1911 Commander Recommendations?

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  • Major03

    Ultimate Member
    Looking to spend between $1500 to $2000 for a nice 1911 Commander / 4 inch barreled 1911.

    Considering a Dan Wesson or a used Wilson Combat but open minded.

    Not that it's anyone else's responsibility to tell me how to spend my money lol, but I thought I'd get some opinions.
     

    TheOriginalMexicanBob

    Ultimate Member
    Jul 2, 2017
    32,176
    Sun City West, AZ
    A lot depends on what features you want it to have. Most makers offer versions with a varity of features and styles of those features. You need to define what you want and look for the make that best fills those needs and desires.
     

    Mightydog

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Buy a pony if you can find one. Check the Colt.com website. This is what I looked at a while back. They have a good listing and you can select what caliber.
     

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    Major03

    Ultimate Member
    Not new to handguns,, but I'm a bit a 1911 neophyte... but for features I'm looking for:

    - Commander profile, 4" barrel
    - match trigger
    - tritium night sites
    - front slide serrations
    - rails incorporated on the frame
    - extended beavertail
    - match barrel
    - skeletonized hammer
    - .45 ACP

    Essentially, I'm looking for a 1911 that will be concealable with the common modern enhancements that is high quality and will be reliable. Doesn't need to be a NIB $3500 Wilson, but I'm also in the camp of its better to have fewer but higher quality firearms.

    I take your point though, I've got some homework to do. I've been scanning the 1911 forum as well learning.
     

    fidelity

    piled higher and deeper
    MDS Supporter
    Aug 15, 2012
    22,400
    Frederick County
    Not new to handguns,, but I'm a bit a 1911 neophyte... but for features I'm looking for:

    - Commander profile, 4" barrel
    ...

    My Commander experience is limited to two models, the Colt Combat Commander and the Dan Wesson Vigil, but I like the Colt a bit better between the two. Maybe because it's slightly heavier and has the dual recoil springs, but it's fun to shoot the gun, and for me, more accurate than the Vigil and on par with my full size 1911 Colt Combat Elite.

    Both lack features that you're looking for including front slide serrations and a rail. The Colt also doesn't have front strap checkering. I was actually really excited when I got the Vigil after having a good experience with the Combat Commander. I'm changing the grips on the Vigil and going to have more range time with it before deciding whether it's a keeper (for me) or not. At the same time, I always seem to snag the Combat Commander when going to the range as it's been such a solid (and fun) performer. Will likely get a black leather OWB holster from Galco for it as I would be completely comfortable with it as an occasional carry gun.

    729234ef3864020e1147735cbd9c5376.jpg
     

    trickg

    Guns 'n Drums
    MDS Supporter
    Jul 22, 2008
    14,597
    Glen Burnie
    Dan Wesson Specialist, complete with front slide serrations, and available in Stainless or Duty Finish. (black) If you are military, LEO or First Responder, it can be had within your listed budget. If not, it'll be a touch outside of it.

    19e_DW-Specialist-Commander-L-1100px-900x703.png


    A bit more costly than the Vigil, but they put a bit more into it as well.
     

    Major03

    Ultimate Member
    Dan Wesson Specialist, complete with front slide serrations, and available in Stainless or Duty Finish. (black) If you are military, LEO or First Responder, it can be had within your listed budget. If not, it'll be a touch outside of it.

    19e_DW-Specialist-Commander-L-1100px-900x703.png


    A bit more costly than the Vigil, but they put a bit more into it as well.

    Thanks, that's the model I'm leaning towards right now.
     

    TheOriginalMexicanBob

    Ultimate Member
    Jul 2, 2017
    32,176
    Sun City West, AZ
    This is the only Commander I own...bought it nearly thirty years ago and sent to Novak's to be given their sights and trigger work and an electroless nickel finish. I carried it off-duty once I was able to carry something other than a double-action revolver. It's superbly accurate, never malfunctioned and easy to carry. Today you can get the same setup from the factory as a standard setup.

    It has everything necessary and nothing that isn't from my point of view...outside of tritium night sights which I would add if I was still carrying it.

    Colt-Commander.jpg
     

    fidelity

    piled higher and deeper
    MDS Supporter
    Aug 15, 2012
    22,400
    Frederick County
    @fidelity. Super helpful, thanks. I figured the complete laundry list was probably outside of $2k, but it is helpful to hear personal experiences. The dual recoil springs make a significant difference then?
    I don't know if it's only the dual recoil springs, or the extra ounce or two that the Colt has, but the Vigil is a bit more flippy/has more muzzle movement after shots. I'm testing if other grips with more checkering help offset this.
     

    dist1646

    Ultimate Member
    May 1, 2012
    8,758
    Eldersburg
    Ruger offers night sights for theirs. Picked up one in 9mm for the wife due to the ease of her operating the slide (arthritis). Nice gun, decent trigger and 100% reliable. Their 9mm mags suck though.
     

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