1911 Lightweight Commander

[F350-6]

I'm looking to pick up a commander size lightweight model. I'm looking for opinions from those who have one. Any significant difference in recoil from the steel frame version? (I've never had anything smaller than a 5", but don't assume the difference will be that much).

I've seen the Colt, S&W, Para Ordnance, and of course everyone seems to have a Kimber in stock. Is there one you would avoid? Is there one you really prefer, with good reason?

I've read the internet rumors about the CBOB from Dan Wesson, but since I can't seem to find one to lay my hands on, I'm assuming it's just some old wives tail. Anyway, it's not a lightweight, and I won't buy something I can't lay my hands on first, so please leave that one out of the conversation for this purchase (I think, at least I'm pretty sure I've decided on a lightweight ).

 

[randmplumbingllc]

I'm looking to pick up a commander size lightweight model. I'm looking for opinions from those who have one. Any significant difference in recoil from the steel frame version? (I've never had anything smaller than a 5", but don't assume the difference will be that much).

I've seen the Colt, S&W, Para Ordnance, and of course everyone seems to have a Kimber in stock. Is there one you would avoid? Is there one you really prefer, with good reason?

I've read the internet rumors about the CBOB from Dan Wesson, but since I can't seem to find one to lay my hands on, I'm assuming it's just some old wives tail. Anyway, it's not a lightweight, and I won't buy something I can't lay my hands on first, so please leave that one out of the conversation for this purchase (I think, at least I'm pretty sure I've decided on a lightweight ).

Yeah, I have a LW Commander. It is a little more "snappy" then a regular Commander. I like it and sometimes CCW it, cuz it is lighter and don't rust IWB holster.

Just WATCH out for the slide, on the bottom. It is REAL SHARP. I KNOW ! Needs to be rounded off.

 

[F350-6]

Just WATCH out for the slide, on the bottom. It is REAL SHARP. I KNOW ! Needs to be rounded off.

Slide bite? I thought that and hammer bite were a thing of the past with these fancy grips and hammers now a days? I got training from my Uncle when I was younger, and as a result, have never had slide or hammer bite with any auto.

Any opinion as to how much more snappy? How much of the snap is from the commander size, and how much from the light frame?

 

[Texas1911]

It's noticeably more snappy than a full-size. The short length means less weight and stiffer recoil spring, the frame means less weight, and that all translates into snap.

It's no .44 Magnum, but it's not like a full-size.

 

[Okierifleman]

If you handle a 5" well and practice a lot, its nothing you wont learn how to handle. When I first bought my UCII, it took me a little while to learn to control it, because it is, as Alan stated, noticeably more snappy.

 

[F350-6]

It's noticeably more snappy than a full-size. The short length means less weight and stiffer recoil spring, the frame means less weight, and that all translates into snap.

It's no .44 Magnum, but it's not like a full-size.

So what you're saying is I should really go ahead and get a 5" STI for the range and the lightweight commander only for carry. I wonder how the wife will take the news.

I know there will be more snap, and that does not bother me. As long as it kicks less than my Snake Slayer IV with 3" shells I'm good. (Yes my newest favorite toy from Bond Arms moves past snap into the full fledged kick category).

 

[Texas1911]

So what you're saying is I should really go ahead and get a 5" STI for the range and the lightweight commander only for carry. I wonder how the wife will take the news.

I know there will be more snap, and that does not bother me. As long as it kicks less than my Snake Slayer IV with 3" shells I'm good. (Yes my newest favorite toy from Bond Arms moves past snap into the full fledged kick category).

If you are used to a .45 then it won't bother you too much. It's just snappier, but it's not a full house 10mm or .357 Magnum.

I think you should buy an STI Ranger to fulfill both roles. You can conceal a full size 1911 just fine. Too many people want micro-machines for carry guns, and frankly small guns suck.

 

[F350-6]

Too many people want micro-machines for carry guns, and frankly small guns suck.

I can understand this since this is how I ended up on a commander size lightweight model. Went to gun shows and handled all sorts of pistols. Found several I thought I could live with, made a list, and discovered when I returned, I could not force myself to spend a few hundred on the thing. I'm old enough to resist the initial buy impulse, and the little compacts never looked as good on the return trip.

