I understand 1911's now

[Wallabing]

For 1911 owners, 70% of the ownership is basically a hot rod show, 20% of that is tuning and upgrading their 1911's so that their "hot rod" has the esteem of being "custom tuned"

.....and the other 10% is functionality. I dont care if it has feeding or extracting problems, as long as it looks good and keeps the image of the operator of being rich and prestigious.

amirite?

[modls7]

You could say that about any gun.

[Vin63]

I'm not sure my uncles who relied on their 1911s for their lives in Italy and France during WWII would agree with that assessment.

[nitroxdiver]

The only thing I've done to my colts is add ammunition. They work fine out of the box.

[Dark Mod]

Somewhat agree. Id take the ratio of functionality up to 30% or so and decrease the others.

[Bsandoc40]

I would care if any of my guns had extraction and/or feeding problems. Customizing a 1911 is a relatively easy hung because the design has been in service for over 100 years. Be it a Rock Island or Les Baer, 1911s have earned a level of respect because of how they have performed thru a century of actual use.

OP's comments are true but also missing the point .... All in one post.

[Staticsouls]

sounds like someone is jealous they dont have a 1911

[Loubot10]

I have 4 that have received no changes and shoot accurately regularly, one that was changed prior to my ownership, and one that I purchased as a build.

Shoot, no pretty.

[modls7]

sounds like someone is jealous they dont have a 1911

Pretty much. For being a tight knit community we sure like to create divides amongst each other. Not too sure why.

[Wallabing]

If people are after the track record of the 1911, then why are GI 1911 style pistols unpopular in shooting culture then?

People are always plopping down $1500 for the extended beavertails extended magwell hot rod 1911's that always have function problems.

[sffred]

IMHO 1911's have the best trigger! Compare em' to any new school gun. And see why 1911's have the best pre travel (if there is any), travel, and reset.

[modls7]

People are always plopping down $1500 for the extended beavertails extended magwell hot rod 1911's that always have function problems.

All of them? Is this a true statement for you?

[Fish Stick]

Wallabing, I think you are close with "hot rod show".

I see the 1911 as the Harley Davidson of guns. Heavy American steel, cool as hell and just as impressive, 102 years after being designed.

To me, it is one of the iconic American guns like an SSA, or a '94 Winchester that have shaped and define our gun culture.

A must have for anyone with a passion to shoot. With enough $ you buy or create the one that matches your own vision for perfection.

I have a new one being made in the Colt Custom Shop as we speak. Should be done in just a few more months.

[marcus_bervus]

IMHO you are fixated on the form of the 1911 rather on its substance, which it has both in abundance....

[GeoRick]

i disagree

I have owned other handguns that I liked very much, but the 1911 i retained and haven't sold after all is said and done, is because of several key factors (for me). let me use your system of a percentage breakdown..

Why I am a "1911 guy" - which isn't to mean I don't like glock or anything like that..

1. Accuracy. my basic kimber is much more accurate then i am even firing one handed.
2. Feels heavy. Some people might not like this, but I do It decreases the recoil and feels good in your hand with a full 8-round magazine attached. The fact that a classic 1911 is all steel construction is very nice. Not a lot of handguns these days are steel framed..
3. The history. I like the history behind the 1911. I think most 1911 guns can relate - it is a time tested and battle proven handgun. am I gonna use it for battle? probably not, but in a HD situation, accuracy and shot placement are critical - and I never shoot better groups with polymer guns.
4. Last reason is that they look cool. but most handguns do! but mine is kinda boring, black, and not very pretty necessarily. but it serves well for shooting accurately!