I’ve heard that Colt designed the Commander around the 9x19mm round to compensate for the lighter slide, is that true?
I have never heard that to be the case. The same applies for .38 Super. Magazines and feed ramp geometry are big issues for 9 mm 1911s.
I’ve never heard such a thing.
I remember hearing Jason Burton or somebody say that. Not to put words in his mouth or anything.
No.
http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/history/Commander_evolution.htm
Shortly after the Second World War, the United States Government began sponsoring a series of tests to find a new pistol to replace the Colt M1911A1. One of the key requirements dictated at the time was that the pistol was not to exceed 7.0 inches in length or 25 ounces in weight. These tests were conducted at Aberdeen Proving Grounds as well as at Fort Benning, Georgia. The pistols submitted at this time were the S&W M39, the Colt Commander, a modified Inglis Hi Power, a FN Hi Power and the T3 trial pistol, all chambered in 9mm Parabellum. Proposed at the end of 1949, the Commander was intended to fill a military need for a lighter handgun which would be issued to officers. None of these pistols were selected for the Armed Forces during this round of tests, but Colt wisely decided to go forward with commercial production of the Commander and it proved itself to be a popular and successful design. It was available in several chamberings including the 9mm Parabellum, .45 ACP and the .38 Super.
The following link led me to believe the same:
What you may have heard me say (or allude to) is that the Commander length 1911 makes a great platform for the 9mm due, in part, to the lighter slide mass.
Additionally, when compared to a Government Model, the lighter slide of the Commander makes a gun chambered in 9mm feel like the slide is running at “full speed”. Whereas often times with a 9mm Government Model the slide feels like it is running slower when compared to a Government Model chambered in 45ACP.
I wouldn’t say a 9mm Commander “runs better”, just that the Commander is a good platform for the 9mm.
I see. Thank you for clearing that up, Mr. Burton. Hopefully you didn’t mind that I name dropped you.
That’s where I got my info from.