the draw i drop on slightly slower split times, so it all comes out a wash. I love the look of the commander, esp when they're bobtailed.

best solution is to buy one of each.

FWIW, i lust over the officer frame mated to a commander barrel, ###y looking 1911's.....
 
I've owned both, I think the commander length 1911's are a better looking pistol, I like the proportions a lot better. As far as recoil, it's a .45 so it's gonna kick:) .75" longer barrel won't change that a whole lot. Most handguns out there will out shoot the guy holding it so it's safe to say that it will be accurate enough for anything most shooters will use it for. Just get what you like the most and shoot the hell out of it, the accuracy will come with practice.
 
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