The popularity of the 1911 as a target gun has to do with more than the single action trigger. That fact that it was a successful military firearm, especially after WW2, when a lot of GIs came home and started to shoot didn't hurt. That was about the time when target shooters began the big transition from revolvers to autos.
Browning's design is easy to work on. As nice as the trigger that you experienced was, chances are that it can be made better; it was probably a stock trigger. It is a relatively easy gun to accurize - make the lockup of parts repeatable - as well as durable. A well done 1911 will put ten shots into two inches at 50 yds. if the shooter is up to the task.
Time has allowed for a truly vast number of aftermarket parts for the 1911. Virtually every part in the gun can be upgraded - though that is not needed as the original design was superior (Years ago, I sent my 1911 to the late George Madore, along with a new "match" barrel to install when he was accurizing the gun. He tested the stock barrel before installing the new one. His advice, which I took, was to send the match barrel back, it was not needed.).
Since the military switch to the Beretta 9mm years ago, the Army Marksmanship gunnies have done wonderful work getting that piece to shoot well in competition but the 1911 still dominates.
Pete
Browning's design is easy to work on. As nice as the trigger that you experienced was, chances are that it can be made better; it was probably a stock trigger. It is a relatively easy gun to accurize - make the lockup of parts repeatable - as well as durable. A well done 1911 will put ten shots into two inches at 50 yds. if the shooter is up to the task.
Time has allowed for a truly vast number of aftermarket parts for the 1911. Virtually every part in the gun can be upgraded - though that is not needed as the original design was superior (Years ago, I sent my 1911 to the late George Madore, along with a new "match" barrel to install when he was accurizing the gun. He tested the stock barrel before installing the new one. His advice, which I took, was to send the match barrel back, it was not needed.).
Since the military switch to the Beretta 9mm years ago, the Army Marksmanship gunnies have done wonderful work getting that piece to shoot well in competition but the 1911 still dominates.
Pete
