Well, you're right, because my mileage does vary, hehehe.
I'm not debating that Lexus is a better car than Hyundai. What I'm debating is that Rugers are just as good combat guns as Colts. Maybe better. Rugers don't start to fall apart once they're out of warranty, like Hyundais do. Also, long term, Ruger supports their guns at no charge, whereas Colt charges an arm and a leg to support them, once they're out of warranty. You could compare this to Hyundai's warranty too, but that wouldn't be apt either. Hyundai warrants only the powertrain for the longer period. This is nice, because we know the powertrain is probably pretty solid. On the other hand, the powertrain is the last thing that will need work. My friend's Hyundai started to have all the non-powertrain stuff give troubles after 5 years. Dome lights kept burning out. Headlights burn out, and the only ones that give an acceptable service life are the Hyundai ones. (which aren't as bright) This type of thing sometimes happens with Rugers (the improperly manufactured frame on some early LCRs is a good example) But Ruger basically says: "Whoops. Our bad. Send us the gun and we'll send you a new one with no questions asked." Hynudai says: "Sorry, those electrical problems are not covered by the extended warranty. GOTCHA!!"
A more apt comparison would be Toyota vs. Lexus. They're both reliable and high quality. They will both last a long time. But the Lexus is built with more expensive materials, such as leather, and big V6 engines where Toyotas are made with less expensive, but equally serviceable materials, such as cloth and four cylinder engines. They're worth more later because they were worth more to begin with, and everything else is roughly equal.
Same with a Colt 1911 vs. a Ruger. Nicer materials, but not necessarily any more serviceable. There's a bit more to it because of Colt's supply & demand tricks and their longer history with the platform. Perceived value vs. serviceability.
I don't know about the 1911s yet, but from a long term serviceability stand point, I would put my old cast Ruger P90 against a forged Colt 1911 any day. Not as luxurious, but equally serviceable.
Same goes for revolvers. I would put my Redhawk against a S&W any day of the week. The Ruger may not "seem" as nice, but by God, that thing can keep going and going and perform well the whole time. The Smith loosens up and goes out of time, and the Ruger's still going strong without complaint.
Just be open-minded to the new technologies, is all I'm saying. It wasn't too long ago when a certain polymer-framed gun burst on the scene, and the nay-sayers eventually had to concede that they are just as serviceable, and admit that it is a preference issue and not a quality one.
