IT'S 100 YEARS "YOUNG" (ALMOST) AND STILL "FIRING" ON ALL CYLINDERS ....
Rugers are built like the proverbial brick "out" house. They provide outstanding value and performance.
But ... neither John Browning nor Will Rogers ever met Bill Ruger.
And John Moses Browning was the "genius" behind the 1911, his pinnacle achievement among his other classic American firearms designs. I like Colt 1911/1911A1's, always have, always will. I carried one in Southeast Asia, and my Dad carried his in that really Big War #2. THEY --- 1911's and various clones --- still represent the head of the class. There are many "technically" superior firearms out there today, but many are/were based on 1911 characteristics and design. Ask most SpecOps types --- civilian or military --- who get to "choose" their personal weapons. Many (most?) still choose old "slab-sides".
Firearms are ALWAYS a compromise, of sorts. Price, size, function, "fit", even reputation and lineage play a part. So does emotion on the part of the owner.
Ammo? The 9mm Parabellum/Luger is a "good" round, as is the .40S&W. Like my former-SEAL Master Chief shipmate says, "when I put two 9mm's into your forehead, you won't know the difference." Having said that, he and I agree the .45 ACP is still the "American" classic. It is a slow, big bullet. As I stated in a previous post, I like bullets that make big holes, slowly.
Now, isn't she pretty ???? Tell the truth ......