1911 Information Needed

[Guest a10acfan1]

In looking for Holsters, magazines, grips, etc. there is always a designation under the 1911's either being Government, Commander, Officer. Exactly what do these designations mean. Is it barrel length, which would apply to holsters or height of the frame for magazines or grips. Please help I'm lost.

[mk19]

They are let's say codes for the size of the pistol. Government is full size-5 inch barrel and full grip. Commander is 4 inch with a shorter grip and Officer is 3.5 inch with a tiny grip.

[gotigers]

two great 1911 resources:

1911Forum - Powered by vBulletin

The M1911 Pistols Organization Forums Site

[Westwindmike]

I thought the Commander had a full size grip?

[Garufa]

It does.

Generally...

Government: 5" barrel, full size frame

Commander: 4" barrel, full size frame

Officer: 3.5" barrel, shorter frame length and shorter grip.

Edited February 25, 2010 by Garufa

[Hgunner]

A true to spec Colt Combat Commader has a full size grip and a 4.25 inch barrel.

[Warbird]

A true to spec Colt Combat Commader has a full size grip and a 4.25 inch barrel.

Correct. Kimber has a 4" which they consider a commander length. Most regular commander holsters work in them but not all. To get the 4"bbl on a Kimber 1911 to be reliable they had to go bushingless and have a barrel which is larger at the end. I'm not a big fan of the bushingless myself.

[eapking]

A true to spec Colt Combat Commader has a full size grip and a 4.25 inch barrel.

You beat me to it.

Good 1911 site: 1911Forum - Powered by vBulletin

[Guest .45]

It does.

Generally...

Government: 5" barrel, full size frame

Commander: 4" barrel, full size frame

Officer: 3.5" barrel, shorter frame length and shorter grip.

yep. and let's not leave out my favorite...

CCO: 4" or 4.25" barrel, same frame & grip as Officer.

.45

[Guest redbarron06]

be advised that some manufactures may use the same sizes but different names for them.

Springfield Armory

Champion = Commander

Compact = Officer

[Guest a10acfan1]

Thanks Guys for all the feedback .