If you shop very carefully, you might find one of the excellent S&Ws at the high end of that range (maybe lightly used). Failing that, Springfield.

A used S&W for around $500 or $600. A Springfield or maybe a new Para Ord.

4.5" 1911?

I thought the standard 1911 barrel length went from 5" to 4 1/4"??

If you're looking for a commander size, Buds has some nice Limited Editions Paras for $599.00 delivered. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...s_id/411534402
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...s_id/411534645

Generally I think you're right - the typical 'next smaller' is 4.25 - but I *have* seen a few 4.5 models, though I can't remember where. Could have been hallucinating...

I'm not fussy on the point - I just want a somewhat smaller 1911 frame. The difference between .25 and .50 is fairly unimportant.

Here's what they call the Commander with the 41/4" barrel.

never heard of 4.5"
the commander is 4.25" and the rest of the modern productions
are 5,4,&3"

Gosh, you must be right. There isn't a 4.5" model.

Heh, I just assumed all along you wanted a Commander-sized pistol.

I'm thining about a 6"....

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=17

Originally Posted by Mike Barham

Heh, I just assumed all along you wanted a Commander-sized pistol.

You are correct - I just didn't want to confuse the issue by using the Colt trademark - sloppy of me in saying 4.5".

BTW, I see that you've got a controversy brewing at Bagram - the accounting soldier and her death. Is it making waves there as much as it is here? The press is playing it up as a conspiracy.

I thiought Para made a 4.5..I might be wrong though.

Update...Looked on paraord.com/ A 3.5 and 4.25

Heck, nothing wrong with using the Colt "trademark".
Every other manufacturer has produced a "commander" length version at one time or another.
It's a pretty common term.

The S&W seems like your best bet.

Good luck in your search.