I've got both Gov't length models (5" bbl) and Commanders, 5 of the first and two of the 2nd. For carrying, the Commander 4-3/4" bbl, is hands down the winner. It fits well in a holster of the Tom Threepersons persuasion holster (open top, nug-fit) that I'm partial to, but also balances just right for carry in the right rear jeans pocket...more often than not, my accustomed carry method when woods loafing or light chore-ing here on the farm. I can draw and fire a controlled pair, from that pocket, to the thoracic kill zone in the Front Sight qualifying time of 1.8 seconds...equal to my time from a dedicated carry holster..
The 5" barreled Gov't model, just won't allow me to carry it in my jeans pocket, it's too top heavy, gives me the feeling that it's a hairbreath away from falling out...but I'll grant that the 3/4" shorter barrel is no more "concealable". In my experience, it's the grip length that has a bigger print, than the barrel length, up to a point.
The shorter models, are difficult to keep reliable, relying on best quality springs, guide rods, tuning etc to get CCW reliability. It's anecdotal evidence but there's a lot of it around. A .45 ACP full house round out of a short stocked pistol, is a handful
JMHO, Rod
