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When selecting a 1911-style pistol for everyday carry, it's crucial to understand which configuration of the iconic handgun is best suited for your desired purpose. The full-size Government model, the scaled down Commander model, and the compact Officer's model each have pros and cons. Read more to learn which 1911 is best for you.
There are two main differences between the 1911 Government, Commander, and Officer model: the overall barrel length and the grip length (which also affects magazine capacity). Here's a quick breakdown of each .45 ACP 1911 variant.
In general, opting to carry a 9mm model bumps the standard capacity up by one round for each variant. It's actually the smaller cartridge that allows more ammunition to fit inside the magazine, so changing caliber does not have any correlation to barrel or grip length.
The Government model is an excellent choice for those seeking the authentic 1911 experience. A longer barrel translates to lower recoil and improved control, allowing for consistent and precise shot placement. However, the large profile of the Government model makes the pistol heavier as well as more challenging to conceal than its more compact counterparts.
For instance, the shorter slide and barrel length of the Commander variant reduces overall weight for improved comfort when carrying concealed. The grip size remains the same so capacity is unaffected, and the .45 ACP cartridge performs just as well out of a 4.25" barrel as it does a 5" barrel.
Both the Government and Commander models are less concealable than the compact Officer model, which has a much shorter barrel and grip that are optimal for EDC. While more concealable, the Officer also tends to be considerably snappier than larger 1911 pistols and has fewer rounds in the flush fit magazine.
In our opinion, the 1911 Commander offers the best of both worlds in terms of ballistic performance and concealment. The shooter has the same firepower as a full-size pistol in a more compact package, without sacrificing capacity or shootability. This variant is the best all-around choice for a duty handgun or concealed carry piece.
Another important consideration when picking out your 1911 is caliber. To see how the original .45 ACP stacks up against more modern 9mm models, be sure to watch our video with Clint & Kaya comparing the two pistols.
Browse our full selection of 1911 pistols!
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