When Colt introduced the 1991 line (a parkerized version of the 1911 with the series 80 firing pin safety), it included a pistol of the same dimensions as the Officer's ACP.

An inescapable characteristic of its compact size, the Colt Officer's ACP drew criticism for being finicky with ammunition and the sharp recoil from the short barrel.

Firearms author, Frank James, writes that the decreased velocity from the shorter barrel causes performance of the round to be less than optimal, and a risk if used in a defensive situation.

[6] Reliability and accuracy has been improved through modifications such as replacing the stock barrel bushing with an aftermarket part and judiciously honing the hammer and sear.

Beyond trigger work, more sophisticated modifications include replacing the stock hammer and sear with lightweight components, installing a high quality spring set and beveling the inside of the ejection port.