Re: 1911 carry Preference: Commander or officer size?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical .22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Neither
You need to train constantly with a carry gun, and 3" 1911 are not fun to train with. There are frequently reliability issues when you stray from 5" bushing and GI guide rod 1911s. You get better velocity, accuracy, and shootability, and the weight is really not bad with a good belt and holster. </div></div>
Just not true about reliability issues. I've had 2 4" officers, 1 steel & 1 stainless. Neither had ANY malfs(stainless had to replace extractor w/W.C. extractor, usual maintenance though). I've shot a 3" Colt Defender that was a range rental: had to use their mag(probably wore out) and ammo = jam-o-matic. Are there some w/3" bbl that are 100%? I bet so.
To the OP, even with a good belt & holster, I would recommend an Aluminum frame Officer in 4" if possible. 8-10 hours with stainless or steel does get old. Why lean to one side if you don't have to? J/K. I know it can be done, but I was never comfortable with that much weight all day, and that's a major sticking point for me. With aluminum just remember:
-Never use CMC mags(or CMC type followers) with aluminum frames
-Aluminum frames are usually only good to 10,000 rounds or so before they stress.