Commander Accuracy

[California44]

I have a Commander type 1911. I love the hold, trigger and even the look of this pistol. But, no matter how much I focus, I can't seem to shoot tight groupings at 7 yards. I don't think anything is wrong with the pistol but want to see if I'm right in saying that the shorter barrel makes accuracy (much) more challenging than a full size 1911. I don't have issues with my full size 1911. Anyone else have the same experience or can offer some advice? I'm not the greatest shooter but I can usually get in a groove and be fairly consistent most range visits.

[redcliff]

I have a Commander type 1911. I love the hold, trigger and even the look of this pistol. But, no matter how much I focus, I can't seem to shoot tight groupings at 7 yards. I don't think anything is wrong with the pistol but want to see if I'm right in saying that the shorter barrel makes accuracy (much) more challenging than a full size 1911. I don't have issues with my full size 1911. Anyone else have the same experience or can offer some advice? I'm not the greatest shooter but I can usually get in a groove and be fairly consistent most range visits.

No, the short barrel does not affect accuracy very much. However, the shorter sight plane of the shorter slide makes them more difficult to shoot well and your particular Commander may not have a well fit barrel/bushing/slide which would affect accuracy and your pistol's trigger pull may make it harder to shoot accurately if not clean, light and crisp.

Perhaps your pistol would benefit from a custom EGW bushing and a trigger job? Can you focus well on the front sight? I like gold bead or serrated front sights to ensure i'm properly FOCUSED on the front sight itself if shooting for the smallest possible groups.

Here is a couple 25 yard groups shot with a custom Combat Commander off a sandbag rest by Dave Severns. If you ignore the flyer in each group you can see that the mechanical accuracy is certainly acceptable with the 4 1/4" barrel. This pistol features a Kart hard-fit barrel/bushing and welded frame rails:

[9mmrevolver]

I have 4in and love it. You might want to go to basics. Breathing, trigger control, foot placement, and the like.

[jeffrice6]

your particular Commander may not have a well fit barrel/bushing/slide which would affect accuracy.

I would say this, or maybe its you ~

[colossians323]

I have a Commander type 1911. I love the hold, trigger and even the look of this pistol. But, no matter how much I focus, I can't seem to shoot tight groupings at 7 yards. I don't think anything is wrong with the pistol but want to see if I'm right in saying that the shorter barrel makes accuracy (much) more challenging than a full size 1911. I don't have issues with my full size 1911. Anyone else have the same experience or can offer some advice? I'm not the greatest shooter but I can usually get in a groove and be fairly consistent most range visits.

Sound like you're anticipating. have you tried shooting it from the bench?

[Legasat]

Sounds as much like ammo as everything else. You using WWB, Remington UMC, PMC etc to shoot groups? Bad idea. Use hand loads or the expensive factory stuff to shoot for points or tight groups.

[California44]

I don't know how many rounds have been through this pistol. How can I tell if the barrel needs replacement?

I think its me anticipating. I'm going to go back this week and try again, maybe after eating dinner.

[California44]

Ok. I've been busy and FINALLY made it to the range with my Commander. Like some of you said, it was me anticipating. I now like my Commander (and have really wanted to like it since its feels right to me when I hold it more than other guns I've shot). Thanks for the advice (and encouragement).

[redcliff]

Glad you're feeling the Commander love I think they're great 1911 variants.

[trigger945]

Glad you're feeling the Commander love I think they're great 1911 variants.

+1^^^

I miss my Combat Commander. I now really want to get the Ed Brown Kobra Carry. Nice gun but expensive.

[California44]

I replaced the recoil and firing pin springs. But the hammer spring I received in the commander set is to large since the commander I have is a bobtail. Anyone know where to find a hammer spring for a bobtail commander? I've looked at a few sights but all note commander only.

[redcliff]

I'm not sure what model of bobtail 1911 you have, but generally they use Officer model mainsprings.

[California44]

I'm not sure what model of bobtail 1911 you have, but generally they uses Officer model mainsprings.

Its a Dan Wesson. I think that will work. It's a pretty short, but heavy, spring.

[California44]

Just ordered a standard and heavy Officer model springs from Wolf. Only place I could find that sold them separately.

[California44]

Installed a XP wolf spring and I can feel the trigger is a more crisp break. This should help me with my follow through (I hope).