I think accuracy, looks, weight, feel and number of aftermarket parts is a contributing factor toward the growth of the cult. However, all things considered, if  I  had to guess as to what the most important factor contributing to the 1911's popularity is, I'd have to say that its become as popular as it is because it had tremendous exposure, being the side arm of choice for the military from 1911 to 1985, and the production and distribution of literally thousands of these sidearms over three-quarters of a century .  The US military's use of the sidearm for 75 years has created almost three generations of service members who have been exposed to this firearm. IMO,  familiarity and working knowledge about the gun's design and operation would  naturally create an affinity towards the firearm. If I was in the military and exposed to the 1911, I would certainly have put the 1911 on my short list as a first time buyer. 

^^^This.  It's an iconic and historic design; you can have a functional copy of the gun that fought in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and elsewhere, and it's a reliable semi-automatic pistol to boot.  It's full of history and tradition without being so outdated as to be a liability in a shootout like a Colt Peacemaker would be, for example.  Added to the reliability is the option of getting an all-stainless model with exotic grip panels, and you've got a hell of a nice full-dress, open-carry-to-a-fancy-restaurant, self-defense gun.  That's a lot for any one other pistol to beat: It's near the top of the list for all of the following- reliability, history, looks, and function.

...and the production and distribution of literally thousands...

Try millions.  Millions, I say!!!

Quote from: Mr. Farknkocker on October 18, 2011, 03:30:32 PM

...and the production and distribution of literally thousands...

Try millions.  Millions, I say!!!

I stand corrected. As Carl Sagan used to say...."Billions and billions...."

Double post.

You can do so much with a 1911.  Countless of upgrades and options.

And I’m just a casual shooter...25 yds