I used to think that I preferred a full-size, steel-framed 1911. But, I think that was before I had much range time with anything else.

My carry gun most days is an aluminum-framed, compact (3") 1911 in .45 ACP. One, I just seem to shoot it better than the full-size (now that I DO have range time with something else). Two, it's a heckuva lot easier to conceal.

Just my own preference.