NRA Gun of the Week: Taurus 1911 Commander Pistol

by
posted on December 15, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Slightly shorter in length than the traditional, full-size M1911 of Browning’s design, Taurus Int’l Mfg. Inc. offers its take on the Commander-sized Model 1911 pistol. Slightly larger than the Officer Model, this rendition from Taurus features a steel frame that houses an eight-round detachable box magazine. The frame is topped with a steel slide, shortened 3/4” to qualify it as a Commander, that contains the 4.25” barrel chambered for .45 ACP. An extended beavertail grip-safety with memory bump was added along with three-dot, drift-adjustable Novak sights. To learn more about this Commander-size pistol from Taurus, check out what Mark Keefe has to say in this NRA Gun of the Week video.  

Specifications:
Model: 1911 Commander
Manufacturer: Taurus Int’l. MFG, Inc. USA
Chambering: .45 ACP
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic center-fire pistol
Barrel: 4.25”
Frame: carbon steel
Slide: carbon steel
Finish: matte black
Sights: Novak drift-adjustable front and rear
Trigger: single-action, 7-lb., 15-oz. pull
Magazine: eight-round detachable box
Weight: 38 ozs.
MSRP: $609

Additional Reading:
Video—ARTV Rifleman Review: Taurus Judge Revolver
Editors’ Picks 2018: Taurus 1911 Officer Pistol
NRA Gun of the Week: Taurus 709 S 9 mm Luger Pistol
Today's Mighty Mega Handguns












Latest

firing a musket rifle
firing a musket rifle

Today’s Makers of Yesterday’s Firearms

Original firearms from the American Revolution era are valuable and best preserved for posterity. For those who want to shoot them, several modern makers offer quality reproductions.

Left Turn (Bolt): Tikka's New Left-Handed T3x Ace Rifles

Lefties of the world unite and rejoice, as Tikka has announced left-hand versions of its award-winning T3x Ace chassis rifles.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 14, 2026

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

Skills Check: Rifle Standard Delta 2

Carbine performance is all about maintaining control. The Rifle Standard Delta 2 is a drill that pressures recoil control, visual discipline and cadence as distance decreases and time compresses.

Gun Sales Up for the 7th Month in a Row in 2026

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) estimate of last month’s gun sales was up 2.2 percent compared to August 2025.

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.