I have always preferred the Commander length slide/barrel over the government model. My first ever handgun was an old model Ruger Blackhawk Convertible .45 Colt/.45 ACP. My second handgun not long afterward was an alloy frame Series 70 Commander. I paid $200 out the door for it, new in the box. This was about 1977.

I presently have two commander length 1911s, both Ruger SRs; one is an alloy frame the other is all steel. I like them very well so far.