Colt Lightweight Commander

**Shawn.L** · August 11th, 2008, 05:18 PM

Also on my short list for CC 1911

I know the grip is full size on this (If i am wrong I am sure i will get corrected shortly) so thats no prob.

4.25 barrel is just right for carry size

My main Q is how light does it feel really and how does that effect muzzle rise and recoil control?

If you own one, how are your follow up shots?

I like the idea of light weight for carry but If it effect shootability too much its not that big of a concern.

any other comments or personal experiances greatly appreciated.

**Atomic Dog** · August 11th, 2008, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by Shawn.L

any other comments or personal experiances greatly appreciated.

You change your mind a lot.

(carry on)

**Shawn.L** · August 11th, 2008, 05:33 PM

I have a very short list now.
I was stuck on one thing, and then I thought some more and reprioitized.

dont worry, whatever I get, you can shoot it

**BUCKMARK** · August 11th, 2008, 05:39 PM

Not much different than a 5" gubbermint model.

To carry one feels about the same. My friend has a Kimber alloy frame 5" that has about the same weight as my XSE Commander LW.

They also shoot about the same. Not enuff of a difference to write about. Less weight = a little more recoil....but not much.

For me the biggest carry concern is the grip, not the slide. The Bobtail Commanders and the Commander models with Officer size frames ( Colt CCO) always carried best for me.

If you like the Commander LW then buy one. Maybe bobtail it later if you want to. Also keep in mind a few companies make a LW full size, and some make the Commander / Officer hybrid I mentioned. Kimber comes to mind on both models.

**TonyF** · August 11th, 2008, 06:55 PM

A LW commander is about 27 ounces. IIRC a glock 21 is about 27 ounces. Recoil shouldn't be an issue but the increased impulse is noticeable.

The biggest issue with aluminum framed 1911's is that being made of aluminum, the "feed ramp" (which is actually the frame) is subjected to "hammering" from both the cartridges and magazines with metal followers.

This isn't a show stopper but use magazines with plastic followers and after an adequate break in and "carry ammo / reliability proving", carry it allot but shoot it very little.

**gf45acp** · August 11th, 2008, 08:08 PM

Shawn, take this with a grain of salt because this is old info from my memory. In 1979 I bought a Colt series 70 MK IV steel frame Combat Commander. I also looked at a lightweight Commander.
As I recall, back then, the lightweight frame was rated for a life expectancy of 5000 rounds. This was one of the main reasons I chose the steel frame.
I still have that Combat Commander, and I love it. I also have a 21 ounce Taurus PT745C. It is not a problem to control.
My other .45's include a Colt Governmet model, a S&W 645, and a Taurus 24/7. A proper grip and stance will handle any .45 load you can find.
I do not know about the current alloy frames from Colt, but that is the old line.

**BUCKMARK** · August 11th, 2008, 08:33 PM

Alloy frames will go much farther today if taken care of. Change recoil springs when needed!

The average alloy gun today will eat $6,000 - $10,000 worth of ammo before you have to worry about cracks.

Most 1911 owners I know bitch about $900 guns, let alone $6000 in ammo.

**phill** · August 11th, 2008, 11:49 PM

Our LWC .38 sup. feels a little snappy but is fun. In a field shooting situation I am sure that you would not feel it. My friends LWC .45 seems to feel about the same as our Gov. Model.