The GI versions may be more reliable in dirty/extreme conditions. Those match-grade pistols have tighter tolerances, meaning that it takes less dust to jam them up. But by the same token, the GI pistols are less accurate. Haven't had much chance to play with a GI 1911, or played too much with match-grade models like the Ruger, so I can't say how much it matters. At 7 yards it probably doesn't.