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

Colt Enhanced Patrol Rifle Ii Pro Review 1
Colt Enhanced Patrol Rifle Ii Pro Review 1

Review: Colt Enhanced Patrol Rifle II Pro

For many AR-15 enthusiasts, the Colt 6920 remains the benchmark for a solidly built rifle. The company's new Enhanced Patrol Rifle II Pro builds on that legacy with a number of welcome updates.

Winchester Ammunition: More Than Just Ammo

Winchester Ammunition has proven its commitment to the community through several initiatives that show the company is dedicated to making more than just ammunition.

CSG Trading Debut "Largest Defense IPO Ever Recorded"

Czechoslovak Group (CSG), which owns Federal, CCI, Hevi-Shot, Remington Ammunition, Speer and Fiocchi, went public on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange in January.

Rifleman Review: Taurus 850 Revolver

One of Taurus' latest offerings is the 850, which builds on the company's earlier 650 design, providing the same shrouded-hammer design in a .38 Special-only chambering.

The 110 RF: Savage's Flagship Rifle Goes Rimfire

The Savage Arms 110 action has been a hallmark within the rifle world since 1958. Now, for the first time, the full-size 110 action is available in a rimfire chambering.

Thanking the Old Dominion University ROTC Cadets Who Stopped a Terrorist Attack

On the morning of March 12, 2026, a routine Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps leadership lab at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., turned into a fight-or-flight situation.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.