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ok guys. here might be the "ultimate" question.

well, im already on one of the smiths waiting list off this forum. im trying to decide between a commander or govt.

well, this gun will be a carry piece. so believe me. its been through my mind just about every day whats gonna be on/off it! lol.

well, correct me please if im wrong. but the commanders are 4.25" vs. 5" govt.?

and the frame is " the same" dimensially? ( i know their is some differance but cant remember it right now..)

i guess what im wondering is how much of a differance in weight ect. their is between a steel govt, and steel commander?

and to make it really noticeable you have to go with a lw commander...

thanks for any help.

For me, the 4.25" Commander is the ticket for carry. Weight difference is minimal if we are talking steel frames, but for me, the Commander carries w/ much more comfort IWB.

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Regards - GCF

"Sometimes you make eight - Sometimes you hit dirt"

C.Rod
What you might consider doing is finding a gun store/shooting range in your area that rents guns and shoot the various models in which you think you might have an interest. Running both fmj and personal defense ammo through each will help you better understand how each gun behaves in your hands and how you handle recoil differences between a 5 inch govt. model, Commander model, and lightweight Commander. We all bring different levels of skill to shooting so selection is really a matter of finding a gun that fits your hand, whose recoil you can control, and then practicing to proficiency. Seeking out quality firearms instruction goes a long way towards enhancing your ability to properly control a firearm. I personally prefer a LW Commander for daily carry, but that is just me in my sixth decade of life, and may not be right for you. Good luck in your selection.

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Land of the free BECAUSE of the brave!

After carrying an alloy-framed Commander, two steel-framed Commanders, and several Government Models in IWB holsters and attending training classes with all of the aforementioned pistols, my choice is the Government Model. The five-inch guns are more reliable due to the longer slide travel, easier to shoot due to the increased weight, and more accurate due to the longer sight radius. For IWB carry, I see no advantage to the shorter slide since it is hidden inside the pants, and the Bobtail frame is just as concealable as the Officer's ACP frame. I also do not find the Government Model to be uncomfortable to carry as long as I use a good holster AND a good belt.

To me, the shorter pistols make more sense for specialized usage, such as shoulder holster or ankle carry.

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Scott

I carry a 1954 LW Colt Commander loaded with 1954 GI ball ammo. I also have a SS Curtis E LeMay 45 Commander that I carry once in a while. I carry my Norinco from time to time, and my newer LW GI 5" with a ramped barrel that is almost as good as the LW Commander. It comes very close to the Colt, But the Colt with the Horsie on it remains my favorite. I almost never carry any of the Three EAGLES. I, II, and III, because I like them too much to lose them after a gunfight. The SAC Commander is line for a Kart EZ fit barrel simply because I am curious to see if it will shoot better that it does now with the 1954 Colt Barrel that is in it.

I think if you are young and big, you can carry a Desert Eagle if you wish.

I Like the LW 1911's the best.

oh yeah, i forgot to add. it will be for iwb carry.

right now i currently (dont get to mad at me)
carry a glock 19 iwb. when its reall hot i carry a kahr p9. (really thin pistol)
and the jframe ect.

today i compared my glock 19, loaded with 16rd. vs. a govt model with 9rd loaded.

the govt. was heavier. not by a lot but it was.

i shoot a lot, not as much as i like. but today for instance i shot p.p.c. match. i also attend idpa,uspsa matches at my club.

since im a larger framed guy. 6'3" i can support pistols pretty easy. ill probably end up going with my gut instinct and getting a 5".....

Good advice above - and all the way around. A person's carry piece truly is a personal thing. Opinions vary based different criteria.

Really, any 1911 is a relativly easy carry w/ a quality belt & holster. For me, the LWT Commander is tits, but recoil is ..... snappy, w/ certain loads. Not for everyone, I know.

My XSE LWT Commander:

_________________
Regards - GCF

"Sometimes you make eight - Sometimes you hit dirt"

Have you considered a Government model with an aluminum frame?

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Aubrey<><

Do not foget about the bobtail option.

5" LW Carry gun.

i havent had enough use of a bobtail to prove its worth. with me and my body size i usually dont have problems hiding a gun.

I'm 5'9" tall and weigh about 170. Using a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 (IWB) I have no trouble concealing a 5" 1911 comfortably.

i vote for the lightweight commander as the ultimate carry gun. the combat commander does have an excellent balance but as the day wears on every ounce counts.