Gotta love the old veterans - boy, if only guns could talk...
My current examples are modern day, newly manufactured, with several of the "improvements" we have collectively worked out over the years. The full size is a Colt Competition Series purchased just a few years ago, and the Officers' size is a Kimber Ultra Carry purchased when they first came out. Looking at it now, it's hard to believe how much of the finish is worn off - I just don't feel like I actually carry it all that often. I guess it's spent more time on my hip than I care to admit...
Previously owned examples include a first year Springfield Armory that I have since given to my youngest son. It was the first centerfire handgun he ever fired, when he was about five years old. So, when he became old enough to legally own a handgun, the obvious thing to do was to give him this one.
I also bought one of the Rugers the first year they were available. What a fantastic gun. In the end, however, I found I wasn't really enamored with the stainless steel. To me, 1911's look best either parkerized or blued. Fortunately, my oldest son really likes stainless handguns, so I was able to find it a good home.
I never really have shot 1911's all that much, being the handloader that I am, and really not enjoying scrounging up (and losing some of) the spent brass. My sons have kind of encouraged me to shoot mine more, which is good, since I do carry one of them often. We've worked out an easy way to recover brass now as well - we simply lay out a 20 foot square tarp. Can't really do that at my club range, but it sure works great in the gravel pit.