I've been carrying a 4 1/4 inch Commander sized 1911 concealed for a few months now and, as much as I like shooting it, I'm not seeing that much advantage of carrying it concealed compared to a 5 inch 1911. Seems 3/4 of an inch is not really making that much difference and I'm not seeing a disadvantage in carrying a full size 1911 especially with a jacket.

Of course, now that warmer weather is upon us which means lighter clothing, maybe that'll make a more obvious difference.

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- Change it back -

My Combat Commander fit in the back pocket much better than a 5". Never did function right so I got rid of it. I like the Shield .45 now, despite the horrible trigger.

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"Don't Give Up the Ship"

Hats off to you guys willing to carry a 1911. I love my Shield .45 but rarely carry it because it's bigger than I want to conceal. Can't imagine CCW with my Colt 1911.

39 ounces for a full size 1911, 33 ounces for a Commander and 29 ounces for a Lightweight Commander. Lots of difference right there.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

I carry a LW Commander in a Milt Sparks IWB, no problems. Depends on holster and ones body style.

I have been carrying a Commander for some time now....I shoot it better than anything else, and it is easy to cover with a fishing shirt or Hawaiian print (untucked of course).

I fell in love with the Bobtailed version of the Commander a few years back, they are like shooting a round butt S&W.

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On the Oak Savannah

Cocked, locked, and ready to rock is the only way to carry a 1911 pistol. Been carrying one since the 80's at one time or another. Started out with a Colt Officer Model, then toyed with Commander sized 1911 in Kimber and Sig. Eventually went back to a Colt Defender and staying there.

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SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS

Along with the proper holster you also need a stiff gun belt to aid in carrying a 1911 comfortably. I'm not a big semi-auto guy but when I do carry one I like my 5" 1911. 8+1 of 45 ACP is very convincing...

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

I carried a 1911 almost exclusively for about 25 or my 36+years in LE. I found the Commander length a bit easier to conceal in certain circumstances and for me when carrying inside the waistband, strong side in a Milt Sparks Summer Special because of body shape. Really not all that much difference. The flatness is a help also.

I CCW a Commander size Model 1911 .45acp when working private security. I feel the Commander balance is better than the fiull size Model 1911.

The advantage of the Commander is it’s lightweight, not so much it’s shorter slide, though the shorter slide does also save some weight.

That’s precisely why the Combat Commander never made a lick of sense to me. Likewise for the Officer’s ACP. If you’re not going to have the lightweight version, it’s just spinning your wheels.

For my purposes, the Commander is as close to perfect as it’s going to get, but I don’t care for IWB carry anymore, so nowadays I like the P365.

Well, that’s always been my opinion. I’m sure others will disagree, which is fine.

53 years and counting. US Army M1911A-1, Colt Government Model, Colt Commander (LW and steel), Springfield Armory, Kimber, full-size and compacts, .45, .38 Super, .22LR.

I have always gone back to the full-size 5" and .45 caliber. There is not much difference in bulk or weight. The pistol design is remarkably low in profile and relatively easy to conceal when necessary.

Past 20-plus years I have been using a Kimber Custom CDP full-size 5" .45 ACP loaded with just about all the bells and whistles that custom shops developed for combat use over the years. Alloy frame shaves a few ounces off the total package, but not so much that it is really noticeable in daily use. 3/4" overall length means very little in comfort or concealment. Maybe it's only me, but the longer sight radius of the full-size model is a plus for accurate shooting. The higher profile sights are a great improvement over the original 1911 design.

It could be nothing more than familiarity starting out in the Army, through a couple of tours in Vietnam, and just about always having a full-size .45 ready for use. I always know exactly what to expect, exactly what to do. I suppose that the pistol has simply become an extension of my hands, arms, and mind.

For what it may be worth, I have similar feelings about the K-frame Smith & Wesson revolvers. Not much in the way of improvement is possible, and over a century of demonstrated excellence.

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Life of the party until 8:00PM

Before my back crapped out I carried a Ruger LW Commander. Way lighter than my Gov't model. More accurate than i can hold.

I used to carry a Series 80 Government Model in a single-strap Milt Sparks Summer Special. It was VERY comfortable, even for long periods. I liked it so much that I tried a Series 80 Lightweight Commander a number of times, but even in the same holster it was not as comfortable as the Government Model; because it was shorter, the muzzle tried to dig into my buttock, whereas with the Government Model, the flat slide hit the same spot. I eventually went to an excellent Mitch Rosen OWB for the LW CDR, but the Gov't Model remained my favorite auto.

