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Thread: Officer vs. Commander

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  1. #1
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    Officer vs. Commander

    Can someone please detail the specific differences between Officer and Commander 1911 styles. I know the barrel lengths are different, but I've read the frame sizes are different as well?

    Thanks,

    Matt

  2. #2
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    The Commander has a reduced-length barrel (4.25 inches usually) on a full-size frame, so you have your standard 7+1 capacity in the magazine. An Officer model has usually a 4-inch barrel, but with a shortened stock/grip, and therefore smaller magazines, with a 6+1 load.
    "I calculated the odds of this succeeding versus the odds I was doing something incredibly stupid, and ... I went ahead anyway." - Crow T. Robot
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    Last edited by Tom; 16th September 2007 at 22:35.


  3. #3
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    Thanks, that clears it up a bit I think.

    That makes my Ultra CDP an Officer slide on a Commander frame.

    matt

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tom
    The Commander has a reduced-length barrel (4.25 inches usually) on a full-size frame, so you have your standard 7+1 capacity in the magazine. An Officer model has usually a 4-inch barrel, but with a shortened stock/grip, and therefore smaller magazines, with a 6+1 load.
    Correction:

    Springfield's "Champion" has a 4" barrel and is usually classed with Commander-size pistols rather than with Officers. A Colt Officers ACP has a 3-1/2" barrel.
    Hawkmoon
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  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by ethernectar
    That makes my Ultra CDP an Officer slide on a Commander frame.
    Ish.

    The terms "Commander" and "Officers" are specific to Colt. Other makers have pistols that are similar in lengths and configurations as Colt's Commander and Officers models - but they are not Commanders or Officers. Those must wear the pony on the sides.
    "I calculated the odds of this succeeding versus the odds I was doing something incredibly stupid, and ... I went ahead anyway." - Crow T. Robot
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  6. #6
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    I'm assuming your Ultra CDP from Kimber has a 3-inch barrel? Even the Officers model didn't have a barrel that short. So you cannot properly say your CDP is "an Officer slide on a Commander frame".
    "I calculated the odds of this succeeding versus the odds I was doing something incredibly stupid, and ... I went ahead anyway." - Crow T. Robot
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  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hawkmoon
    A Colt Officers ACP has a 3-1/2" barrel.
    I do stand (sit) corrected.
    "I calculated the odds of this succeeding versus the odds I was doing something incredibly stupid, and ... I went ahead anyway." - Crow T. Robot
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  8. #8
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    Ok, I understand the Colt issue, but almost all of the 1911 manufacturer's I've looked at recently refer to their compact or ultracompact as Commander and Officer styles...

    But if Colt has "Commander" and "Officer" terms trademarked/patented, they've not done a good job of protecting their intellectual property.

    Not looking to split hairs, just get a better idea about the terms...
    Last edited by ethernectar; 16th September 2007 at 22:48.


  9. #9
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    Also, the Kimber Ultra series guns (including the CDP, the Eclipse and a couple of other "Ultra" models) all have an "Officer" size grip frame rather than a "Commander" size. The magazines for an Ultra are officer size or 6 or 7 rounds, rather than full size magazines that hold 7 or 8 rounds.

    DVC
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  10. #10
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    But if Colt has "Commander" and "Officer" terms trademarked/patented, they've not done a good job of protecting their intellectual property.
    Have you seen any other makers pistol rollmarked as such?
    "The pistol, learn it well, carry it always ..." - Jeff Cooper

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