1911 Sizes Information
We have compiled together some of the more frequently asked questions for your reference.
Size Comparison Chart
| 1911 Size | Barrel Length | Frame Size |
Capacity (.45 ACP) |
Capacity (9mm) |
Grip Size | Magazine Size |
| Long Slide | 6.0" | Full Size | 8 rounds | 10 rounds | Full Size | Full Size |
| Full Size (Government) | 5.0" | Full Size | 8 rounds | 10 rounds | Full Size | Full Size |
| Commander | 4.25" | Full Size | 8 rounds | 10 rounds | Full Size | Full Size |
| Commander Compact | 4.25" | Compact ³ | 7 rounds | 8 or 9 rounds ¹ | Compact | Compact |
| Professional | 4.0" | Full Size | 8 rounds | 10 rounds | Full Size | Full Size |
| Compact | 4.0" | Compact ³ | 7 rounds | 8 or 9 rounds ¹ | Compact | Compact |
| Subcompact / Officer / Sentinel ² | 3.5" - 3.6" | Subcompact / Sentinel | 6 rounds | 8 rounds | Subcompact / Sentinel | Subcompact / Sentinel |
Notes:
- Commander Compact and Compact 9mm 1911 handguns can use 9 round magazines. When built by Wilson Combat, they will ship with 8 round magazines if the handguns does not have a magwell installed and will ship with 9 round magazines if the handgun does have a magwell installed.
- The Wilson Combat Sentinel 1911 size is exclusive, and its parts and magazines cannot be interchanged with any other Subcompact/Officer-sized 1911 handguns.
- Not all compact frames maintain the same size specifications, which means that components such as grips and magazines may not always be compatible with different models. For instance, Springfield Armory® EMP® 3" and 4" models require proprietary magazines; however, many other Compact 1911 parts can still be utilized.
Full-Size Magazines / Grips
- "Full size" denotes the traditional USGI 1911 frame size. Most 1911 pistols use full-size magazines, such as Government length 5.0 inch and Commander length 4.25 inch 1911 pistols.
- Full-size grips have a measurement of 3.0625" of center-to-center between the grip screws.
- These pistols will use full-size magazines and full-size grips.
Compact Magazines / Grips
- "Compact" denotes a smaller frame, such as most Officer's length 4.0 inch 1911 pistols.
- Compact grips have a measurement of 2.6875" from center to center between the grip screws.
- These pistols will use compact magazines and compact grips.
Please note that many other 1911s exist that take neither full-size nor compact magazines, but instead must use proprietary magazines from their manufacturer. Some examples include our Wilson Combat Sentinel models, the Springfield Armory® EMP® series pistols, and the Kimber Micro series pistols.
If in doubt, please do not hesitate to contact us.