I own a Colt Combat Commander & a DW CBOB.. both these 1911's are as reliable as any Govt sized 1911 I've owned.
Wanting to see if what 'd heard about Officer sized models was true ( they were problematic) so, I bought a previously owned but unfired RIA CS Standard.
The CS model is their compact sized 1911 (Officer model copy) w/ 3.5" barrel. It uses a FL guide rod & a tapered bull barrel, no barrel bushing.
Though mine came with tiny GI style sights, I was impressed with several things..1) it was surprisingly accurate, & @) it was 100% reliable, being fed 230 gr hardball. Reading the manual, it states it is made for 230gr. rds only. I had to try my handloads, & problems arose. Slide wouldn't always completely when fed SWC's..would close with gentle thumb pressure to back of the slide. Took pistol to my gunsmith & he checked it over, discovered the chamber was a little tight @ the front. Used a chamber reamer, (maybe 1 full turn) and it now feeds everything without problem. I thought of informing RIA of my issue, but manual did state it was made for 230gr Hardball, & it ran perfectly with that ammo. From my experiment.. 3.5" 1911's can be as reliable as any other 1911..my experience.