RJMcElwain:
Generally speaking, the 1911 is the easiest pistol for a person to shoot quickly and accurately. A moderate/slim grip, a better trigger than 99% of other pistols, a short (but adjustable) distance from the backstrap to the trigger, and single-action semi-auto manual of arms are all factors that contribute to shootability. Guys with bear-paws and gals with itty-bitty hands can find a comfortable grip, given changes to the beavertail safety, trigger length, & grip stocks.
Also, the 1911 carries (as in CCW, IWB) more easily than other service-autos because its slide and grip are so slim. Less chafing, less liklihood of printing.
Usually, most action-shooting sports have at least one 1911-only category, as it is not fair to make otherwise equal competitors compete with equipment shown to not perform quite as quickly as others (the 1911).
Now, the above is not to disparage many other fine designs. Take the lines of various SIG non-1911 autos. They are fine weapons. I am especially fond of the 220. Thing is, they are p!ss-poor choices for gals with hands like my wife. The wide (mostly) double-stack grips, the looooong ways from backstrap to trigger, the long first DA trigger pull, all work against her, no matter the quality of execution. Beretta's service autos are similar: quality weapons, poor designs for a goodly number of folks.
Also, so many of the DA/SA & DAO pistols have gritty, horrific triggers that most 'smiths won't even try to improve.
Where some 1911 manufacturers fall down is in execution of the design. Since the patent on the 1911 ran out, anybody with machining equip can turn out a "1911." These days, a couple of the top non-custom 1911 makers are Smith & Wesson and STI. Also, many 1911s made by varous manufacturers to the original design spec are still around. Springfield manufactures the pistol carried by one of the FBI's rapid-response segments & might be worth taking a gander at.
Good luck to you, if you decide to purchase a 1911. FWIW, I was able to switch from a sub-compact double-stack auto as my favored CCW to a full-sized 1911 (S&W) after giving it a try. It was just easier to tote the 1911 and I shot it better than anything else.
