Rifleman Review: Taurus 1911 Commander

by
posted on August 18, 2021

Watch this American Rifleman Television segment of Rifleman Review from 2019 to learn more about the Taurus 1911 Commander.

The 1911 handgun market has long been filled with a wide range of variants and values, which has only grown in recent years. Taurus is one of those many manufacturers that offers its own take on the classic handgun design, with its offerings being both affordable and fairly faithful to the original lines. For those 1911 enthusiasts that like the traditional features of the design but want a slightly shorter profile, Taurus offers just that with its 1911 Commander model.

The Taurus 1911 Commander as seen from the left side.

The Taurus 1911 Commander has a shorter overall length than the standard government model 1911s at 7.9", due to the inclusion of a shortened slide and 4.2" barrel. Despite the shorter slide length, the frame is the standard size and accepts full-size grip panels. Both the slide and frame are made from carbon steel, keeping the overall weight up at 38 ozs. Chambered for .45 ACP, the Taurus 1911 Commander comes with 8-round magazines and can accept other standard size 1911 magazines as well as a result of the full-size frame.   

A closer look at the machined serrations on the front strap and grips of the Taurus 1911 Commander.

The metal components of the Taurus 1911 Commander have a matte-black finish, along with a set of black polymer grips. While mostly following the traditional design of the 1911, the Taurus 1911 Commander does have a few modern improvements worked in. Extra serrations are added to the front strap of the frame as well as the back of the mainspring housing to provide increased grip. The beavertail, magazine release and safety controls are also enlarged. It also comes with Novak front and rear sights, with both dovetailed into the slide and adjustable for drift.

Firing the Taurus 1911 Commander on the range.

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Ballard a No. 2 Sporting Rifle
Ballard a No. 2 Sporting Rifle

Rifleman Q&A: Marlin’s Mixed Markings

I have this old gun I want to shoot, but I’m not certain exactly what I have, and the gun appears to pre-date any description in the Blue Book Of Gun Values. The gun measures 43" overall, has a 26 9⁄16" barrel and its markings are as follows:

New For 2024: Diamondback Self-Defense Revolver (SDR)

Diamondback Firearms' handguns were previously of a polymer-frame, semi-automatic design, but with the release of its Self-Defense Revolver in 2024, the company is taking a new tack.

Preview: The Headrest Safe Co. Slide Bundle

For the armed citizen seeking to discreetly secure a defensive handgun in a vehicle, the Slide Bundle from The Headrest Safe Co. provides the ideal solution.

Gun Of The Week: Davidson’s Exclusive Rossi R92

Follow American Rifleman staff to the range in this week's video and learn about a Davidson's Exclusive variant of Rossi USA's R92 lever-action rifle.

New For 2024: Taylor's & Company TC73 Rifle

It has been more than 100 years since the Winchester Model 1873 was last made in America, but Taylor's & Company is bringing back an American-made Model 1873 with its TC73 rifle.

The Armed Citizen® May 17, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.