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Formerly Model520Fan

Have been carrying a 1911 daily since the mid-1970s... First a 1917 vintage 1911 and in 1980 Commanders in .38 Super...and rarely a day goes by that one is not carried.

Have found that the slightly shorter barrel, whether an aluminum or steel frame, just comes out of the holster faster, balances and points better. For long range shooting the the 5 and 6" guns are better but up close and personal give me a Commander.

Bob

If it's still a full-size frame, just with 1/2-3/4" less barrel, I couldn't see much difference either, in concealability or weight. I assume you're still talking about .45 Auto in either one.

My carry is an EMP4, which is a smaller frame as well as the shorter barrel. Mine is a .40S&W, so I'm not giving up a whole lot from the .45, actually has a better magazine capacity (9+1), and even with the extra ammo, is still lighter than the full-size 1911 with full mag and one in the pipe. It's also just slightly narrower than the full-size, but still fits a full-size holster without being loose. I use an open bottom OWB holster.

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I have carried 1911's for years. I started with a full size Govt. Model, After years went by I converted to a Commander. The difference was noticeable and favored the Commander. Eventually my EDC was a SIG Ultra Compact 3.3" barrel. The SIG was sweet for a man getting a bit long in the tooth. That suddenly became unreliable, so it promptly retired. That lead me to a series of J-Frames. EDC is now a 649, and I am enjoying the reduced bulk. I am not anticipating any street wars, so I feel quite comfy with a lil ole .38 Spl. Interesting how requirements and comfort compromises change over the decades. Many folks I know have started big and tightened up a lot over the years.

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NRA Endowment Member

I carry a lightweight Officers model, but am just about as happy with my alloy frame Commander. Both in . 45. I've always preferred the look and feel of the Commander size guns to the full size. Just a personal preference.

When I tried to CCW my full sized Colt 1911 40+ years ago, it lasted about a week. Not only was the weight a major issue but the size and bulk was just too much. Even if it were a lightweight version and an inch shorter I am not fond of totin' around such a large chunk of metal. That's when I gave up on trying to carry a 1911 and relegated 1911's to Range guns unless carried in a belt holster exposed which was not an option when I lived on Long Island. Today I am very happy with my Sig P365 at 17.8 oz's. and have no desire for anything larger or heavier - except maybe when in the woods. Then the 3" M65 357 magnum comes out of the safe.

4” vs. 5” doesn’t matter much, but all-steel vs. lightweight frame does.
I will not carry anything but the LW models.

depending on time of year what im wearing and where im going I carry a 1911 .45scp 4.25 inch DW Guardian, 4 inch 9mm Kimber 1911 or springfield helcat in 9mm. the DW gets carried about 60% of the time, with and equal split for the other two.

Moved away from Colt 1911s in the late 80s.... in favor of a W. German Sig 220 which was no problem to carry in a Milt Sparks Summer Special. Later I added the "compact" version a Sig 245.

Also in cooler weather I'm known to carry a Beretta 92 Compact or Type-M single stack.

All the above,except the 245, have a 4.2-4.25 inch slide; and all are alloy frame guns. At 5'8" 5 inch guns IWB tend to dig into the car seat or chair.

I have carried 1911's every day now for over 10 years. Until I got off my butt and customized my Colt New Agent early this year, it has been a commander size Wilson. Now, it is the New Agent Lightweight, coming in at 1 lb 8 oz vs the 2lb 1 oz Wilson. I carry IWB about 3 0'clock with a heavy belt.

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The right grips, holster and belt can make all the difference. I forget how many 1911's I own or had own--it is a lot. Feeling the nostalgia, go for the short barrel 1911 is my vote. Should you want modern and tactical, then go Glock of which I know you have interest. All good. Enjoy.

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Rather be outdoors

As with most concealed-carry on the belt, a GOOD belt and good holster will go a long way toward making whatever you want to carry doable.

For the last several years I’ve predominantly carried steel-framed five-inch 1911s in .45. My favorite holster is a style that another member mentioned, the Summer Special. Shown here is a version from Erik Little of Rafter-L Combat Leather fame, crafted under his revival of the Bruce Nelson Combat Leather line. My favorite OWB is a Milt Sparks Roadrunner, no longer officially cataloged but very much available to order. Both carry the 1911 high and canted forward. It works very well for me.

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Hope you don't mind the additional commentary. While owning or having owned numerous 1911 platforms; I personally always enjoyed and thought perfection to be the GI Issue. Naturally, there are alternative thoughts, but the results have always worked for me.

