O.K. Here goes.

Is the 1911 a 100 year old design that just hasn't died out because of a few die hard followers?

Does the fact that law enforcement is leaning towards double action pistols with no safeties, the exact opposite of the 1911, mean anything to the future of the 1911?

Or, is the 1911 simply popular because it is the small block chevy of hand guns?

Please bear in mind that I have no dog in this race. I don't know much about the 1911, except that they're more money than other pistols out there, and they seem to grace the cover of almost all hand gun magazines. Why is that?

1911 .45 pistols can be had for around $500.00 and up, it is a  simple design that is easy to maintain hard to break and can be customized to suite your own needs,  Kimber makes higher end models and Para Ordenance lower end pistols... One other thing they have a narrower frame then most modern design .45's and in my opinion are balanced very well

I am not a handgun owner, but I will tell you this.

I have fired, at different times in life, several pistols.
And I have spoken to many War Vets.
Between the two, I do not think the 1911 is going out to pasture anytime soon.

If anything, it will become like the CrO2 tape cassette, to the CD, the SP VCR tape to the DVD, or the M1 Garand to the M-14, or the No.4 Enfield to the No. III*.

They will do the exact same thing, not quite in the same class, but some people will demand what they know and trust.  

I think it will be in production for at LEAST 100 more years.

1911 will be here to stay for a long time and there are more and more 1911 manufacturers popping out every year.  Even some of newer designed handguns are utilizing some of the characteristics/designs of 1911s.

I love 1911s because there's nothing like it.  Lots of aftermarket parts, accessories, wide price ranges ($375 to $5,000+) and varieties.  Also, due to its magazine capacity (single stack), it usually not get affected by (and not on a chopping block) any antigun resolutions.  

It's the AR's of handguns...fully customizable and interchangeable to meet your needs.  Once you own one, you'll understand.    .....cocked and locked.  

The classic 1911, designed by John Browning, will always be around in one form another.

It's a simple design that works.  To me it falls under the category of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Are there more accurate guns? Yes.

Are there more dependable guns? Definately, if you include revolvers.

Are there guns with a more modern design? Sure.

Are there guns that are more recognizable? I doubt it.

Are there any guns that are as cool as the 1911? No way.

1911's are sorta like owning an original muscle car, often imitated, often improved upon, but never "better" than the original.

I wouldn't be surprised to find more 1911 owners here on LIF than any other handgun.

That said, the biggest drawback I can find is the cost of ammo, especially .45 acp.  To me that is the single most limiting factor when it comes to owning a 1911.

I own 2 different models and wouldn't part with either one.

All I know is I love my 1911. Nothing like it.
Will be nice to have a thread on 1911 - The Mystique Beauty of it.
THank you!

Jefe,

I could go on and on telling you about how great the 1911 design is.  But the main reason is this:

you go to the range and shoot your sigs, sw and glocks.  And you will have a good time.  You take a finely tuned 1911 (like those made by kimber custom shop, nighthawk, Dan Wesson, and so on...) to the range for the very first time.  And your hooked.  That's it.   Your views on what constitute a good pistola will forever be changed.  So if you are not ready to spend the $$ don't try them.  Note that I am talking about the high end ones... not the crappy GI replicas from spring field and others... NO offense

Any 1911 haters out there?

Cool thread. I guess I may need to try one.

Keep the replies coming.

Quoted from bobtorre

Jefe,

I could go on and on telling you about how great the 1911 design is.  But the main reason is this:

you go to the range and shoot your sigs, sw and glocks.  And you will have a good time.  You take a finely tuned 1911 (like those made by kimber custom shop, nighthawk, Dan Wesson, and so on...) to the range for the very first time.  And your hooked.  That's it.   Your views on what constitute a good pistola will forever be changed.  So if you are not ready to spend the $$ don't try them.  Note that I am talking about the high end ones... not the crappy GI replicas from spring field and others... NO offense

That's what happened to me, I bought a Springfield M1911A1 for $450.00, and was hooked from there.

I now own a Nighthawk Predator and a Colt Gold Cup National Match tuned by Clark Custom. Both are excellent!

How are the Taurus 1911's?? I saw an ad in a magazine that said the Taurus guns have a whole bunch of custom features usually found in $2200.00 guns. Nice looking gun in the ad.

I can say over the last 40 + years I had many 1911 and a gold cup but all I can say none of them compared to this SA1911 NM serial number.THIS GUN CAN PUNCH GOUPS WITH OUT A HECUP
The 1911 is a range gun only the trigger pull clean breaks likw glass at 2 1/2 lbs

Quoted from lonewolf5347

I can say over the last 40 + years I had many 1911 and a gold cup but all I can say none of them compared to this SA1911 NM serial number.THIS GUN CAN PUNCH GOUPS WITH OUT A HECUP
The 1911 is a range gun only the trigger pull clean breaks likw glass at 2 1/2 lbs

Are those front finger grips aftermarket?

yep .the grips are slim line
http://www.m1911.org/ezine/PearceModularGrips.htm
scroll down to #4

Grip angle suits me. Points naturally, but I have a pesonal preference for the "Commander" size  

I wish someone would make a decocker for a 1911... just saying

Quoted from noarguy

I wish someone would make a decocker for a 1911... just saying

thats why I like Sig Sauer - my only issue with 1911's are releasing the hammer with a round in the chamber - I dont carry condition one and wont trust a cocked hammer to a "safety" so no 1911 edc for me, P220 is my choice.

Quoted from noarguy

I wish someone would make a decocker for a 1911... just saying

Not exactly a 1911, but take a look at the Smith & Wesson 45 series 4506, 4566, etc ... Not exactly a 1911, but close. Single/double action pistols with a safety decocker.

It's seen better days but it's one of my favorites to shoot....

Its on my list of guns to get...it might be next.

Since I'm a raging S&W fanboy, anyone know how the S&W 1911's fare in the 1911 field?

Quoted from BadKarma

What's the gun on top? Is that a poly 1911? Or just painted? Now, that looks interesting.

Quoted from noarguy

I wish someone would make a decocker for a 1911... just saying

POOOOOOOOOOOOOO[color=red][/color]

the 1911  is like the small block ford , makes plenty of power and stays together

mines going on 100 years and still shoots great   four more years to go  then mabey i will let it rest
on the high end i bought a para p14-45 limited   it feels like abrowning high power in you hand but with more oohmph
much more acurate

I know, I know, safety guys...but my thumb always worked well as a 1911 decocker.