4 1/4in barrel faster/easier to shoot than 5in?

Handguns » 1911 Discussions

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 4 1/4in barrel faster/easier to shoot than 5in?

Posted: 11/5/2009 3:19:02 AM EDT

Heard this claim from several folks. Have you ever had that impression? For the sake of discussion, this is .45 1911. thanks.

Posted: 11/5/2009 4:01:15 AM EDT

[#1]

It would be lighter, so hence faster, as far as easier, not sure how it would matter. Longer heavier barrel would allow quicker follow up shots (less recoil) easier to stay on target. So, IMO, a 5" would be easier to shoot. I had a lightweight champion that was horrible to get doubletaps, it was too light and recoil would bring it way off target.

Posted: 11/5/2009 4:28:41 AM EDT

[#2]

Apples to apples, all steel. 5in is THEORETICALLY faster. That's why the claim of the shorter setup being faster, at least for some people, is surprising to me.

Posted: 11/5/2009 4:33:29 AM EDT

[#3]

When manipulated properly, the Lightweight Commander will allow one to make quick, accurate double-taps. I love the balance.

Posted: 11/5/2009 5:23:36 AM EDT

[#4]

I'm faster with a full size, all steel.

Posted: 11/5/2009 5:30:40 AM EDT

[#5]

I have a few of each but my Commmanders are LW. The full size steel version is faster for me due to less muzzle movement during recoil. However, I would say it could be overcome if I was more skilled. If they were both steel, I doubt there would be much difference.

If you move to an Officer vs Gov't, there is no doubt I am much faster on follow-up shots with the gov't.

Posted: 11/5/2009 7:14:13 AM EDT

[#6]

Look at USPSA and what the LTD guys use.

5 inch or 6 inch slides. If 4.5 or 4.25 was faster everyone would use that.

Posted: 11/5/2009 7:49:56 AM EDT

[#7]

To each their own. I carry mines full-size and could give a shit about its weight. Hell i would not mind if it was heavier. As for the draw I could not say. It takes fractions of a second to clear the holster for both. Since I have never timed myself that question is up in the air.

Posted: 11/5/2009 8:17:08 AM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
Look at USPSA and what the LTD guys use.

5 inch or 6 inch slides. If 4.5 or 4.25 was faster everyone would use that.

This makes a lot of sense; that's why I was surprised to hear otherwise from an experienced source.

I own/carry a 5in.

Posted: 11/5/2009 8:24:45 AM EDT

[#9]

A LW Commander is quicker out of the holster and on target, but sucks for follow-up shots.

Posted: 11/5/2009 9:01:55 AM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
A LW Commander is quicker out of the holster and on target, but sucks for follow-up shots.

+1, couldn't have said it better.

Posted: 11/5/2009 9:12:45 AM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
A LW Commander is quicker out of the holster and on target, but sucks for follow-up shots.

Here's your answer right here. ^^^^^^ shorter the barrel the greater the muzzle rise has been my experience.

Posted: 11/5/2009 9:30:54 AM EDT

[#12]

Have been running an Officers stainless for 3-gun, IPSC ect. using 4.7gns Titegroup with 230gn ball. Inside 10yds there is no difference and is faster to handle for me when shooting while moving around cover. I do have to keep a pretty tite grip though to control followups.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 4 1/4in barrel faster/easier to shoot than 5in?

Handguns » 1911 Discussions

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