Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Gov't or Commander?

Which do you all prefer? I know the Gov't Model has certain advantages for certain applications but for whatever reasons I really like the Commander series. Be it lightweight or steel frame I like the way the Commander handles and balances better than the longer Government Model. I suddenly have the lust for a blued Combat Commander. It will likely have a pony on the side, be a .45, which version of that from Colt I haven't quite made of my mind about yet. Thoughts and experiences from the 1911 shooters solicited! Pictures welcome also...

I still own at least one example of each of the three sizes. Despite all the internet debate, I've never had a problem with the smaller sizes running reliably. Get what you like. 1911 technology isn't a secret. So, pick the brand, size, and color you like, and go dent a bunch of primers!

Some Kimbers, all .45 ACP


Love this one--I am in negotiations to buy it back from the buddy I sold it to


9mm


Commander in its holster

I have one of those Micro Compacts. I love the lil thing. Mine has a rail on it though....More accurate than it should be. Ran alot of 200gr lswc through it. Only hicup it ever had was a broken extractor.

That said. The gov't would be my first choice

Guv'ment

I like em both. Never had one of the officers models yet.

Only own a 5".

Been watching for an alloy Commander, pretty much gotta be 4 1/4".
Want a bushing setup. Afectation.

Never understood why lightweight 5" guns are so rare.

I’ve owned several government models, and always sold them. I’ve owned a Colt Combat Commander since 1992. It’s my keeper.

Glad I got my Springer lightweight bi-tone, when I did. Don't carry it, or the EMP40 much, since getting a S&W PC bobtail Commander.

To me the govt shoots easier, carry’s well and looks good.


Then along comes this Dan Wesson Vigil in 9mm and I’m finding it goes to the range more than my govt model. Being a light weight commander, it carry’s like a dream and shoots very well.

Get both

I've got the Combat Commander made by Ed Brown, i.e., the all steel Kobra Carry, and it's been my daily carry for many months, now (I might have passed the one year mark). Shoots great. I've carried all steel Government Models, too, several times for years on end. Both are about equal, but the Commander is a tad lighter.

Colt's Lightweight Commander for me. Been carrying mine since around 1980 or so. A good holster and belt make it very carry friendly.

L.W.

You've posted that S&W too much.
I'm jealous, it's a nice gun.

Seconded. 45 ACP.

Yeah LWC is my favorite carry. JM Custom kydex AIWB or OWB is a favorite.

I rarely carry a 1911 style gun anymore. But Commander length has always been my favorite. When I do carry a 1911, it's my Sig Stainless Carry.

Colt Wiley Clapp for the carry gun. A blue steel Colt Commander just because. Get both.

The Pony keeps it's value better than any other.

Commander is good for me.

although a good old reliable full size is good too.

Springfield Ronin 4.25" Commanders are pretty easy to find right now, and they have ramped barrels, if that's important to you. I bought a .45 on May 1st, and it shoots a LOT softer than the Colt LWCs I've owned in the past. I liked it so much I bought a 9mm Commander to go with it. Some folks don't like the two-tone look, but that doesn't bother me. Kimber has been making LWT Gov't guns for a few years now, and I think Colt has done a run or two, as well. The Kimbers come up on rkguns.com website fairly often, but with supply issues, you have to check their site pretty often and regularly.
I really like the little Ronins, but I've also got five 5" guns that are plenty good enough.
Prices are decent on the Ronins, I paid less than $730 ea. for both of mine. Both of mine shoot about 3" high at 50 ft, but the front sight is dovetailed, so it wouldn't be tough to replace them whenever I get around to it.

I've always had and carried the full size tho I admit to really wanting a commander as my next 1911.

I don't think I'd go shorter than that tho.