The S&W's are old that's why Ruger built a new gun instead of a copy . That said the 1911 is also pushing 100 years and now the 460 rowland and other powerful rounds are being added . This shows how ahead of its time the 1911 really was . As for 7-8 rounds ( there are 14 round aval. ) . Its not that the high caps are better , the 1911 came along when marksmanship was the hallmark of someone who depended on the handgun for self defense . Today there are still such people but with hollywood and such the spray and pray crowd has gained acceptace .
The bottom line is if after a shot or two you have either ended the battle or you had better be behind good cover . To stand in the open and unload a mega. round mag. could get you killed .
For most the 1911 points good , the trigger is conductive to good shooting ( yes in a combat gun accy. is not as important as in a target gun but to start with a accurate gun does not hurt ). All 1911's i have owned were dependable until someone %#@$#@ with it or tried to use ammo that it was not designed to function with ( lets be honest you should pick a system , you use the correct oil and gas for your truck or you pay a price why is your gun different ? ), others have stated they are thin ( it matters ) The grips are well grips they don't hold in/on important parts ( the gun will work with out them ) .
THEY LOOK GOOD ! THEY FEEL GOOD IN THE HAND ! AND THEY ARE GOOD !
And last when time matters which gun can be fired faster ?
Don't waste time bringing up S&W's guru of speed with a revolver , saw him work a 1911 , well kind of it was tooooo fast to take it all in !