School me on compact or commander size 1911s

[_TomT_]

Looking at a Springfield Champion Operator(Commander size) as my final SSE, the gun has been out for a while yet there are very few reviews on the internet. Also I've been hearing some grumblings around the web saying that 1911 commanders style pistols are less reliable than their full size counterpart. I have yet to see an article to substantiate these claims. Anyone own or carry one that can attest to these issues?

Also looking into the Kimber Pro Carry TLE/RL II however this one is on roster.

[dfletcher]

I suppose it's a very general response, but the more one strays from a 5" full size and weight 1911 the more likely it is problems will arise - whether gun, operator or equipment inspired is a point of discussion. It seems to me things have gotten better over the years.

My first "small 1911" was a Combat Commander followed by a Detonics, this would be in the mid to late 70s. Some of the issues I encountered were my own fault - shooting Contender single shot pistols in 35 Remington and other heavier calibers taught me to "limp wrist" the recoil a bit, that doesn't work well with smaller semi auto pistols. Throw in JHP bullets and new 1911 sizing and issues come up. I think things have gotten much better but still, using a full sized 1911 magazine with a lazy spring (that works fine in a full sized pistol) can work not so well in a 3" 1911.

I still have the Detonics and it is extremely reliable. I have a bunch of 3" 1911s. I think any current good quality 4" or 3" 1911 can be made to work well.

[Mossy Man]

Dad has a colt defender.

Its reliable with ball ammo, but some JHPs nose dive

[_TomT_]

Ahh okay thanks, I would love to get more input on modern 1911s. Especially the two I listed.

[Omil]

Looking at a Springfield Champion Operator(Commander size) as my final SSE, the gun has been out for a while yet there are very few reviews on the internet. Also I've been hearing some grumblings around the web saying that 1911 commanders style pistols are less reliable than their full size counterpart. I have yet to see an article to substantiate these claims. Anyone own or carry one that can attest to these issues?

Also looking into the Kimber Pro Carry TLE/RL II however this one is on roster.

Champion' is not same as Commander' size. it's a 4" and bull barrel.. Commander is 4.25" with barrel bushing. I had Champion' for years, sold it. Solid piece! IMHO, FS & Commander' are both reliable, great 1911's.

[_TomT_]

Champion' is not same as Commander' size. it's a 4" and bull barrel.. Commander is 4.25" with barrel bushing. I had Champion' for years, sold it. Solid piece! IMHO, FS & Commander' are both reliable, great 1911's.

Ahh okay thanks, is the Champion the one that is very similar to the Range Officer but is a bit more polished and with a rail?

[Omil]

Ahh okay thanks, is the Champion the one that is very similar to the Range Officer but is a bit more polished and with a rail?

Yup, similar to loaded model! Some comes with ambi.

[asm777]

Pro TLE/RL and Champion Operator are similar with 4" barrel, full size frame, and tactical rail but have some differences:

1) Length/Design of Rail/Slide - Mainly an aesthetic difference:



2) Recoil Spring Assembly: Kimber's 1-piece guide rod with paperclip tool for takedown vs. SA's 2-piece captive guide rod with plastic tool for takedown

3) Thumb Safety: Kimber's single-side thumb safety vs. SA's ambi thumb safety

3) Finish: Kimber's Stainless or KimPro Black vs. SA's just black

4) Frame Material: Kimber's Steel vs. SA's LW Aluminum

5) Weight: Kimber's 36 oz. vs. SA's 31 oz.

6) Night Sights: Kimber's tritium with white halos vs. SA's tritium with steel halos

7) Grip Safety: Kimber's flat vs. SA's with bump

8) Barrel: Kimber's non-ramped vs. SA's ramped

9) Front Strap Checkering: Kimber's with vs. SA's without

10) Mainspring Housing: Kimber's polymer vs. SA's steel (not sure) with ILS

11) Schwartz Safety: Kimber's with vs. SA's without

Mostly preferences... edit: Thought of a few more.

Hope that helps! =)

[_TomT_]

Thank you ASM777, this kinda made my decision a bit easier.

[Bad Caselaw]

Ahh okay thanks, I would love to get more input on modern 1911s. Especially the two I listed.

[JohnCCW]

http://wilsoncombat.com/new/compact-1911-reliability.asp

[Citadelgrad87]

So much more elegant than a Glock.

Don't get me wrong, I have a Glock, too. But come on.

[trigger945]

Sorry, I can't help on the specific models you listed. However, I just wanted to add that "Commander" normally refers to 4.25" barrel while "Compact 1911" normally refers to 4" barrel.

Commander 1911's have been reliable from my experience and from people's claims through the interwebs (yeah, I know, hear-say on the latter one).

Good luck!