Standard VS Commander

D

Drewz

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Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
I am new to 1911's and woudl like to know what the difference is between the standard norc 1911 and the commander?? Is it just length. Is a commander less desirable? Can the upper interchange with others or is the frame shorter as well?? The more educated beofre I buy the better so please fill me in or just toss me some links please!! I appreciate the time of those that post up to help greatly!:D
 
The Commander slide barrel and dust cover are shorter. 4.25" barrel instead of 5". I like commanders best because I shoot them better for some reason.
To me there's no difference in worth. There's a view that the commanders might be slightly less reliable because of the shorter cycle.
 
The Government length 1911 has a standard 5" barrel and what is refereed to as a full sized frame and slide. The Commander has (typically) a 4.25" barrel and a shorter slide to match. The frame (what you are referring to as the lower) has the same size and length grip as the Government frame, but has a shorter dust cover (the front part of the frame).

If you really want to, you can put a Commander slide n a Government frame and vice versa... But there will be a bit of a gap between the shot frame and the long slide on the one, and the long frame will look odd on the short slide... But the do technically fit.

Some say the Government is more reliable than the Commander as it is the "original" configuration for the 1911 pistol. But I have never really noticed any real difference other than the shorter gun has a bit more felt recoil.

EDIT: I see i was typing as prproulx was posting! :D
 
There is a ballistic peformance difference. Due to the shorter barrel, the Commander delivers a slightly lower muzzle velocity, probably 40+ fps slower than the full size government model.

The shorter sight radius of the Commander makes it more difficult for me to shoot accurately with it. And I'm not even that good with the Gov't Model's 5 inch barrel. YMMV
 
So is there a tendency to have more muzzle rise with the length or is that just subjective? I found what I think is a good deal but want to be sure before I dive in. My last 2 handguns were a beretta 92 and glock 22. Beretta was nice but too well worn adn the glock does not fit my larger hand which is why I am thinking 1911 with the wrap around grips would fit nicely.
 
I don't notice alot of difference between the Gov't & Commander in regards to recoil/muzzle jump. But then again I have never felt .45 to be a round that generated much recoil to begin with.
 
Have you tried a double stack 1911 ??

Drewz said:
So is there a tendency to have more muzzle rise with the length or is that just subjective? I found what I think is a good deal but want to be sure before I dive in. My last 2 handguns were a beretta 92 and glock 22. Beretta was nice but too well worn adn the glock does not fit my larger hand which is why I am thinking 1911 with the wrap around grips would fit nicely.
Click to expand...
 
Some people find the Commander to be more nicely balanced. My advice is to handle an example of both - then buy the one you prefer the feel of... :)
 
--Terry-- said:
I tried using a commander...Shot placement really suffered......
Click to expand...

Got the same experience at the range. My .45's are used for IDPA and are all government length 5". IMO, they have an accuracy advantage at distances past 15 mtrs. In real life stress situations though, these usually happen at less than 15 feet. So if CCW were legal in Canada, I'd own a 1911 Commander or an Officer's. Happy shooting!!!!:D
 
While I do love all 1911's and the variations thereof the Commander length gets the nod for me !

I was given the opportunity to shoot a Commander awhile back and the result was I just had to have one for myself.....sure glad I did :cool:

They seem to point and balance in my hand better then standard length 1911's.
 
If you like the size of the Beretta maybe take a look at the bul series that Marstar sells. They are available in Gov't and Commander Length.

BUL-M5-Govt-B-L-450px.jpg
 
Well I am taking the plunge then and have struck a deal for a next to new norinco commander. If I do not find the balance I liek then I can always trade up or off on the EE I guess. I am getting a fair deal so it is not a huge gamble. Thanks all for the input I really appreciate it from everyone here, yet again a fine group here on CGN!!!!!!!:dancingbanana:

I still intend in the longer term of getting another Beretta but it will be a new or next to new one. They shoot very nice and I like the feel but mine was an old model and I would like newer and larger caliber.
 
long or short

I liked the longer barrel for IPSC however after adding a compensator to it I was glad I had long arms as that is a bit of gun to get out of a holster fast if you have short arms ... I have a commander that I use to " make noise " at the range as that is about all a Canadian can do with a handgun , I like the shorter barrel. Friends of mine in the USA like the commander is it is easier to carry. If you are going for accuracy I would suggest the longer barrel on a high end gun that is fitted ....

I see the commander as a carry gun , smaller in size allowing for a lighter gun that hides under clothes well .... so basically not much advantage for any Canadians ... the gun balancing in your hands bettter , well that is rellative you how strong you are and how bik your hands are ... a " good sized " guy that works with his hands more often than not won't tell the difference ...
 
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