A Glance Back in Time
The 1911 pistol. The very name evokes images of history, rugged reliability, and a timeless design. John Browning’s masterpiece, initially adopted by the United States military over a century ago, continues to captivate firearm enthusiasts worldwide. Its legacy is cemented in its powerful cartridge, smooth action, and classic aesthetics. While many variations exist, two primary configurations stand out in the world of 1911s: the iconic Full Size, often referred to as the Government model, and the slightly more compact Commander. But which one is the better choice for you? This article dives deep into the comparison, providing a thorough examination of features, advantages, and disadvantages to help you determine which 1911 model best suits your needs.
The story of the 1911 begins with the quest for a superior sidearm. The US Army’s experiences during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries highlighted the need for a reliable and effective pistol. John Browning answered the call, designing a semi-automatic handgun chambered for the potent .45 ACP cartridge. The resulting weapon, adopted by the US Army in the year nineteen-eleven, quickly became legendary. The pistol’s design introduced several groundbreaking features, including a short recoil operating system and a single-action trigger, establishing it as a premier firearm of its era.
The Commander, a design specifically created for a purpose, entered the scene years later. It was conceived in the post-World War II era, aiming to offer a more compact and manageable option for military officers and others who needed a reliable sidearm but desired something easier to carry concealed. The Colt company pioneered this evolution, shrinking the standard five-inch barrel and overall dimensions of the 1911 while retaining the features that made it popular. This modification made the 1911 more suitable for concealed carry without compromising its essential design and features.
Dimensions and the Physical Presence
Understanding the differences in size is crucial. Let’s break down the physical attributes of both the Full Size and the Commander. The Full Size, the original blueprint, is a larger handgun. Its dimensions contribute to its robust feel and potent performance.
The Government Model
The Government model boasts a five-inch barrel, giving it a longer sight radius, which often contributes to improved accuracy. Its overall length usually hovers around eight and a half inches, and it weighs in at approximately thirty-nine ounces unloaded, though this can vary depending on the materials used in its construction. This model’s grip frame is designed to accommodate a full-size magazine, offering a good number of rounds for defensive purposes. The Full Size exhibits a substantial profile that provides excellent balance and a familiar feel for many shooters.
The Commander
On the other hand, the Commander is a more streamlined package. The defining characteristic of this model is its barrel, typically measuring around four and a quarter inches in length. This change significantly influences the overall size, reducing the total length by approximately three-quarters of an inch when compared to the Full Size. The weight is also correspondingly less. This reduction, although seeming small, contributes significantly to the Commander’s concealment potential and faster handling. The difference in dimensions impacts the overall feel.
A direct comparison of dimensions immediately highlights the contrast: the Full Size, with its longer barrel and frame, provides more heft and a longer sight radius. The Commander, with its shortened barrel and lighter weight, is more easily concealed.
Ballistic Performance and Precision
The barrel length of the 1911 has a notable effect on its ballistic performance. The longer barrel of the Full Size pistol allows for a more complete burn of the propellant inside the cartridge, resulting in higher muzzle velocity. This can translate into a slight increase in bullet energy. The longer sight radius, the distance between the front and rear sights, can potentially help with accuracy, especially at longer ranges. The extra weight of the Full Size also acts as a buffer, which may lessen the recoil.
In contrast, the Commander, with its shorter barrel, exhibits a modest reduction in muzzle velocity. This minor difference can be easily observed in real-world shooting situations. While the reduced barrel length affects the muzzle velocity, the inherent accuracy of the 1911 design is generally retained. Because of the shortened barrel, there may be a higher degree of felt recoil compared to the Full Size. This increase is mostly noticeable during rapid firing or when shooting powerful loads.
Real-world testing results generally confirm these expectations. Professional gun reviewers often share test data, revealing nuances in ballistics and comparing shot groupings to assess precision. Researching reviews is essential to get insights into the performance differences.
The Concealment Factor
Concealed carry is a major consideration for many handgun owners. The Full Size 1911, because of its dimensions, presents some challenges. Its size and weight make it more difficult to conceal effectively, especially in warmer weather or when wearing lighter clothing. The choice of carry position and the type of holster become critical. Popular options include inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry or outside-the-waistband (OWB) with a sturdy belt. Careful consideration of clothing and body type is essential.
