The review sample Elite Commando's factory-fired 50-yard test target measured 0.73 inch center to center (mounted in a Ransom Rest, firing Federal Gold Medal Match .45 ACP ammo). David test-fired the sample pistol with a variety of factory loads from the bench and during action shooting drills.

I wish I could say this lowly scribe came close to the factory test target firing off sandbags, but such was not the case. Yet even with my poor performance thrown in the pistol still shot extremely well. With CorBon's hot 200-grain +P JHP load I posted a best of five shots into 2.00 inches. This load averaged 2.37 inches at 50 yards at an average velocity of 1082 fps. Not far behind this load was the Black Hills 200-grain Lead SWC, which averaged 2.50 inches at 882 fps. Also of interest was MagSafe's 96-grain +P Defender load. This lightweight frangible load screamed out of the Elite Commando's five-inch barrel at a blistering 1811 fps.

It was time to become better acquainted with the Elite Commando. For these drills I used a number of Blade-Tech single magazine pouches as well as a Blade-Tech belt holster. Both of these designs are well thought out, comfortable to wear, and easy to draw from. They both feature dual adjustable retention screws, are IDPA approved, and are available in five colors. I like Blade-Tech gear a lot and use it for concealed carry on a daily basis. I also tested out a new Model 6004 tactical holster from Safariland. A drop-down rig worn on the thigh, this model is well respected among professionals. Constructed from thermal-molded Safari-Laminate, it's rugged and protects the pistol well. As it's lined with a soft orthopedic suede material, it's also easy on the gun's finish. Retention is provided by Safariland's Self-Locking System, which consists of a "hood" that can be released only by being simultaneously pushed down and rotated forward. For those who need a drop-down rig of this type, the Model 6004 provides quick access to one's sidearm and is comfortable to wear.

The Elite Commando was accurate and reliable on my running drills. Loaded with Black Hills 200-grain Lead SWCs recoil was very mild, and shot-to-shot recovery was excellent. Stoked with CorBon's hot 200-grain +P JHPs, the pistol became harder to control. Practical accuracy, though, was excellent, even firing offhand at LaRue targets posted on the 100-yard line. I did experience feeding problems with Magtech's 185-grain +P JHP. The pistol just didn't like this particular bullet design, so I stopped using the load and no other problems of any kind were encountered. The Elite Commando happily burned through hundreds of rounds as fast as I could load magazines.

I ended the testing session by checking the flash signature of all seven loads in low light. One magazine of each load was fired, with the flash size and intensity observed. It was interesting to note that the two loads I expected to display the largest flash, CorBon +P and MagSafe +P Defender, were in line with the rest. A small but noticeable spherical ball of fire was exhibited at each shot. However, both Magtech loads displayed noticeably larger and brighter muzzle signatures than all the others. That's something to be aware of if you plan on choosing either of these loads for self-protection.

Gripes? As good as the Elite Commando was, all was not perfect. Nitpicking, I would have to say that I would opt for a standard magazine release over the extended "Tactical" release mounted on my review pistol. It's all too easy for an extended release to be activated when driving in a car or sitting in a restaurant and eject the magazine just enough so that it won't feed. Reliability of the RRA Elite Commando was flawless except with the previously mentioned load. Speaking to Chuck Larson about it, he said RRA is happy to set up a customer's gun to feed any load they want, no questions asked. Finally, both stocks loosened up during testing and needed to be tightened.

My thoughts? Rock River Arms's Elite Commando is a handsome and well-made 1911 pistol sure to invoke pride of ownership. It's more accurate than I can hold, and with all but one load it proved eminently reliable, even in temperatures well below freezing. Here is an upper-crust 1911 that will impress your friends, defend your home, and if you do your part it's more than capable of winning matches. Price? $1725. No, it's not cheap, but great art never is.