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

001 NAAMBB Cover 01
001 NAAMBB Cover 01

Truly American Apparel: NAA's Magnum Mini Belt Buckles

In 2026, folks are celebrating all things American. And is there anything more American than a gun belt buckle?

CVA Recalls All Paramount Muzzleloading Rifles

CVA has issued a safety recall notice for all CVA Paramount muzzleloading rifles, including Paramount, Paramount HTR, Paramount Pro, and Paramount Pro V2. The bulletin pertains to all production years of these models.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt Detective Special

One of the iconic revolvers of the early 20th century is Colt's compact Detective Special, which became popular on the commercial market and was featured widely in film noir from the 1930s until the 1950s. But the road to the Detective Special wasn't the typical route for a new firearm.

The Real Deal: Mauser's M98 Das Original

In a world of modularity and strict cost-cutting, fine wood and machined steel firearms like the Mauser 98 are disappearing. The Mauser company is making sure the design lives on with the M98 Das Original.

’Merica! | America 250th Products from the Firearm Industry

From guns to knives to storage and beyond, show how your heart beats true for the red, white and blue as we celebrate 250 years of independence, liberty and patriotism with this assortment of commemorative products.

I Have This Old Gun: Witness to the Revolution

It is likely this Long Land Pattern Brown Bess was surrendered by British troops at Saratoga, then used to arm Americans in their fight for liberty before subsequently falling into private hands. Today, it remains as one of a scant few British muskets with a direct tie to the events of the American Revolution.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.