[QUOTE="Chris Timmerman]Mike,
It's more about the functionality of the handgun vs. the size. The 1911 is a classic design and a great gun, but when it was designed we were also using bi-planes for dog fights. The advancements in firearms have put better options on the table for a lot of people. The 1911 (especially small frame ones) can be incredibly sensitive to ammo and very finicky to get running reliably. The 1911's also tend to weigh more than polymer pistols of similar size and shape. The manual safety......I get that it is all personal preference, but not having to worry about one additional step when putting the pistol into use is a nice benefit. Most polymer pistols are also more rounded and better suited to daily carry.
I guess the real heart of the matter for me is that I've seen plenty of 1911 pistols have issues during a 3 day handgun class. They need tuned, or lubed, or this, or that.... way, way more than Glocks, M&P's, or Springfield xD 's. Every time it's the same story of talking to the student and them telling the instructors by Sunday afternoon that his 1911 is getting retired to the safe for one of the previous mentioned polymer framed guns. Greg Ellifritz of Active Response Training had a great article discussing this exact topic on 1911's. I love my 1911's and have several, but they aren't the fighting gun my G19 or G34 is. Just my experience and .02 cents.
PS - Have you looked a a G43 for a light summer carry gun? I recently picked one up to compliment my G42 and G19....nice size little pistol that virtually disappears with an appendix carry holster and a t-shirt.
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Good info. Thanks.
As for the G43, I really haven't looked at it. My stepson recently bought and XDS and I may check that out and compare it to the G43. I don't think a person could go wrong with either one. I know I've stated on here before I bought my wife an XMD/2 and I really like the way that shoots so I wouldn't have any problems sticking with that brand or style.