Correct way of modelling for a multiplayer FPS game

I was wondering what was the best way to model characters for an first person shooter game?

Assuming I have 2 modes to show, first person view (the player's view) and 3rd person view (viewing other players) - Here is a sample of what I mean

I guess the simplest way to do it would be managing only the 3rd person view, and try and make the camera on the player "look through the eyes" of the 3rd person model, but I failed to achieve any decent results using this method, due to the model's animation not working well in first person view.

Thanks

 

You should use a hands-only model for first person view and a complete model for the third person one, I'd say. Then swap the models when the player switches between views.

 

I was afraid that was the correct way of doing it - so much extra work!

Thanks for the answer