4.25" Commander or 5" Fullsize 1911?

[SDM44]

If you disregard the following remarks....

- 5" 1911 is more 'classic' or for nostalgia
- 1" longer barrel = better accuracy
- 1" longer slide = better sight picture
- using the gun for carrying
- type of barrel used

What made you want to get a 4" or 4.25" Commander sized 1911 over a 5" 1911? Any noticeable Pro's or Con's between the two, other than what I listed above?


I'm actually in that boat right now. I have an idea of what I want (well, I want both but that won't happen right now). I don't plan on carrying the gun, and it will mostly be used for target shooting and for HD. I know the full size 1911 might be suited better for that, but I really like the look of the Commander sized 1911.

[smittty]

5" is what I would get unless you have a specific need for a shorter barrel.

The 45acp ballistics are just about ideal when fired from a 5" barrel.

[jonzer77]

I am guessing your budget isn't allowing for both but I really like my government and commander models. The commander feels more of the recoil but the nice thing with the shorter sight radius is it's easier to get back on target. The government model is supposed to be better at longer range shooting with the longer sight radius but I have have no issues shooting a commander out to 25 yards(longest I have been able to shoot it).

[Furncliff]

I have a commander length 9mm. I prefer my full size 1911, it seems to have a better balance. Having said that, both guns are range toys and I enjoy shooting them both. Get what you think would like. You know you'll have both sooner or later.

[pipboy]

Article written by SME:

http://www.10-8performance.com/pages/Choosing-a-1911-for-Duty-Use.html

Pay special attention to paragraph 3.

[InGrAM]

If I only had one 1911 it would be a 5" government model but since I have five I have two commanders and I bought them for carry.

Not really much of a difference, IMO. The shorter slide does make it more comfortable to carry, not more concealable, just more comfortable for me.

[redcliff]

I use a Combat Commander for range use often since my carry 1911 is a LW Commander. I don't like going shorter than 4.25" on 1911's although I have a few. I actually think the Commander has the perfect proportions visually and ergonomically of all the 1911's but of course that is only opinion.

Commanders have a couple advantages; they clear leather faster than a 5" and they are faster to steer to the next target.

Disadvantages are a slightly more recoil, 3/4" shorter sight radius, 3/4" shorter barrel yeilding slightly lower velocities, and more maintenance sensitive for spring replacement and magazine/extractor condition.

[Shapes And Colors]

I actually think the Commander has the perfect proportions visually and ergonomically of all the 1911's but of course that is only opinion.

Agreed, entirely.

[jlbflyboy172]

At self defense distances, I can shoot a 3.5 inch 1911 compact just as accurately as I can a 5". For concealed carry, it is lighter and easier (more comfortable) to carry.

[razr]

I don't plan on carrying the gun, and it will mostly be used for target shooting and for HD. I know the full size 1911 might be suited better for that, but I really like the look of the Commander sized 1911.

Sounds like you have already made up your mind. Get what you like. Full size like you said, would be better for target shooting.

[ChaneRZ]

Get a government. More accurate and less felt recoil.

[JTROKS]

For carry and HD the 4.25" is better. For range the 5" will keep you shooting longer given the same ammo is fired from both guns.

[skosh69]

First 1911 I got was a fullsize 5" to learn the 1911 platform. Next one I got was a bob-tail Commander size 4 1/4".

For me, I notice nothing in the 3/4" difference and can shoot both just as accurately as the other!

Good luck deciding which one you want!

[checkenbach]

I like the balance of a Commander better, but put a magwell on a full size and it will feel the same.
Full size does seem to soak up recoil better, IMHO. I like then both.

[Jyruiz]

I vote for the full size, and I have shot a 4.25 Commander and liked it.