The Mystique of the 1911

I used to scoff and hate a 1911.  I blindly threw disdain and hate towards that antiquated piece of outdated firearms technology.  I would hold my new age polymer framed firearms with their fancy high capacity magazines and sneer as my friend would shoot his 1911.  I would snicker as he missed the target he was shooting at.  I remember shooting his gun and thought, this gun is heavy, the trigger is like pulling a trampoline spring.  I do not know how to describe the feeling of firing his gun.  I remember shooting my Springfield XD versus his gun.  The Springfield was a dream to shoot.  I remember when he shot my firearm and he was hitting the target each time.  I remember seeing the smile on his face.  His response just fortified my mind that the 1911 should be relegated to a time long since passed.  I however did not look at the fact that his firearm was a very cheaply made version of the 1911 from some foreign company.  It very easily rusted and I remember I was asked to refinish the firearm for him.  I remember taking it apart and seeing the very roughly fitted pieces and noticed that the trigger actually was completely broke in half on one side.  It was actually a wonder this firearm still shot and functioned.  It was several years later that I shot a Colt 1911.  It was an old target model probably from the 70's.  When I shot this gun I was in awe.  The firearm had a totally different feel.  It had no slide slop.  It made a sound of utter music to my ears as I cocked it.  The trigger pull was crisp and predictable and I was shooting amazing groups.  I was shocked at how "right" this firearm felt in my hand.  It ran smooth, recoil was smooth as butter, and I could hit the target consistently shot after shot.  I did not want to stop shooting this gun!  I am a convert.  I love the 1911 so much I bought my own finally.  I am now the proud owner of a Kimber Grand Raptor II.  This firearm is a master piece of function and beauty in my eye.  I almost hate to shoot this gorgeous firearm but it is such a shooting pleasure.  I can  hit targets consistently at 50 yards with no problem.  So I am a convert, I love 1911's now.  I am happy to see so many offerings out there for them by other companies and I will be happy to add many more one day to a collection I hope to have.  Will a 1911 replace my daily carry gun?  I am very fond still of my H&K.  I can stack shots with it at 25 yards on good days.  Most of the time I struggle to do that.  However with the Kimber I can pull out out of box and always have a good day with it no matter the distance.  I am not sure but to me there is a mystique about a 1911.  I understand that now.  If you have not shot a true quality 1911 do not judge it by that cheap imitation till you have shot a quality one.