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Rather be outdoors

I have both the 4 1/4" & 5" models. For accuracy, I find not much difference in the 2 sizes. As stated before what is you intended use? Will it be for range or carry. Myself I find carrying a 5" is just as easy as the 4 1/4". But with a Bobtail, I find printing not an issue at all with only a t-shirt.

I also have several 1911's in 45acp. From 3" to 5". My preferred carry is a Para Ordnance 5" light weight. With 14+1 it weighs a little more than a steel framed 8 rd 45 acp 1911. I am 6'2" and carry iwb easily, down here where jackets {and more so heavy coats} are rarely needed. Did it take getting used to...yes but so does the initial carrying of your first edc. Not for everyone but it is doable.

Exactly. I bought an Ed Brown Kobra Carry two years ago, and I love the way it fits my hand. (The grips are from WoodCaliber.)

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Have got basically the same gun...Dan Wesson Guardian in .38 Super and had an extra 9mm barrel installed...it is about as perfect an out of the box carry gun as there is...

A LW Commander in a Milt Sparks IWB, does the trick for me.

While I can carry a full size 1911 without any issues, I am a bit thin in the rear end area. For me, a Commander sized gun is more comfortable and easier to carry. Especially when seated in a vehicle. 3/4" may not sound like much, but for me, its a lot.

I carry a Colt 1911 pretty exclusively: a Commander or Combatant Commander if I’m carrying IWB, a Government model if I’m carrying OWB.

I find that my presentation is much quicker from an IWB with a Commander than a Government model: the 3/4” difference in barrel length makes a noticeable difference! There is no difference in speed of presentation from OWB between the Commander and Government model for me.

The significant difference in weight between the Commander and either the Government model or Combat Commander makes the Commander the best choice for carrying concealed for me.

Till started wearing overalls, used to carry a light weight commander with 5 in barrel during heavy shirt months. Summer changes to 3 in alloy frame 1911. When carrying those 1911's and spare mag (s), am wearing suspenders under the cover shirt. And the suspenders are clipped to a heavy belt.

"I'm not seeing that much advantage of carrying it concealed compared to a 5 inch 1911. " Yup, it's called marketing.

For me ... when it comes to concealed carry ... it's not the length of the barrel that is hard to conceal ... 4" is about the same as 4.5" or 5 " ...
For me it's the 1911 butt that wants to poke out .
I like one that is a tad shorter in the grip .
For everything else ...full size 1911 all the way ... in 45 acp !
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

My Primary carry is either a Kimber Raptor Metaloyed, or a Safari Arms Matchmaster Metaloyed or a Colt Combat Elite all are the 5" versions. My BUG is usually either an Ultra Raptor Metaloyed, Safari Arms Black Widow Metaloyed, or a Colt Officers model, Metaloyed.

Holsters are generally:

PC----Miami Classic shoulder system OR Don Hume Leather IWB
BUG--Ankle holster or most usually ***.

Been carrying a 1911 concealed now since the very early 1980's and ain't had no issues, to this day, only the wife knows I carry, rest of my family have no idea.

Everyone is different. For myself, I found no real difference. The really huge issue is that the 5" platform tends to be more reliable. The shorter the slide assembly on a 1911 (not counting the EMP, which is scaled down in a broader sense), the more stuff has to be forced into the reduced cycle.

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NHI, 10-8.

A 4.25 inch is still " close enough " geometry to JMB to be plenty reliable , but that's the limit .

Answer # 1 & 1.5 -

The 0.75 inch can sometimes make a difference , with certain styles of OWB, when carried under a shirt tail .

* For Me * , who generally dislikes IWB , a 5 inch 1911 is rare exception . But I'm a fairly big guy , and also minor differences in body contour make bigger difference than general " size" . But it's not inconceivable for someone that a Commander might fit their butt cheek better .

Answer #2 - A Combat Commander has a different balance in the hand than a 1911 . The balance point is closer to the hand , and balances more akin to " modern " LE Service size pistols . So personal preference .

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As to size/ weight ? Modern market preferences favor small & very light . But historically , the concealed carry of full size duty type guns was common , and obviously possible . Obviously a good belt , and reasonably good holster are important , and a certain catagory of clothing . ( For me , that's already my regular non working wardrobe , but YMMV .

The flatness of 1911 does render advantages over say a 4in K Frame .

Beemerguy,


Is that a blued or Gen3 coated pistol? If Gen3 how is the coating holding up?
Thanks.