From 1997 to 2002, I carried only full-sized 1911 pistols, except that at work (police patrol) I also carried a snubby revolver as a backup, plus a shotgun. Before 1997, I had carried a mix of full-sized, Commander-sized, and compact 1911 pistols off and on since 1984. I found the full-sized 1911 pistols to be realistically no more difficult to carry than the smaller ones, and reliability of the full-sized pistols to be generally very good, with the smaller ones more finicky. I had good luck with full-sized Colts, Springfield, and Les Baer. Two Kimbers became reliable after I ditched certain parts, such as magazines and slide stops. One Kimber, the Stainless Gold Match, was extremely finicky. These Kimbers were the "early" ones, BTW. I presently have mostly gotten away from 1911 pistols for serious stuff, except for the Les Baer, as the frame is sculpted in a way that makes the pistol ride lower in my skinny, bony hand, and helps ensure the grip safety is properly disengaged.