My current favorite. Hundred-year-old design, modern materials and manufacturing.
The only changes for a century have reflected changing ideas of ergonomics and tactical shooting.
I'm still amazed how so few parts control so many mechanical functions of the weapon. This makes individualizing the M1911 so easy and effective for anyone with a bit of skill and care. It's probably the most customizable handgun ever made. With millions of users, who have hundreds of millions of ideas on how to tweak it, there are tons of good and bad aftermarket items out there.
The M1911 has also benefited the entire handgun world by setting a standard for other designs to try to approach. After all the gunsmithing I've done, I can use what I've learned to evaluate other brands of handguns.
So thanks to John M. Browning for a design that has stood the test of time, and set the bar for handguns that will also try to last through the ages.