1911 Guru's - commander suggestions

[SVT_Tactical]

Looking to add another 1911 for daily carry. Have multiple full size 1911s, they are what I learned on growing up and have used in classes I've taken. I want and chose to carry a 1911 simply due to being more comfortable with it. I want to add a commander size gun to the rotation.

Looking at a few options. The springfield emissary 45 4.25" feels real good in hand. Like the aggressive texturing. I've looked at the Colt LW Commander and ruger Commander LW. I have had kimbers with good results as well. I'd like to keep price around $1200 max.

Anyone have suggestions for a good carry commander gun or experience with those mentioned? American made preferred but not a must.

 

[SecondsCount]

I'm a big fan of Dan Wesson. Their parts quality and fit are better than the guns you listed. Dan Wesson(CZ) now owns Colt so maybe we will see an improvement.

 

[Knotwild]

I'm not a 1911 guru, but I do love them and have several. One thing I would consider if buying one today is having the slide milled to put on a good red dot sight like the Trijicon RMR. I've been playing around with the holographic sights on a couple of non-1911 guns and it has radically improved my ability to hit the target and hit it quickly. The second thing I would desire is an aluminum frame. Shedding a few ounces is really nice. I've always wanted a Dan Wesson and I second SecondsCount's opinion on them, but I haven't sprung for one because of other interests.

 

[SSL]

Any of the ones you mention will do well for you. There are always the few that slip through that people complain about with any brand. Colt does have a spotty reputation, but generally functional. Unfortunately the finest 1911 brand, the MP Express, is no longer made. I am fortunate enough to have acquired one many years ago and wouldn't part with it for anything. They were hand fitted with absolutely no play and superior materials. My very low numbered Commander sized is in stainless steel and shoots like a match-grade handgun. It has never failed to feed or function with any reasonable load, but being solid steel it does weigh a bit more than many like for a carry gun. It's still my cold weather carry, but I now many times use a Kahr CW45 for summer carry when concealment is a little more difficult due to less clothing to cover it.

 

[Leo Smith]

I love my Lightweight Commander. But it is still large even for my shoulder holster.

 

[SVT_Tactical]

Dan Wesson is outside the budget mentioned.

 

[std7mag]

I have a Springfield Commander.
Really like it!
What i didn't like was their replacement for the traditional 1911 barrel bushing.
I installed a traditional style bushing from EGW.
Made it a LOT easier to disassemble & assemble.

 

[Blackthorn]

My EDC is the Ruger. I carry it in an ISW strong side with a double mag carrier on the opposite side. I changed out the target trigger for a smaller combat trigger. Can’t really say anything bad about it other than it seems to like to wear a hole in my pants at the muzzle..

 

[JackT]

You may want to also consider a CCO size 1911 (commander slide/barrel and officer frame). Same sight radius as a commander and with officers frame it is easier to carry. Downside is one less round. I had a Dan Wesson CCO (45 ACP) that I gave to my son.... Great value. I have a Les Baer CCO (38 Super) and a Wilson CCO (45 ACP) and a Fusion CCO (9mm).

 

[troupe]

What caliber ? 9mm or 45 ? Springfield Ronen is a light weight option. If the weight is not a issue, American Tactical is a good bet. Ruger's are great guns to build on. I prefer an all steel gun and if you get a stainless pistol and decide to customize it down the road with checkering, new beavertail, ambi's etc., it will not need anything more than be blasted. My father in law has a America Classic in 9mm Commander and it is a very accurate pistol. I have been building 1911's for 30 years. People don't like the idea of the Philippines 1911's, but I have built four of them as the base guns, very good for the money.

 

[alf]

I'm kind of a Ruger fan, so I ended up with two of theirs, a lightweight Night Watchman in 45 and a regular lightweight in 9mm.

The nine I added Tru-Glo sights, full length guide rod, G-10 grips, ambi safety, and a second barrel in 38 Super from Fusion Firearms.

 

[Fuj]

I carry a Colt Compact .45 acp. It's a way of life.

Stock photo as mine is.....

 

[Twdmar]

Glock 19 is the best 1911

 

[Intheshop]

Caspian frame,Colt slide,ported match brrl,and a bunch of other goodies. I have "several" 1911's,this one is rarely out of arms reach. Stupid accurate with cast 190's,and target loads of 700X.

Good luck with your project.

 

[SVT_Tactical]

So those that have a 9mm commander, how do you like it over the 45acp? I have been debating which makes more sense. I'm a 45 fanboy... slow and fat like me, but more capacity in 9mm makes me ponder. The EMP comes into mind as I narrow the search.

 

[JackT]

9mm easier to shoot, but 45acp easier to reload in my opinion. Not worried about not having as many rounds with 45 acp because of increased reliability and stopping power. 9mm comes in 3rd place behind 38super which is both more powerful and reliable than the 9mm; and also easier to reload. Just my observation, 9mm vs 45 has been an ongoing debate that usually ends in a pissing match. Make your choice and then go enjoy shooting the pistol.

 

[Bob3700]

Kimber Super Carry Pro in 45 ACP. Just a fan of big holes. Nice and compact/light in a inside the waistband holster.

 

[troupe]

45 will not serve you wrong, but a 9 will do the same. The 9 is easier to shoot for some, train with which ever you choose and by doing that, you will not be hindered. You will get a couple of more rounds with the 9, hopefully you will never be in that position that you will need it, but it could be a life saver. Todays duty ammo has come along way in the 9, so much so, a lot of agencies has left the 45 for the 9, and also because of budgets. Some officers shoot the 9 a little better, which means less chance to have to re-qual . In my 28 years as a LEO, the folks that I have seen shot could not tell you if they were shot with a 45 or a 9, many could never tell anyone.

Which ever you choose, just shoot it and then shoot it some more. If your life or someone else life will depend on it, they and you deserve to be able to do your best when you have to.

 

[dryhumor]

I have a DW A2 Commander. Solid pistol. I got mine after looking at them and realizing I hadn’t owned a commander in some time. They can be had for around your budget. Could be a lot of patience involved though.

 

[troupe]

Dan Wesson was using TR Enabling slides, frames and barrels. Don't know if they still do. Dan Wesson makes some very fine pistols. If you feel like getting the parts to build your own, you could have the same pistol for a lot less and it would mean more to you.