There are a couple design flaws in the 1911 that were corrected in Browning’s next pistol, the Hi-Power. FN completed the Hi-Power design after John Browning passed away.
All modern pistols have the feed ramp integral with the barrel instead of using the frame.
Also, new pistols use a small coil spring on the extractor which tilts upon a pin. This is has more long term durability that the 1911’s leaf spring type extractor.
Finally, the double stack magazine is an improvement over the single stack type. This is evident in the name “Hi-Power”, because the result is more firepower capacity in the double stack mags.
I’ll get flamed for this, but the 1911 in its original form is obsolete. However, there are new versions of the 1911 which incorporate these features.
The 1911’s grip safety is pure engineering genius. John Browning intended it to be carried cocked and unlocked with this feature.
My idea of the ultimate combat handgun would be a 1911 with all three of these design upgrades chambered in .400 Cor-Bon to have 10mm ballistic effectiveness.
This caliber can use .45 magazines and only require a different barrel and recoil springs.
I have owned a Colt Delta Elite and compact EAA Witness in 10mm. The dual recoil springs in those worked quite well.
As a combat tool: agreed. But the 1911 is no more obsolete than a sailboat.
“I’ll get flamed for this, but the 1911 in its original form is obsolete.”
I’ll keep my origional military issue 1911 thank you!!!