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Watchtower Firearms is now shipping its new commander-size, 1911-pattern, double-stack pistol, the Watchtower Apache Commander.
This 9 mm 1911 double-stack pistol was designed by Watchtower Firearms as an everyday carry, medium-size gun. It’s optics-ready out of the box and includes a mounting plate on the back of the slide for red-dot sights that use the Trijicon RMR footprint. With red-dot shooting in mind, the new Watchtower Apache Commander also includes coarse and aggressive slide serrations making it easier to rack the slide and bring the gun into action around the mounted red-dot. This new pistol is available both in a black and flat dark earth finish.
All Watchtower Apache Commander frames, slides and barrels are precision machined from stainless steel. Since this gun remains a 1911 pistol at its core, the Apache Commander also includes all the accoutrements found on premium 1911 pistols including a spurless, rounded Commander hammer, extended beavertail and ambidextrous thumb safeties. The Apache Commander’s squared flat face trigger breaks at 4.5 to 5.5 lbs, so its safe for defensive carry and duty applications. It’s also user adjustable. The stainless steel barrel has a 1:16 twist and measures 4.3 inches long.
Given the Watchtower Apache Commander’s traditional double stack 1911 construction which has a grip module that is separate from its frame, this pistol includes a Kevlar and carbon fiber reinforced module. This combination of materials provides both light weight and rigidity.
Watchtower Firearms Apache Commander Features
- Action Type: Single-action, semi-automatic
- Caliber: 9 mm
- Barrel Length: 4.3 inches
- Barrel Material: Stainless steel
- Frame Material: Stainless steel
- Slide Material: Stainless steel
- Grip Module Material: Carbon fiber and kevlar
- Finish: Black or flat dark earth
- Safety: Manual thumb safety
- Optics-Ready: RMR-footprint optics
- MSRP: $3,990
Please visit watchtowerfirearms.com to learn more about this new pistol and other firearms available from Watchtower Firearms.
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16 Comments
The 4.5 to 5.5 lb trigger pull seems a bit heavy for a defensive carry pistol, but the fact that it’s user adjustable is a good compromise.
I agree, a lighter trigger pull would be preferable, but the adjustability is a plus.
The Apache Commander’s medium size and 9 mm caliber make it a good choice for concealed carry, and the fact that it’s designed specifically for everyday carry is a plus in my book.
I’ve been looking for a new everyday carry pistol and the Watchtower Apache Commander’s medium size and 9 mm caliber make it a strong contender, but I’d like to know more about its reliability and durability.
The Watchtower Apache Commander’s traditional double-stack 1911 construction and separate grip module are familiar features, but the addition of modern materials and design elements like the optics-ready slide make it an attractive option.
I’m concerned about the potential for the carbon fiber and Kevlar grip module to be prone to damage or wear, and I’d like to see more testing and reviews before considering a purchase.
That’s a valid concern, but the use of these materials in other applications has shown promise for durability and resistance to wear.
The use of stainless steel for the frame, slide, and barrel is a good choice for durability, and the ambidextrous thumb safeties are a nice touch for left-handed shooters like myself.
As a fan of 1911-pattern pistols, I appreciate the attention to detail in the Apache Commander’s design, including the spurless, rounded Commander hammer and extended beavertail.
I’m interested in the Kevlar and carbon fiber reinforced grip module, as it seems like it would provide a good balance of weight and rigidity, but I’d like to see more information on its construction and durability.
The fact that the Apache Commander is optics-ready out of the box with a mounting plate for Trijicon RMR footprint red-dot sights is a big plus for me, as I prefer the ease of use of red-dot sights.
The Watchtower Apache Commander’s 1:16 twist barrel and 4.3-inch length seem like a good combination for accuracy, but I’m curious to see how it performs in real-world testing.
I’d like to see more information on the pistol’s performance with different types of ammunition, as the 9 mm caliber can be sensitive to bullet weight and type.
The Watchtower Apache Commander’s single-action, semi-automatic design and manual thumb safety make it a good choice for those who prefer the simplicity and reliability of a traditional 1911 pistol.
The flat dark earth finish is a nice alternative to the traditional black finish, and I think it would be a good choice for those who want a more subdued look for their carry pistol.
I’m skeptical about the $3,990 MSRP, considering other 1911-pattern pistols on the market are priced lower, but the carbon fiber and Kevlar grip module is a unique feature.