Rifleman Review: Taurus 1911 Commander

by
posted on August 18, 2021
** 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. **

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

Taurus TX 9 9 mm pistol
Taurus TX 9 9 mm pistol

New For 2026: Taurus TX9 Pistol

Taurus launches the TX9 family of striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols, adding to its popular TX series of handguns.

Heavy Browning At War: Combat Tales Of The Browning M1917 Machine Gun

For the first half of the 20th century, one of the most important firearms in the U.S. military arsenal was the water-cooled Browning M1917, known to gunners and infantrymen alike as the "Heavy Browning."

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Stealth Hunter

Smith & Wesson's Model 1854 Stealth Hunter is one of the latest additions to the company's line of modernized lever-action rifles.

VKTR Goes 2011: The Vanguard VKP Pro

Primarily known for its premium AR-15 rifles, VKTR Industries jumped into the 2011 handgun world in 2026 with its VKP Pro and Vanguard designs.

Rifleman Q&A: Cracking Marlin’s Code

Q: I have a Marlin Model 782 repeater, Serial No. 27392733, with a Micro-Groove barrel. I would like to understand how to narrow down its time of manufacture.

Review: Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber

Ruger recently released a variant of its popular 10/22 made with modern materials and incorporating performance-minded engineering: the 10/22 Carbon Fiber.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.