1911 - Just my opinion
Design -All Steel, I have one (at least) 1911 with at least 50 or 60 thousand rounds through it, in fact I just replaced the trigger and sear (trigger broke at the bow and sear was badly worn). As an example of the robustness of the design, there has not been any design changes to the 1911 since the Series 80 came out with the firing pin block (and that was not to address a problem, it addressed lawyers). I have purposely not cleaned a 1911 for over 1000 rounds, and never had a hiccup shooting reloads.
100 years of history, it is the longest serving duty arm ever, that record is unmatched by any commonly in service firearm.
Ergonomics and Controls - (grip angle) With a flat main spring housing, when I bring the pistol up to eye level, it is on target eyes open or closed the gun just has a natural index. Controls are all at the right thumb with the exception of the trigger of course. (well I guess you could shoot it with your thumb).
Carry – The 1911 carries better than most full size double stack magazine pistol. The grip is slim
Trigger – Short straight trigger press. 3 lbs trigger press. Best trigger in any combat firearm currently on the market. Hell a box stock 1911 trigger is better than any of the current “pistols dejour” are with considerable work, and a well tuned 1911 trigger literally breaks like a glass rod.
Infinitely customizable (more parts are built for the 1911 than any other pistol on the market, probably more like any other 3 pistols on the market). A 1911 can be built up to a super accurate bull’s-eye gun, hotrod race gun, self defense gun or a can shooter. The slickest after market sights available are for the 1911 bar none.
Function- It works! I have never had a 1911 with a reliability issues that was the guns fault. I have a couple that did not like one bullet shape (Hollow Points) or another. But all of my guns are absolute reliable with Federal HydroShocks so that is all I carry if HP’s are the uniform of the day. They have all been reliable with 230 gr FMJ ball ammo.
Forgiving to shoot- I may not be the right person for this part, but I think the 1911 is easy to shoot well. They are not as susceptible to limp wristing as other firearms on the market; grip is high and for me intuitive. My wife has declared that an Ed Brown I own is her’s and she shoots it better than most guys on the firing line.
Single Action Condition 1 Carry- Nothing else is a fast on the first shot, draw, sweep the safety, sights, breath and 3 lbs of trigger press….bang! reset the trigger through recoil and…bang! Repeat as needed.
Now, the 1911 Detractors will say “But it only has 8+1 rounds, What if you get into a gunfight with THE ARMY of DARKNESS flesh eating zombies” Or “ You better hope you don’t get into a gunfight with 10 or15 people you’ll run out of ammo”. Or something to that effect, and perhaps they have a point, but for my use, I’ll settle for a 1911 and 2 extra mags.
Should I go on??
to heavy for cc in nylon gymshorts. Replaced by Glock 32C
