If you are going to ever carry the pistol, a Commander length barrel is WAY more convenient than a full size gov't model.

The Springfield Commander length model is called a "Champion."

I agree about the slide / barrel length if you planning on carrying it concealed.

The Commander length is how the 1911 should have been built from the beginning. It's odd to think that .75 of an inch could make that much difference, but it does and without sacrificing any practical accuracy. I LOVE my Colt Combat Commander. Like the guys here are suggesting, I picked it up dirt cheap in rather rough condition and turned it into exactly the pistol I wanted with well under 1k invested.

I too agree--but the general consensus is that one shouldn't go TOO short (officer's size or even shorter). Several WELL-respected 1911 smiths agree that reliability tends to suffer once you go below the magic 4.25" barrel length. I have not yet formed my own opinion...I haven't the level of knowledge or experience they do, and I haven't shot enough officer's size and shorter to have enough first-hand data.

BTW, some of the smiths I'm referring to are guys like Hilton Yam, Ted Yost, and others. I asked Heirloom Precision (Ted Yost's shop) to do some work on one of my Detonics CombatMasters and was gently told that they would not even touch it, because they weren't confident enough in the operation of a short barrel 1911 to stand behind their usual reliability guarantee.

Based on everything I have read, the accuracy of my carry 1911 is more adequate for the distances involved. I have shot thousands of rounds with it, and I am more than comfortable with the function, and accuracy. But hey, I am just a normal guy, not an expert, so I'm sure I'm wrong.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269467692.jpg

I'll vote Colt every time.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269470906.jpg

Adopt me please.

Nice collection!!! I like Colt's too.

This is how pissing contests start. But I will refrain.

My officers was reliable, but i've heard the same charges about the smaller 1911s not being reliable. What my (Para Ord P10) officers was not was comfortable in my hand, or accurate. I'm sure i'd like a single stack officers a lot better.

Actually, d'oh...come to think of it i did own a Colt Officers briefly as well. I only shot it a few times but i remember it was better than the Para. I didn't have it very long.

I had a S&W 645 that i really liked too, but that thing was a cannon. Gigantic pistol.

http://gunreviewpodcast.com/wp-conte...w645-small.jpg

Looks like you need some diversity training.

This would probably be a good place for him to start....

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...5_left_800.jpg

This pistol gives me wood. Big time.

Here's something I've had on my mind, at what price point should someone expect complete operational reliability from a 1911?
$1000? Not as far as I can tell.
$2000?
$2500?

You should expect complete reliability for well under $1000. You can buy countless excellent 1911's for under $1000 that are reliable out of the box.

Under $1000 for a used Springfield champion brought fully up to your specs is entirely reasonable. I'd guess $800 is probably about right if you're adding a integral feed ramp match grade barrel, beaver tail, extended safeties, etc.

That is reassuring.

Maybe this wi do you better if you have no need to upgrade or customize a 1911.

CZ97B for $650....

CZ USA 10 + 1 Round 45 ACP Pistol w/Black Finish & Wood Grips

If it doesn't have to be a 1911 that opens up all the HK USP options too.