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1911 Slide Change Question

meunke
Hi,

I have been thinking of getting a 1911 for a while now. I would like to get one in a G.I. configuration just because I like the simple, classical lines. I would also like perhaps have a 1911 that I can carry.

But here's the catch: I don't want to have to buy two pistols.

I know people manage to carry the full sized, 5 inch barrel 1911A1, but if I carry the weapon, I would prefer to perhaps have the commander slide, which I believe is about an inch shorter.

The question is, can I get a full sized 1911A1 in GI configuration, and then buy a commander slide assembly/barrel etc and swap them out when I need to?

Thanks!

Happiness is giving a paintball double-tap to your opponent's center of mass before he even realizes you're there.
Ahhhh... the glory of a successful ambush!
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • agman1999
    Generally speaking, you should be able to interchange a commander slide assembly with a full size slide. However, you will need to make sure that everything is fitted properly with both slides to make sure you've got a reliable tool. If you shot with both slides quite a bit, you might run into some wear issues, since the frame will probably wear a little differently with both slides. My guess is that this won't be too much of an issue if you're not working with a pistol that has been hand-fitted to really tight tolerances.

    With that said, you might not save a whole lot of money after you buy a second slide. There are some really reasonably priced 1911s out there, so you might be money and time ahead to just buy an affordable pistol in each size.
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  • nmyers
    I've carried both sizes, & other than that 1", there's not much difference between them. They are both big & heavy. A commander with aluminum frame is worth considering for a carry gun, but it is still bulky.

    The high cost of parts today makes buying an extra top too expensive to be practical. If I could only have 1 gun, I'd pick the full size. JMHO.

    Neal
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  • meunke
    Thanks for the help so far.

    Right now, I carry a Bulgarian Makarov with Barnaul HPs. Works well in a Falco IWB and the SmartCarry that I use. The Mak, being solid steel, is a little heavy but I'm used to it. It has NEVER malfunctioned on me in any way, shape or form. However, I would like to carry a more powerful round.

    I was also thinking about the EAA Witness line, but those are pretty thick frames, and I just like the classy look of a 1911 more anyway.

    Happiness is giving a paintball double-tap to your opponent's center of mass before he even realizes you're there.
    Ahhhh... the glory of a successful ambush!
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  • perry shooter
    HELLO although both slides are on a 1911 type frame the commander frame has a shorter dust cover. I dont think you will like the look of a commander slide on a GOV. frame . As far as wear this willnot be a problem as any wear will make the slide to frame fit looser not tighter. quote:"PRAISE THE HARDBALL GUN"
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  • JudgeColt
    The difference in barrel length between a standard Colt Government Model and a Commander is .75-inch, not 1 inch. The difference in concealment capability is almost nonexistant. It is the butt that affects concealment more, not the barrel/slide length.

    Putting a Government Model slide on a Commander will leave a gap between the recoil spring housing and the dust cover. Putting a Commander slide on a Government Model will have an odd appearance but no gap.

    Either carry the Government Model, or buy two guns, and make the second one a true concealment gun, like the Colt Defender or one of the other brands of small M1911 clones.
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  • db45acp
    You can put an Officer's Slide, A Defender Slide and a Commander Slide all on a Government Model frame.
    We do it all the time for customers.
    As far as the "Odd" look, that is entirely subjective, because the functionality and reliablity is preserved if done correctly.

    The main issue is is the slide to frame fit.
    Springs in factory weights are recommended for factory loads, lighter weights for lighter reloaded ammo.

    As far as the Defender or the Officer's model, we recommend the factory springs ONLY for reliability along with factory 230 grain ball ammo or Winchester SXT, Ranger or equal.

    I have 3 slide set which I shoot in IDPA with the Gov't slide on the regular match days and either the Commander or Officer's slide on Compact Match days.

    Again, it will definitely work, but it has to be done carefully and correctly. You can have 3 guns in one, even 4 guns if you go the other way with a 6" longslide. The versatile 1911 is hard to beat. Period.

    db
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  • welder1947
    I have built several "tank officers" personal carry conversion's, In that case I cut down the dust cover, In your case leave the frame full.
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