Why is the 1911 still so poplular?

[dkf]

I would say that the consumers did. The manufacturers wouldn't offer them if
the didn't sell.

If the 1911 was kept the same for the last 80 years would as many people still have bought them? The 1911 is available in so many sizes and configurations by many different manufacturers, that IMO played a big part in the continued popularity.

[Xpertz]

I believe the statistics saying they are the least reliable are probably based on 1911's taken out of the box and tested.

As you said, after some tuning and parts changing, yours are reliable now. People who know how to tune them and work on the pistol, are capable of making them the most reliable. I think this is why the 1911 is still as popular as it is.

Personally, I wouldn't carry anything else.

[thelemite]

If the 1911 was kept the same for the last 80 years would as many people still have bought them? The 1911 is available in so many sizes and configurations by many different manufacturers, that IMO played a big part in the continued popularity.

I hear what you are saying. Both consumer interest and
manufacturer availibility/ diversity play a part.
I'm glad it has endured regardless of the chicken or
the egg

[NA Wreckdiver]

A lot has already been said...

The ergonomics... fit & feel for most shooters, is nearly (if not) perfect.
The reliability (IMO) is mostly ammo driven.
(just about any 1911 will shoot all day w/o a hick-up w/ Winchester white box)

They are easy to "tune" & find qualified people to do it.

They are almost like the "AR" of pistols with all the option and accessories available.

They are the "all american" pistol with huge heritage and history.

Most of the reliablity issues (IMO) come from "tightening" to make them
"ultra accurate race guns & B.E. guns". Well "race cars" need constant attention too.

[rovert97]

the myth and legends of the 1911 and the .45acp round keep it around just as much as the fact that they just plain work. thats the reason i can think of

[Delcozrt]

1911s are like jeeps, a little love and they will do anything you want and more.

Thats why I rely on both ever day.

[thebearpack]

They're just so damned American. When our enemies were fooling around with 9mm, our GIs were staring 'em down with that big ol' 45!



Got to love it!

[PSUfan1]

They are a classic american gun with good egros shooting a good round (accurately). They have one of the best (if not the best) stock trigger pulls out there at any price point. They are universal in design and have a huge aftermarket w/ many qualified smiths who can work on them (more people wanting the gun grows the aftermarket... and soon the larger aftermarket starts to grow more people wanting the gun).

They are "open source" if you will. If patents ran out on glocks design, sig's p series, etc... you probably would start to see similar things (companies would copy them and soon everyone would have 1 or 12093409234098 models of them).

[Ronnies111]

They are tough, fairly reliable, fun to shoot, fit well in your hand, easy to find parts/upgrades/accessories and they're a battle-proven American military gun.

what's NOT to love?

DITTO: it's the ford & chevy of pistol's one in every price range & upgradeable part's are anywhere & everywhere. Great ergonomic's, 100 year's of proven battlefield experience. Finally it's the most beautiful Pistol ever made And if it's not beautiful to you? You can change out everything!!!

[SauerGrapes]

They are an american icon. The only other icon that comes to mind for me is a classic S&W wheelgun. No offense Colt....