I have Had the opportunity to test out some pretty cool firearms. Today, I’m diving into a head-to-head comparison of two popular models: the Glock 36 Vs 1911 Commander.
I’ve taken these bad boys out in the field to see which one comes out on top. Let’s get into the details and see how they stack up.
| Feature | Glock 36 | 1911 Commander |
| Caliber | .45 Auto | .45 ACP |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 Rounds | 8 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3.78 inches | 4.20 inches |
| Overall Length | 6.97 inches | 8.00 inches |
| Height | 4.72 inches | 5.80 inches |
| Width | 1.18 inches | 1.30 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 22.40 oz | 38.00 oz |
Overview of Glock 36
The Glock 36, a compact powerhouse in the world of handguns, is known for its reliability and .45 Auto caliber punch.
Specs
- Caliber: .45 Auto
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 6 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.78 inches
- Weight (Empty Magazine): 22.40 oz
- Trigger Pull: 28 N
- Overall Length: 6.97 inches
- Slide Length: 6.77 inches
- Overall Width: 1.18 inches
- Slide Width: 1.0 inch
- Height (Including Magazine): 4.72 inches
Overview of 1911 COMMANDER
The 1911 Commander is a classic, full-size firearm, renowned for its .45 ACP caliber and precision engineering.
Specs
- Caliber: 45 ACP
- Capacity: 8 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.20 in.
- Overall Length: 8.00 in.
- Overall Height: 5.80 in.
- Overall Width: 1.30 in.
- Overall Weight: 38.00 oz.
- Twist Rate: 1:16 – in RH twist
- Grooves: 6
Features Comparison of Glock 36 VS 1911 COMMANDER
1. Size and Handling
Glock 36
The Glock 36 is notably compact, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry. Its slim profile, with an overall width of just 1.18 inches and a height of 4.72 inches, makes it comfortable and discreet for everyday carry.
However, its smaller size can be a double-edged sword. The thin grip, although great for concealability, can make handling and recoil management more challenging, especially for those with larger hands.
1911 COMMANDER
The 1911 Commander, in comparison, is a bit larger, with an overall width of 1.30 inches and a height of 5.80 inches.
This fuller grip can be more comfortable to hold, offering better control and stability when firing. The larger frame size of the 1911 also helps in distributing recoil more evenly, reducing the felt impact on the shooter’s hand.
Winner
When it comes to size and handling, the choice depends on what you value more. The Glock 36 shines in terms of concealability and ease of carry, making it a top pick for those who prioritize a slim, lightweight design.
However, compared to the 1911 Commander, it falls a bit short in terms of handling comfort and recoil management. The 1911 Commander, with its larger frame, offers a more comfortable grip and better control, especially during extended shooting sessions.
2. Recoil and Shooting Comfort
Glock 36
The Glock 36, with its slim frame and lighter weight, tends to have a sharper recoil, which some shooters find uncomfortable, especially during extended shooting sessions.
The smaller grip size focuses the recoil force more intensely into the shooter’s palm, which can be jarring. This can affect accuracy and overall shooting experience, particularly for those not used to compact firearms.
1911 COMMANDER
The 1911 Commander, with its heavier frame and full-size grip, offers a more comfortable shooting experience. The added weight helps in absorbing the recoil, making it less snappy and more manageable.
This translates to a smoother shooting experience, with better control over the firearm, especially during rapid fire. The larger grip also distributes the recoil force more evenly across the hand, reducing the strain on the palm and wrist.
Winner
When it comes to recoil and shooting comfort, the 1911 Commander takes the lead compared to the Glock 36. The additional weight and larger grip of the 1911 Commander work together to mitigate recoil, offering a more pleasant and controlled shooting experience.
3. Ergonomics and Shooter Experience
Glock 36
The Glock 36, with its ultra-slim profile, brings a unique feel to the hand. Its overall width of just 1.18 inches makes it extremely easy to grip and maneuver, especially for those with smaller hands. However, this slimness can be a bit of a drawback for shooters with larger hands or those who prefer a fuller grip.
