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Thread: Which Commander to buy?

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  1. #1
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    Which Commander to buy?

    Hi Everyone,

    I understand that the 9mm runs more reliably in the Commander sized pistols than the Govt so I’m looking to pick up a 9mm Commander. I wanted the Dan Wesson Valkyrie Commander but it’s been discontinued and they are almost impossible to find. Can anyone recommend a good Commander? No bobtail and with a price point of $2,000 max.

    Thanks!
    Chris
    Last edited by Mifune326; 19th February 2020 at 21:00. Reason: More detail


  2. #2
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    First off, I would question that 9mm runs more reliably in a Commander-length 1911. My 5" Para in 9mm is definitely unaware of it...

    To answer your question... what's the sort of gun you're looking for? Finish? Sights?

    There's a lot of gunz out there... Colt makes a few that are well within your budget, some that are closer to its top end. Ruger also comes to mind. DW makes a couple of 4-1/4" pistols without a bobtail but they both have railed frames, if that matters.
    Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.
    M. Setter
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    MuyModesto (23rd February 2020), Ric4509 (20th February 2020)


  3. #3
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    I spoke to Chuck Larsen and the Rock River Arms team at SHOT. They showed a 1911 9mm Commander using a ramped barrel, a Kart I believe. Great gun, meets your pricing at under $2k. All steel, black coating, Heinie sights with tritium inserts from what I remember. Might not be on the website, it's part of their Carry Pistol line, will probably have to call.

    Never heard about operational differences between a gov't and commander slide/barrel length when chambered in 9mm. I have a gov't length 9mm that is exceptional and I'm working on a new one from RRA that will be a commander length.

    I also like the Dan Wesson line but they've changed a few things for this year and reduced the steel frame offerings. I'm not an aluminum frame fan.

    Jim

  4. #4
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    That's great to hear Fellas, because I actually prefer the Govt sized pistols. I've owned many 1911s in .45acp over the last 25 years. Just venturing into the 9mms now.

    Thank you Jim, I'll definitely check out the Rock River. Taking a close look at the Dan Wesson Specialist as well.

    Thank you for your help!

    Chris

  5. #5
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    I think maybe the 9mm and Commander thing has to do with the fact Colt developed the Commander for the Army tests for a new pistol back in the late 40s. The pistol which had to shoot 9mm NATO ammo had to fit in a certain size box. Thus the reason for the 4.25 inch barrel/slide. There was a weight requirement and that resulted in the Aluminum alloy frame and cut outs in the steel slide. The tests were canceled and also gave us the S&W 39 and everything that grew out of that. Colt went commercial with the Commander in late 49 but 50 was the first year of real production. And of course Colt chambered them in 45ACP and 38 Super in addition to 9mm for the commercial market.

    The only 9mm Commander I have is a rather new Colt made in 2015. Colts do not have ramped barrels and the 9mm Colts may have a "pencil" barrel. Below my 2015 XSE LW Commander in 9mm compared to my 2009 XSE LW Commander in 38 Super.




    The Commander shoots great by the way as do my 5 inch all steel 1911 pistols from SA (Range Officer) and Colt (GCNM). My Colt GCNM in 9mm made in 2017 does not have the pencil barrel by the way. The 5 inch all steel 1911s in 9mm are soft shooters by the way. One step up from a 22 conversion unit.
    NRA Life Member
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    Spyros (23rd February 2020)


  6. #6
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    Excellent info! Thanks Dakota. I’ve owned many Govt-sized .45ACP pistols over the years, but never a Commander or a 9mm. Which shoots flatter for you, the Govt or the Commander? I hear some claim the Commander has less muzzle flip due to less reciprocating mass of the smaller slide. I want a 9mm. It could possibly see some use in concealed carry. I have a large enough frame to conceal a Govt as my current EDC is a Beretta M9a1. I’m looking at the steel framed Dan Wesson full size Valor in 9mm vs the Valor Commander in 9mm. Weight is not an issue for me. I want a reliable pistol that shoots soft. Help me make the smart choice fellas!

    Chris

  7. #7
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    If I had to start selling off pistols tomorrow (not that I have all that many), the last one to go would be my Colt 9mm Commander.
    Hawkmoon
    On a good day, can hit the broad side of a barn ... from the inside

  8. #8
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    A friend has a Valor 5" in 9mm, it's a very nice gun. But DW may have discontinued that configuration, best to check.
    Jim

  9. #9
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    What is it about that Commander that you love so much Hawkmoon?

    I actually have a line on a 5” Valor and Valor Commander Jim.

  10. #10
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    In general, I have found that (for me) the Commander balances better and points more naturally in my hands. As for the 9mm Commander -- it's simply the sweetest-shooting 1911 I have ever fired ... and I started shooting 1911s when I was on my battalion's competition shooting team in 1967.
    Hawkmoon
    On a good day, can hit the broad side of a barn ... from the inside

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