The Commander shines in the concealment department. Its reduced size and weight give it a clear advantage. The shorter barrel allows it to be concealed more easily, especially in IWB holsters. The lighter weight makes it more comfortable to carry for extended periods. This is not to say it’s effortless to conceal. It’s still a relatively large handgun compared to compact alternatives. However, the Commander is significantly easier to conceal than the Full Size.
When comparing these two pistols for concealed carry, the Commander clearly excels. Its dimensions offer greater comfort and flexibility in carrying options.
Ergonomics and Feel
The ergonomics of the 1911 play a significant role in its handling and comfort. The Full Size offers a substantial grip that fits well in the hands of many shooters. Its weight can promote stability and help manage recoil. The placement of the controls – the safety, slide release, and magazine release – is well-considered, allowing for quick and intuitive operation.
The Commander shares the same fundamental ergonomics as the Full Size. However, some shooters may find that the shorter grip of the Commander doesn’t provide as much room to fully grip the handgun with their dominant hand. It does not necessarily mean it is uncomfortable. The balance is slightly different, and the shorter barrel can promote faster target acquisition. Some users, particularly those with larger hands, may favor the Full Size for its more substantial grip.
The key is finding the model that feels most natural and comfortable in your hand. Trying both is crucial to determining which feels better.
Accessorizing and Customization Opportunities
The 1911 is known for its customizability. The Full Size benefits from an enormous aftermarket. Virtually any part you can imagine is readily available. Holsters, grips, sights, triggers, and more are available in a wide variety of styles, materials, and price points. This extensive aftermarket support makes it easy to personalize your Full Size 1911 to your exact specifications.
The Commander also enjoys excellent aftermarket support, albeit with a few minor limitations. The shorter barrel length affects the availability of some accessories, like compensators. But the essential parts and accessories are plentiful. Many custom grips, holsters, sights, and other enhancements are manufactured specifically for the Commander model. You can easily tailor your Commander to meet your particular needs.
Price Considerations
The price of a 1911 can vary greatly. Factors such as the manufacturer, materials, and features all play a role. In general, the Full Size and Commander models tend to be priced comparably. You can find 1911s for sale at a wide range of price points. Higher-end models with premium features will, naturally, come at a higher cost. Entry-level models offer a more affordable point of entry.
Considering the vast number of 1911s available, it’s important to do some research. Comparing models and prices from different manufacturers will help you identify the best value.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Now, let’s break down the strengths and weaknesses of each model. The Full Size, with its longer barrel, offers several advantages. It may provide a slight edge in accuracy. Its weight helps absorb recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot for some individuals. The more significant grip offers a more solid feel, and this might provide greater control. The obvious disadvantage is its size. Concealing a Full Size 1911 can be difficult.
The Commander is lighter and more compact, making concealed carry easier. It presents more manageable handling characteristics. The shorter length may make it quicker to draw from a holster. But, its shorter barrel might mean less muzzle velocity, and a slightly higher recoil. Some shooters find that the grip feels too short.
Determining the Right Fit
Choosing between the Full Size and the Commander 1911 is not a simple decision. It depends largely on your specific requirements. Think about your primary use for the pistol. If concealed carry is a priority, the Commander is the clear winner. Its compact dimensions give it a notable advantage in this realm. If your primary application is range shooting or home defense, and concealment is not a factor, the Full Size is an excellent alternative. For range shooting, the longer sight radius is beneficial.
Consider your experience level. If you are new to firearms, the lighter recoil of the Full Size can be beneficial, and, while recoil can be better handled, the shorter sight radius and increased recoil impulse of the Commander may make it more challenging to manage. Physical build is also important. A person with smaller hands may find the Commander more comfortable.
Make sure to try both models before making a choice. Feel the grip and how they point. If possible, get the opportunity to shoot both models.
Closing Thoughts
The 1911 Full Size and Commander are each icons in their own right. They offer a blend of historical significance, powerful cartridge, and proven design. The choice between the two is fundamentally a personal one. The Full Size excels as a range or home-defense pistol. The Commander offers a more practical option for those seeking the benefits of a 1911 while still requiring a firearm easily adaptable for concealed carry.
Remember the best 1911 is the one you can shoot the best and carry comfortably. Before deciding on your next purchase, take the time to handle and, if possible, shoot both models. You will soon understand which 1911 is the best fit for your particular needs. The world of the 1911 is rich, and finding the right pistol is part of the journey.
