I have a 1911, an old Kimber Super Match II that I bought in about 2002, and it had been on my local dealer of choice’s shelf for a year or two before that. I bought it to compete with in league matches, and won more than a few first place trophies with it.
It’s a good pistol for the most part, and I’ve enjoyed it. However, I haven’t shot it in years. With around 20K on it or more it needs some TLC, and that involves a skilled individual performing that work for $$$.
I’m primarily carrying and shooting a polymer framed 9mm HK VP9 these days.
As a duty pistol to be issued to non enthusiast end users the 1911 is totally and completely obsolete. Particularly when the reality of a budget for an agency is factored in; a good 1911 that is made for fighting, with good parts, hand fitting, tuning, and vetted magazines is going to be north of $2.5K for something you could take out of the box issue to a dude and expect it to run right 99% of the time for 99% of those using it. Unless you want to issue 1911’s made with the same clearances the “won two world wars” crowd always throws out. Probably not going to be very impressive mechanical accuracy...
That’s assuming your users will learn the weapon, and actually keep it reasonably clean and lubricated (which they won’t do). Then you have to train those monkeys how to use the pistol properly and utilize the safety, etc under stress. So add more $$$ for even more training.
On the flip side you could select any of a number of $500-$600 polymer frame striker fired pistols that also hold 2X or more ammo, that will still be more reliable than a good 1911.... even when the end user never cleans or lubricates it. Plus the magazines are cheap and they all work. Plus the manual of arms is simple compared to a 1911. Oh and all the parts will drop in if repairs are needed.
Since incompetent officers or soldiers can’t shoot a pistol to save their life anyway, qualification scores will be about the same; but at least the polymer pistol most likely gives the end user at least 2X more chances to solve their problem. The ones who can shoot might post a slightly higher score with a tuned up 1911, but they’ll probably appreciate the lighter pistol with more bullets in it that goes bang more dependably. Witness units that have access to 1911’s and maintain rigorous pistol marksmanship standards, not using 1911’s anymore.
If you’re a dedicated pistol shooter with some money for top notch gear and a willingness to maintain it a 1911 is still awesome. That population of shooters is fairly small, when put into the context of gun owners it is tiny.
With all of that said I’m still seriously considering a custom 2011 frame 9mm 5” bbl pistol. But I don’t mind maintaining a pistol, I mostly don’t shoot my 1911 because I don’t have much use for .45 ACP anymore thanks to how good modern 9mm duty ammo is. I just want to simplify my ammo buying and reloading chores.
