1911?s does that 3/4 of inch less really help with carry?

Paul7 said:

What I don't get is those who carry a commander to save space then put a big beavertail on it that extends the length .75".

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Well, that's expanding the length upwards, not down into your pants. So it's not really the same thing.

And beavertails have some pretty big benefits in terms of shooting if you have a high grip and fleshy hands. I can't shoot more than 3 rounds from a GI-safety 1911 before the blood starts to flow.

It makes a big difference for me when seated with IWB holsters.

Another vote for it making a difference. I too prefer the "balance" of the commander length pistols. I carry a bobtailed Ruger CMD. When worn OWB the holster shows below my t shirt a little bit. When carrier IWB the end of the barrel is right about at the top of my back pocket, a 5" pistol is pretty long in your pants.

In my experience, those who say it doesn't make a difference....are usually the same people who haven't actually carried a Commander-sized 1911.

That 3/4" most certainly does make a difference.

Creature said:

In my experience, those who say it doesn't make a difference....are usually the same people who haven't actually carried a Commander-sized 1911.

That 3/4" most certainly does make a difference.

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Carried one. 4 years. Didn't make a difference.

I've also been carrying a railed Colt lately and I've found that the rail doesn't make much difference in carrying it, other than holster selection.

The Commander was introduced by Colt in 1948 or so after the U.S. military discussed dropping the 1911 and going to a lighter gun in 9mm. So Colt came up with the 4 1/4" barrel and and an alloy frame. This meant an overall lighter gun.

Colt introduced the gun in 45acp, 38 Super, 9mm and 30 Luger. It was most popular in 45 and 38 Super.

Even when Colt introduced the gun in a steel frame version the Commander length guns remained popular. The balance is different and they are a bit lighter. As others have said they do carry a bit easier.

Alright guys so I am looking at getting a 1911 and I have always wanted a commander I am looking at Remington's products now that they have the r1 and the newly introduced r1 commander not the carry commander I am trying to decide which to get so I am asking does the commander length slide make a Big difference in carry that is part of what I want it for so I ask you guys what do you think

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If you've always wanted a Commander get that. I suggest you get a steel framed gun. Don't get a bobtailed version, get a standard, imho one with an arched mainspring housing. Learn to shoot and handle a 1911 before deciding to carry one.

tipoc

I like the longer guns as they tend to function well, are easier to shoot fast and accurately, and sit down more securely in the holster.

I am 5'8" and see no advantage in the shorter gun. However in my state it isn't the end of the world if someone sees part of your gun or see a print. Who cares
if it is legal to carry both cocealed or open? Most people are completely unobservant any way.

The biggest issue with concealing a handgun is the grip frame. However, since everyone has a differently shaped body, some find a 5" gun uncomfortable IWB.

I have carried, and do carry both, though not usually at the same time. It is slightly easier to carry the Commander.
I will say the larger benefit, to me anyway, is in the speed of the draw & in the balance and handling of the pistol.

Commander length is more comfortable when seated, particularly in the car. Otherwise, they carry the same.

The grip isn't an issue for me... but my wife says the muzzle makes a little tent in the back of my shirt. That's with a horizontal shoulder holster, though.

A single-side holster is always going to rotate until the center of gravity of the gun is straight down from the center of your shoulder. Some X-strap setups can keep the holster pulled forward some, and belt straps help a bit.

Commander slide - Officer frame. Like the Sig RCS

I had a 4" Kimber that would pinch my butt if I sat down wrong. No problem with a 5" that I carry now.

I do not know if it helps with carry. When I bought my 1911 I picked up and held a Government size and a Commander size. I just thought the Commander size felt more balanced in my hand. To me, the extra weight up front made the longer slide feel front heavy. I bought the Commander length. The butt, or grip, would more than likely make a pistol more concealable.

During the late '70s I often conceal-carried my Colt Combat Commander .45 in a leather pancake holster @ ~4-5.

I found it to represent the max that I could comfortably carry with my frame (slightly less than 6' and a lean 160lb). I tried a friend's 1911 and it was just over the line for me, mostly when seated.

A holster that rode higher (and a heavier belt) would probably have solved that issue for me, though.

Commander is better, for all the reasons listed, especially sitting in a booth or wooden chair in a restaurant or someone's home. It gets annoying if your gun keeps hitting the base of the chair your on. Also sticks out more if you carry OWB with a shirt over the gun.

Kimber bit me in the ass a few years ago, too!

It's all in the belt and holster. With the right setup a full size 1911 carries just as well as a Commander. I drove a limo for a few years before retirement and the best way I found to carry sitting in a vehicle was with a crossdraw rig on a separate belt above my trouser belt. More comfortable and much easier to get to but does require a jacket to conceal sometimes.