Most of my experience and comfort level is with 1911's or Hi-Powers. (wheel guns excluded).

As for the Ranger, it's almost as hard to find as the Dan Wesson. Since I think I'll have some extra disposable income next year, and hopefully the prices come back down a little, an STI is still a future possibility. Just need to decide on Commander or full size.

 

[res1b3uq]

I owned a lightweight Commander "Enhanced" It was a good pistol,accurate and reliable. I carried it for a while, with no problem. Bought a P12 alloy at a bargain, and never carried the Commander again. I can carry the P12 all day and never have to adjust it, and it is at least equal to the Commander in accuracy and reliability.

 

[navyguy]

As already stated, the lightweight commander is going to snap a bit more than a full sized 5" 1911. . But it should still be controllable.

If you're in or around the DFW area, you could come to our next shoot/meet. Both myself and Army1911 have CBOB's, and you're welcome to fondle and shoot mine if you like. All though DW makes a very limited amount of these guns each year, they can be found.

Of the others you mentioned, Kimber probably has the largest selection. I'm not sure which of their models are 70 series, but I'm pretty sure some of the 4.25" models come that way,

DW also has a lighter weight 4.25" gun. The CCO Bobtail. I'ts a commander upper, mounted on an Officers frame (Alloy) which gives it a bit shorter grip (for concealment) and about 5 oz less weight. And although you can find those on the auction sites, I've never seen one in person.

 

[claymore504]

I will second the STI Ranger II. I have carried it and it is the perfect size. It does weigh since it is all steel, but it carries fine. No need to get one weapon for the range and one for carry. The Ranger II does both very nicely!

 

[randmplumbingllc]

Slide bite? I thought that and hammer bite were a thing of the past with these fancy grips and hammers now a days? I got training from my Uncle when I was younger, and as a result, have never had slide or hammer bite with any auto.

Any opinion as to how much more snappy? How much of the snap is from the commander size, and how much from the light frame?

No, not side bite, but if you run your finger down on the slide, where it meets the frame, you will see what I am talking about. You just have to watch it. My cut was soooo bad, that I should have got stiches. Went to rack the slide and when it slid into battery, it got me good. Look at one close and you will see what I mean.

I still love the gun. Just need to have the slide bottom edge rounded off.

It aint too snappy. To me, it's like a .40 snappy. Nothing you can't handle.

 

[F350-6]

No one has any comments on the PARA?

If you're in or around the DFW area, you could come to our next shoot/meet. Both myself and Army1911 have CBOB's, and you're welcome to fondle and shoot mine if you like. All though DW makes a very limited amount of these guns each year, they can be found.
...

DW also has a lighter weight 4.25" gun. The CCO Bobtail. I'ts a commander upper, mounted on an Officers frame (Alloy) which gives it a bit shorter grip (for concealment) and about 5 oz less weight. And although you can find those on the auction sites, I've never seen one in person.

I'll start paying attention to when the next meet is. I typically don't like to go into town on the weekend, but for a chance to fondle your CBOB, I might just change my mind.

As for the officer frame, if someone has one available to play with, I might consider it. I'm just not sure I'd like the shorter handle enough to spend the money on one.

Thanks for the offer to shoot your weapon.

I will second the STI Ranger II. I have carried it and it is the perfect size. It does weigh since it is all steel, but it carries fine. No need to get one weapon for the range and one for carry. The Ranger II does both very nicely!

Sorry Clay, buy my comments were meant to be taken sarcastically. I was looking for an excuse to tell the wife I needed to buy 2 pistols instead of just the one.

It aint too snappy. To me, it's like a .40 snappy.

Thank you. 40 snappy is something I understand. This statement tells me everything I need to know.

 

[navyguy]

No one has any comments on the PARA?



I'll start paying attention to when the next meet is. I typically don't like to go into town on the weekend, but for a chance to fondle your CBOB, I might just change my mind.

As for the officer frame, if someone has one available to play with, I might consider it. I'm just not sure I'd like the shorter handle enough to spend the money on one.

