I am looking to purchase my first full size 1911! I am looking around and there are officer's model, gi model, etc what is the difference???
physical size is the main difference
the govt. model has a 5" barrel and a std size grip that holds 7 rds.
commanders have a 4 1/4" barrel and std grip that holds 7 rds.
officer model has a 3 1/2" barrel and a downsized grip (one round shorter 6 rds)
govt. mdl is normally the heaviest
next the commander (there is also a light weight version with an alloy frame)
the lightest would be the officer mdl. but not by much (except for the LW comm.)
there are two other barrel lengths, the 'longslide' which is normally 6", but is not as common as the others
there is also a 'backup' version with i think a 2 1/2" barrel, it has a shorter grip with a 5 round capacity. it can be a hand full
the govt. model has a 5" barrel and a std size grip that holds 7 rds.
commanders have a 4 1/4" barrel and std grip that holds 7 rds.
officer model has a 3 1/2" barrel and a downsized grip (one round shorter 6 rds)
govt. mdl is normally the heaviest
next the commander (there is also a light weight version with an alloy frame)
the lightest would be the officer mdl. but not by much (except for the LW comm.)
there are two other barrel lengths, the 'longslide' which is normally 6", but is not as common as the others
there is also a 'backup' version with i think a 2 1/2" barrel, it has a shorter grip with a 5 round capacity. it can be a hand full
Now that's exactly what I needed to know! Thank you! 
Anything under the commander length usually has reliability issue's
Then theres calibre...45...9mm...38 super...380....10mm......
Don't forget .22 and the Rock Island Armory .22 TCM.
Now that's exactly what I needed to know! Thank you!
So whats it gonna be then?
