Im sure this has been discussed but i cant find it so if someone just wants to point me in the right direction i would understand.

Ive never owned a 1911 and shot very very of them. I found a deal on the R1 and will use the $75 rebate currently available so i only have the tough decision of choosing between the 4.25" commander or the 5" regular version. I may carry it occasionally/eventually but thats not my reason for purchasing. Im happy carrying my subcompact steel CZ rami 9mm for the time. I hope to get my hands on both of them soon to compare feel but would appreciate the opinions of those with experience. If im only going to own one 1911 should it be a full sized?

The only big difference ive found that would affect me would be the increased sight radius of the 5" but again there is much i dont know.  I'll reload my own ammo and i enjoy doing my own gun smithing and modifications if that is a factor. Is one easier to upgrade, customize, repair? Are most of the parts the same? What's different? Any drawback/advantage to different main spring strengths?

Thank you much for any info

Ben

If it was up to me, I would keep carrying the Rami, and get the government model.

almost got the carry commander

a few things I loved about it and a few I didn't

good gun if you can get it for $800 or so Like I almost did (shop around on gunbroker)


that .75" less that a commander has makes a huge difference to me when I sit down and try to remove my wallet when carrying IWB
I'm not a big dude at all so it makes a difference when sitting (work,car, etc)

$850 is what I'm looking at for NIB in either option. Is there another 1911 I should consider for $850 or less? I shoot a cz sp01 shadow in uspsa production and don't see myself shooting moving from that class for many years.

Is the series 80 firing pin block a deal breaker? Is converting to series 70 a good/bad idea?

What about an R1 enhanced for $625?

For 850 I would buy a range officer or a loaded from Springfield Armory.

I vote govt as the commander gives you no benefit while carrying since the grips are the same size.  Slide barrel length means very little when concealing but grip size does make a difference.

you can't find much else forged,  front strap checkering, and night sights in that price range (well maybe a sig 1911 minus the forged )

I searched and searched. I ended up getting a used springfield super tuned champion that was close to what I wanted. Save up a bit more and get a dan wesson?

I personally have 4 1911's, 2 Kimbers, a Smith & Wesson, and a Remington R1. Out of the 4 the 2 Kimbers are both Pro's meaning they have 4 inch barrels. Of the 4 the Remington is definitely my least favorite. As for 1911's under $850, if you look around you could get a Colt 1991 A1 for under $800, or a Para-USA for under $600. Both guns are solid guns in my opinion for their price; however, others may disagree. Another solid option would be a Rock Island Armory, they are a phenomenal value.

Magnum Research 1911 should be about that price range...