Thanks for the offer to shoot your weapon.

Your welcome. I've just become a DW fan. I've been very impressed with the fit and finish on their 1911's. Army1911 is more of and expert on the DW's than myself, having several in his stable. Wonder over to 1911 forum. and go the the DW section. There is a very nice review of the CCO. It might change your mind. It's on my short list.

As far as the Para's. I don't see anything wrong with them, except the tend to wander from the traditional 1911 configurations, and they are strictly a production gun. But a good value none the less, and good shooters. Hicap1911 shoots a Para, and does so quit well with it.

 

[Texas1911]

I am not a fan of Para. Their manufacturing and feel leaves something to be desired.

 

[F350-6]

I am not a fan of Para. Their manufacturing and feel leaves something to be desired.

Can you expand on this any? I'm always interested to hear others experiences or opinions.

As a side note, it looks like I'll be taking a trip to Austin next week. Do you know of any gun stores that might have one of these mythical Rangers in stock? I can't seem to find them up here. I don't suppose the factory has some sort of outlet store attached to it.

 

[Texas1911]

Can you expand on this any? I'm always interested to hear others experiences or opinions.

As a side note, it looks like I'll be taking a trip to Austin next week. Do you know of any gun stores that might have one of these mythical Rangers in stock? I can't seem to find them up here. I don't suppose the factory has some sort of outlet store attached to it.

The only place that might have one is McBride's. I'd call beforehand.

Para's just don't feel good to me. The few we've gotten in and the one's on the range just don't seem to be on the same level as even a Kimber. They remind me of Taurus. There are loose tolerances beyond the one's that count, they have a funky mag interface on the double stacks, it's just bleh.

You might call STI and talk to Rabbit, tell him I referred you (Alan at TGT) to the Ranger II. They have one in their vault and should be able to forward you to someone that has one in stock, or tell you when the next batch is out. They are very nice guns, Ngoc at Shiloh in Houston modifyed his from a single stack to a double stack.

 

[F350-6]

The only place that might have one is McBride's. I'd call beforehand.

Para's just don't feel good to me. The few we've gotten in and the one's on the range just don't seem to be on the same level as even a Kimber. They remind me of Taurus. There are loose tolerances beyond the one's that count, they have a funky mag interface on the double stacks, it's just bleh.

You might call STI and talk to Rabbit, tell him I referred you (Alan at TGT) to the Ranger II. They have one in their vault and should be able to forward you to someone that has one in stock, or tell you when the next batch is out. They are very nice guns, Ngoc at Shiloh in Houston modifyed his from a single stack to a double stack.

I'm not really interested in a double stack right now, but the Taurus reference gives me an inclination of what you're referring to. If I end up back in Houston for any reason, I plan on visiting Shiloh to rent one or two STI's. I still like the idea of a lightweight model, and am not opposed to picking up a 5" from STI later, but then again, what's a few ounces, right?

But now if I go back to a steel frame, what about the Dan Wesson?

 

[Texas1911]

I'm not really interested in a double stack right now, but the Taurus reference gives me an inclination of what you're referring to. If I end up back in Houston for any reason, I plan on visiting Shiloh to rent one or two STI's. I still like the idea of a lightweight model, and am not opposed to picking up a 5" from STI later, but then again, what's a few ounces, right?

But now if I go back to a steel frame, what about the Dan Wesson?

Dan Wesson's aren't bad. I've shot their Bobtail Commander framed gun and it seems to work fine and be plenty accurate. The triggers aren't too bad either. I'd put them along with Colt, Kimber, etc.

 

[bikerbill]

hate to swim against the stream, but my 3-inch Kimber UCII doesn't "snap" significantly more than my 4-inch Springer Loaded -- and it's more accurate to boot, at SD distances ... I carry the Kimber when it's cool enough to cover with a shirt or jacket, and at 25 oz unloaded (no, I don't carry it that way!) I hardly know it's there ... I'm not a big guy and carrying a 4-or-5 inch 1911 is just too much discomfort, especially when the UCII shoots to POA at 7-15 yards and has NEVER had a failure of any kind in more than a year of use ... I love it ...