"Combat commander" vs full size 1911

[Mr. 16 gauge]

O.k., just for the sake of argument.....

I've always liked the "look" of the Colt combat commander series (not really sure why), but does 3/4" of barrel length really make that big a difference, and if you carry "cocked and locked", does a round hammer really make a difference than one that is spurred? Heard it was so that the 'round' hammer didn't catch on clothing, but if it's already at full cock.......

I'd be interested in hearing opinions from everyone, but especially those who have carried both....

Thanks in advance.............

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

I never found the issue M1911 unhandy to carry concealed. I just shoved it into my weak side belt and zipped up my sleeveless vest or pulled on a sweater. The bobbed (round) hammer question comes up when folks talk about drawing from a coat pocket. I agree with you, since it is locked and cocked, why draw it? I fired my Commander and a PPK .380 from inside the coat pocket and merely replaced the coat. Duh!

Adam

[Allen]

I have had and carried the Commander for over 25 years. I dont know that the full size would be any harder to carry or draw. For me it was the look of the gun that sold me. I had wanted a 1911 since I saw my grandfathers at a young age. To me, the shorter barrel made the gun look more balanced. I have shot both and found no real difference. When I saw the "Bright Nickel" I had to have it. Also makes it easy to clean.

Allen

[Dan Morris]

While I have my 1911's, had a Commander many moons back. I liked it and shot it well. Wish I still had it!
Dan

[Skinny Shooter]

3/4" does not make that much of a difference for me.
But, when I do get another 1911, it'll be a lightweight alloy-style Commander.

For me, the rounded hammer along with an extended beavertail prevents hammer bite (unlike the standard hammer).

My 1991 Govt had the traditional hammer and beavertail.
It got switched out to a Wilson skeletonized hammer and high ride beavertail shortly after purchase.

The original hammer did not hinder drawing from a hip or IWB holster.
Not sure how it would because if you carry it correctly (cocked and locked), the hammer isn't sticking up to snag on clothing.

I'll never buy another 1911 unless it has the extended beavertail and round hammer.

[PJgunner]

I have both and I've carried both. The only bad thung I can say about the Combat Commander is that S.O.B. will chew a hole in the web of your hand in short order. The fix is replace the grip safety for a beavertail type. No more problems. My pet CC has a beavertail safety and the only custom work is a light trigger job, just enough to smooth things out and the throat and ramp have been polished, all done by yours truly. That CC will feed empty cases about 95 percent of the time now. I know it will feed anything I choose to run through it. Two of my full time 1911's were built up by the late F. Bob Chow in San Francisco. Another was put together by I don't know who, but it's a Gold Cup upper on a Caspian frame. The gun is strictly target material and will puty 10 shots into a two inch group at 50 yards from a solid rest. Well, I guess it still will but my eyes have gotten so bad I can't do it anymore. If I ever find a rig that makes the Combat Commander more comfortable to carry without straining my back, I'll go back to packing it. Right now my carry piece is an S&W M60. If I carry the CC in either an IWB or OWB rig for more than maybe an hour, I have to gobble up copious quantities of Aleve. back's been bad since I was 18 YO when a damned drunk driver rear ended my car and had no insurance, no driver's license and was so drunk he could not even stand up. From the distance he pushed my car, I was stopped at a red light, he must have been doing close to 60 MPH. He totalled my beautiful 49 Ford Coupe.
Carrying heavy handguns on my hip have aggravated the back quite badly ever since. Still, I really would prefer my CC.
Paul B.

[popplecop]

I have an old Colt LW Commander with a couple of modifications that is my farvorite 1911. Added a beavertaill grip safety and an extended slide release. Lately I had to put on a set of fiber optic sights, old eyes. Very good shooter and carries well. Love my full sized 1911s but darn it all they are heavy to carry, years ago carried them all the time and no complaint.

[Evan03]

what about maybe looking for a used or like new sa compact.

i just picked one up and love it. i can actualy hit things like rabbits with it. it has millet sites that work very well exstended beaver tail safety exstended thumb safety and trigger.

this little thing just works for me



small gun with big sites