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 |
Capacity |
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:
1. 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.
2. The Wilson Combat Sentinel 1911 size is exclusive, and its parts and magazines cannot be interchanged with any other Subcompact/Officer-sized 1911 handguns.
3. 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.
More Details on Grips and Magazines
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.