For The Love Of The Commander

[Talyn]

All my 1911s are full-sized but the Commander keeps trying to draw me into it.

Good article by the author

The Colt Commander may not be the best fighting pistol of all time, but it’s Top 5 for sure and one of the most iconic.​

After World War II, the U.S. Military wanted a lighter and more compact pistol for officers to carry. So, Colt created a 1911 with a 4.25-inch barrel chambered in 9mm Luger that was built on a lightweight aluminum alloy frame. In 1950, Colt began manufacturing that pistol—known as the Commander, and they also offered it chambered for the .38 Super and the .45 Auto.

For The Love Of The Commander

The Colt Commander may not be the best fighting pistol of all time, but it’s Top 5 for sure and one of the most iconic.

gundigest.com

 

[Lab4Us]

After reading that, at least I know I’m not super crazy, occasionally carrying handguns in excess of 30-35 oz in weight .

All three of my single stack 1911s are commander size and in .45, just like my DA/SA are compact size and in 9mm. It’s just this is the size that feels right and balanced (TO ME), both for carry and firing at the range. Of my three SAO double stacks, two of them have 4” barrels (the other a 3.25”).

Over my gun owning lifetime (so far), I have owned a few “true” 5” 1911s in .45 - Wilson Protector, Dan Wesson Valor, Colt Government, now all gone. I didn’t care for the way they carried and they always seemed not quite right on the range (FOR ME).

Again, over my gun owning lifetime (so far), this is just another argument point like .45 vs 9mm, light rail vs no light rail, SAO vs DAO, hammer fired vs striker fired…and the list goes on.

I did enjoy reading the history though! Thanks!

 

[HayesGreener]

I love my full size 1911's, but have always gravitated to Commander sized pistols for concealed carry. Dating back to S&W 669, SIG P228 and P220 Carry, SIG P320 Compact, my Commander, and my current SA TRP CC AOS. They just make sense for me

 

[papa]

My first .45 was a Colt Combat Commander. I fell in love with that gun. Unfortunately , I fell on hard times and had to sell it. My next .45 was a Colt Gold Cup. It was a great shooter but just wasn't my cup of tea . I traded it for a Kimber Ultra Tactical II with 3" BBL. I was looking for a Ronin with 4.25" BBL. when I stumbled on to my Garrison. With less then a box of ammo shot through it and less then $600.00 out the door I jumped on it.

I am still looking for that Ronin though. Have to save some money before I can buy another firearm.

 

[Rich7890]

All my 1911s are full-sized but the Commander keeps trying to draw me into it.

Good article by the author

The Colt Commander may not be the best fighting pistol of all time, but it’s Top 5 for sure and one of the most iconic.​

After World War II, the U.S. Military wanted a lighter and more compact pistol for officers to carry. So, Colt created a 1911 with a 4.25-inch barrel chambered in 9mm Luger that was built on a lightweight aluminum alloy frame. In 1950, Colt began manufacturing that pistol—known as the Commander, and they also offered it chambered for the .38 Super and the .45 Auto.

For The Love Of The Commander

The Colt Commander may not be the best fighting pistol of all time, but it’s Top 5 for sure and one of the most iconic.

gundigest.com

View attachment 99408

My Commander after refinishing. This one is a lightweight.

 

[Pitdogg2]

My cousin carried a Colt Commander his entire time as a county sheriff. 30+ years.

 

[SimonRL]

I have a several Commander size 2011s and I really like them. Very wieldable.

 

[ECS686]

It’s funny because there was a lot of criticism whem Glock came out with their 19X and model 45 with 4” barrel and full size grip.

And now the Glock 45 is the number 1 best selling police handgun for agency purchase.

Colt knew this size was like Goldy Locks in 1950!

My son just bought a Springfield 4 1/4” TRP Classic and it is the prefect size and balance and a shooter to!