1911 Fullsize, commander size and compact?

[Mac Attack]

As others have stated, stick to a full sized or commander length 1911. Shooting wise, there really is no difference. I have carried both for years and have no problem carrying a full sized 1911. I personally would go with a full sized for your first 1911.

[faterikcartman]

Does the reliability decrease as the size gets smaller?

Yes, that is my understanding.

[OldLincoln]

Piecing it together, it looks like you shot a Colt model 70 Commander. Would that be the Lightweight Commander (serial # begins with CLW) with the alloy frame? It is quite a bit lighter (I think about a pound) than the all steel versions so be sure what you like is what you buy.

The alloy frame is a touchy in that it is annodized leaving a very thin hard surface. You should not use +P ammo nor polish the feed ramp.

I have one that I really like and shoots very nicely. I just don't want you to be surprised and disappointed.

[M. D. Van Norman]

The Colt Commander has the same grip size/length as the Government Model. The overall grip size can also be modified by using different stocks and/or mainspring housings.

[Old4eyes]

Here is one fellow's view of what a 1911 should be for reliability:

http://www.10-8performance.com/1911_Duty_Use.html

[JTROKS]

It's generally accepted that the shorter 1911's are slightly less reliable than the government model type 1911's, and that the reliability goes down as you decrease the length of the slide.

This is not to say that Commander's and Officer's can't be reliable, just that they will show problems earlier as parts or magazines wear out of spec. The Commander slide has .200 less travel than a Gov. slide which effects timing issues in the feeding and ejection phases of firing.

Personally the Commander size is one of my favorites, but be aware everything needs to be kept "right" with extractor tension, spring replacement, magazines and ammo selection.

+1 on what redcliff said. The shorter the slide the lighter it becomes, plus the load of the recoil spring(s) is definitely heavier than the Gov't and Commander model so the slide travels faster during recoil and return to battery. The recoil is greater and it will be snappier than its' bigger brothers. An officer's model or even the shorter versions is not a gun you would shoot 200 rounds every weekend unless you're shooting in some subcompact division in a club match. Although my smallest 1911 is a Colt 1991A1 Commander, the officer's and other ultra compact 1911s are still fun to shoot.

[supermario]

Piecing it together, it looks like you shot a Colt model 70 Commander. Would that be the Lightweight Commander (serial # begins with CLW) with the alloy frame? It is quite a bit lighter (I think about a pound) than the all steel versions so be sure what you like is what you buy.

The alloy frame is a touchy in that it is annodized leaving a very thin hard surface. You should not use +P ammo nor polish the feed ramp.

I have one that I really like and shoots very nicely. I just don't want you to be surprised and disappointed.

Actually i shot a fullsize 70s series Colt. I thought it was very smooth. I probably should buy the fullsize but i really like the commander size for carry.

On a side note, does anybody know if they make the RIA in 2tone/tactical? I have searched online but no luck. It seems the 2tone only comes in fullsize? What do you guys know about those options?