The ergonomics of the G36 are designed for concealability and ease of carry, but they can compromise comfort during prolonged shooting, as the thin grip may not distribute recoil as effectively, leading to a more pronounced impact on the shooter’s palm.
1911 COMMANDER
The 1911 Commander, with its full-frame design, offers a more traditional grip and feel. The overall width of 1.30 inches and a height of 5.80 inches provide a solid, substantial grip, accommodating a broader range of hand sizes comfortably.
This design lends itself to better recoil management and a more stable shooting experience.
Winner
When it comes to ergonomics and the overall shooter experience, the 1911 Commander edges out the Glock 36. The larger frame and fuller grip of the 1911 Commander provide a more comfortable and controlled handling experience, especially during extended use.
While the Glock 36 excels in compactness and ease of concealment, its ergonomics may not suit all shooters, particularly those with larger hands or those who prefer a more substantial feel.
Pros & Cons of Glock 36
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight, ideal for concealed carry.
- Slim profile with an overall width of just 1.18 inches, enhancing concealability.
- Standard .45 Auto caliber offers significant stopping power.
Cons
- Pronounced recoil due to its lighter frame and smaller size.
- The slim design can impact recoil management and shooting comfort.
Pros & Cons of 1911 COMMANDER
Pros
- Full-size frame provides a comfortable grip for a variety of hand sizes.
- Better recoil management due to its heavier frame and larger grip.
- Novak Drift Adjustable sights for enhanced accuracy.
Cons
- Larger size may make concealed carry more challenging.
Similarities Between Glock 36 & 1911 COMMANDER
- Both firearms use the .45 caliber, known for its stopping power.
- Equipped with adjustable sights for improved aiming and accuracy.
- Designed for both self-defense and professional use.
- Single magazine included with each firearm.
- Both models have a reputation for reliability and durability.
Differences Between Glock 36 & 1911 COMMANDER
- Glock 36 has a standard 6-round capacity, while 1911 Commander holds 8 rounds.
- Glock 36 is significantly lighter (22.40 oz.) compared to 1911 Commander (38.00 oz.).
- Barrel length: Glock 36 has 3.78 inches, 1911 Commander has 4.20 inches.
- Glock 36 is slimmer (1.18 inches in width) than 1911 Commander (1.30 inches).
- The Glock 36 uses a polymer frame, while the 1911 Commander has a metal frame.
- Glock 36 has a shorter overall length (6.97 inches) compared to 1911 Commander (8.00 inches).
- Trigger pull in Glock 36 is 28 N, differing from the 1911 Commander’s SAO action.
- Glock 36 is known for its more pronounced recoil compared to the smoother recoil of the 1911 Commander.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and comparison of the Glock 36 and the 1911 Commander, it’s time to draw some conclusions. Both firearms have their unique strengths and cater to different needs and preferences.
In most of the comparisons, the 1911 Commander emerges as my personal winner. Its blend of higher capacity, better recoil management, and comfortable ergonomics makes it more versatile for a range of shooting situations.
The 1911 Commander strikes a balance between power, accuracy, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for both self-defense and recreational shooting.
While the Glock 36 is a strong contender in its category, the overall experience with the 1911 Commander aligns more closely with my preferences as a shooter.
FAQ’s
What makes a 1911 a Commander?
The 1911 Commander is distinguished by its full-size frame but with a shorter barrel length of 4.25 inches, compared to the Government model’s 5-inch barrel.
How many rounds are in the Glock 36?
The Glock 36 has a magazine capacity of six rounds of .45 Auto.
Can Glock 36 take double stack magazines?
No, the Glock 36 is designed for single-stack magazines and cannot accommodate double-stack magazines.
What mag fits Glock 36?
The Glock 36 uses a specific 6-round magazine designed for the .45 ACP caliber, optimized for this model’s slim frame and reduced width.
