What is Commander-size?

[Hawkmoon]

When I looked at an RIA Commander-size pistol in a gun shop on Saturday, the clerk obliged me by measuring the barrel and he said it measured 4". I didn't get a good look at the tape, but it appeared that he was measuring the right places. However, just looked at last month's FAC of America catalog, in which they offered SAM pistols (not in the most recent catalog for some reason), and they list the Commander size as having a 4-1/4" barrel.

Does anyone know for sure which is correct? Or do they offer 4" barrels under one name and 4-1/4" under another name?

[wichaka]

A true Commander, which is a Colt made pistola........is 4 1/4

[Big Sky Rancher]

A true Commander, which is a Colt made pistola........is 4 1/4


Correctomundo. 4 1/4" barrel a correspondingly shorter slide on a full size frame.

Although it isn't technically correct, Springfield and Kimber make 4" barreled models with full length grip frames that often get lumped together under the term "Commander" size. Kimber calls this size "Pro" while Springfield calls theirs "Champion".

[geneh]

Armscor, which makes rock island, charles daly, make their commander with a 4 inch barrel. Shooters Arms Manfacturing, SAM, make a commander with a 4 1/4 inch barrel. SAM and Armscor are two different companies.

[Hawkmoon]

Armscor, which makes rock island, charles daly, make their commander with a 4 inch barrel. Shooters Arms Manfacturing, SAM, make a commander with a 4 1/4 inch barrel. SAM and Armscor are two different companies.
Ah, so ...

Thanks, that's the answer I was looking for. I know that a true Commander size has a 4-1/4" barrel, and since I can't afford a genuine Colt Commander I'm looking for one of the lower price brands, but finding that most have 4" barrels.

So the next question is ... where can I lay my grubby hands on a SAM if FAC America no longer carries them? I had never even heard of the company until I saw the FAC catalog.

[geneh]

I bought mine from a gun auction, either gunbroker or auctionarms. The newer SAMs that I have seen are much better than the old ones.