This may trouble the purists but i'm feeling the acquisition itch and a commander 1911 has long been near the top of my bucket list. My logic tells me 9mm is the way to go, would prevent adding another caliber to stock, and add a few rounds to the mag also. I am beginning to look at options and 2 that interest me are the Springfield range officer elite and the ruger lightweight. bother these guns are close in price, the aluminum frame of the ruger helps a little with weight, right now am leaning slightly towards the springfield... Do any of you have any experience with either or both that you would share with me?
I've never fired a Ruger 1911, but used to have a Springfield RO Elite in .45. They are very smooth and accurate shooters.
No experience with the Commander size. I have the original full sized SR-1911 in .45 & like it a lot. Is there anywhere you could rent both. In all honesty the last time I was looking at Commander sized 1911's the Dan Wesson Vigil had caught my eye. It was selling for about $1000 then but since the insanity who knows how high they have went. Of course I didn't buy it. I tend to look a lot more than I buy.
I had a Star BKM-- a Colt Commander style m1911 type pistol in 9 mm, with an aluminum alloy frame. I liked it, and I think I would've liked a higher quality version by Colt, Kimber, STI, etc. even better. Good luck with your search, Chuck.