Dumb newb question

[crossdawg]

Hi all, I am new to the forums and the 1911 world in general and recently purchased my first one ( a RI govt model) and totally fell in love with it. I am looking to get a smaller one for future concealed carry and am having trouble with what they are called(like the commander sized or the officer sized for example). Which is the one with the standard sized grip with the shorter barrel/slide? sorry if its a dumb question and yes, i tried the search but maybe i am typing in the wrong stuff because i have came up empty so far. Thanks in advance!

[detswishman]

The Mid size is the weapon with a 4" barrel and the full size grip the compact is the one with a 3 1/2" barrel and a short grip

[Andrewh]

Colt commander comes with fullsize frame and 4.25. Springfield has a 4 inch barrel and calls it the champion. Not sure what RIA calls it.

Officers is the shorter frame and shorter slide.

[crossdawg]

Sweet, thanks for the replies.

[Auto Mag]

Crossdawg, welcome to the forum and congrats on your RIA GI Model!!! :wc: :)

CSP=Compact Sized Parkerized 3.5" Barrel

MSP=Mid Sized Parkerized 4" Barrel

FSP=Full Sized Parkerized 5" Barrel

That is the way the they are listed. Of course there is also a Longslide version in 6" barrel length.

Top to bottom: Longslide 6" barrel, GI Model 5" Barrel, Mid Size 4" Barrel, Compact Model 3.5" Barrel.
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/AutoMag180/DSC03279.jpg

[grumpyoldman]

welcome crossdawg, you're in good company. IMHO you'd be well suited getting a compact size Tactical. the sights are much nicer and you're only losing one round over your full size. One more thing, there ain't no such thing as a dumb question. don't be afraid to ask, these folks will always try and help you out and no flaming for asking a question that someone deems to be dumb.

[SAN JOSE]

Welcome to the Forum crossdawg...looks like the RIA bug has bitten you too. :D

[Mike45]

Welcome crossdawg.

I agree with the others if at all possible purchase the tac model in a compact you will not regret it.

Mike45

[LDJ]

Welcome Crossdawg, don't ever feel that you have a dumb question. You don't learn anything if you don't ask. The guys on this board are a wealth of knowledge. We welcome you with open arms to the RIA addiction. Everyone here had to start down the 1911 road once upon a time. You've chosen an excellent weapon. Learn as much as you can about it.
I have a compact GI that I carry everyday. I wish my dealer had a compact tactical. I love the GIs but they are a little hard on the eyes in shadow. So I agree with Grumpy and Mike. If you can find one snag it.

[crossdawg]

Thanks for the welcomes and info on the compacts, i think next time i am out and about i will keep my eyes peeled for them, they sound tight!