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1911 Colt Sizes

4K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  Todd Dow 
#1 ·
I am interested in information on the relative grip sizes, weights, and barrel lengths of the various Colt 1911s. -----

(I realize that with all the various frame materials "out there" that there are lots of combinations.)

My primary interest is in contrasting the Officers ACP (that I own) to the Defender.... to see if there is enough difference to warrent a change.

I assume the grip sizes, weights, and barrel lengths would be in this order (from largest and heaviest to smallest and lightest. RIGHT??????

1. Government
2. Commander
3. Officers
4. Defender
 
#2 ·
Colts

Howdy Shootist.

GM Colts all wear a 5-inch barrel and weight 39 ounces empty.
That's a nominal weight. They can vary a half-ounce.

Commanders have a 4.250 inch barrel and come in two
weights. The Lightweight Commander weighs 27 ounces empty,
the Combat Commander about 37.5 average. The difference
is the frame material.

Officer's Models came in with a 3.750 length barrel, and some
also came in a lightweight version. Not sure of the weights.

Defenders are the same...pretty sure...as the Officer's Model
in length. 3.750 barrel. Haven't seen many Defenders upclose
to date. I either gotta get out more or reapply for my FFL and
hang my shingle back out.

Hope this helps.

JT
 
#3 ·
Thanks.....

That gets me started.

I was told that the Officer's ACP has a smaller grip than the Commander... but larger than the defender..... but I don't know if that is correct.

I know the ACP will take an 8 round mag. and I believe the Defender is a 7 +1 so maybe the grip is shorter.

I also thought the Defender had a shorter barrel than my ACP....

Maybe we need some more input on this issue :roll:
 
#4 ·
The Government model and the Commander have the same grip size, but I think the Government has a longer dust cover. The Officers model and the Defender have a smaller grip, the standard magazine holds six rounds, but the Wilson and McCormick mags will hold seven.

The Defenders barrel is shorter than the Officers, the Defenders barrel is 3". There is also the Defender Plus, which has a full size grip and a 3" barrel.
 
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