[jyl]

If you're looking for a semi-auto to carry, I think the polymer-frame striker-fired guns have a lot going for them.

- Cheaper than a (good) 1911.
- Lighter than a 1911.
- (Often) more corrosion-resistant that a 1911 (good in sweaty climes)
- (Usually) double-stack so holds more rounds than a 1911.
- (Can be) more compact than a 1911 - for instance, a Glock 36 is smaller than practically any 1911, it will fit in a front pants pocket.
- Simpler to use than a 1911. Like a revolver - point and pull trigger. No manual safety, no "cocked and locked". This makes some types of carry easier - e.g. in a "pocket holster" riding in a pants or coat pocket. (They do make pocket holsters for 1911s, but the cocked hammer will be sticking out there, snagging and bumping.)

I personally like Glocks. They are simple, rugged, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. There are a lot of "performance parts" that simply drop in.

In my opinion, Glocks are also more tried and tested than most new 1911s.

Shocking statement, I know. Here's my reasoning.

Today the "1911" is not one model of gun or even one design, it has become a group of guns made by many different companies, that vary one from the other. Each manufacturer machines its parts just a little bit differently, and some use different extractor, guide rod, bushing, etc designs. Thus one manufacturer's 1911 part won't necessarily work on another's 1911 without gunsmithing. So just because the original 1911 design dates back 97 years and fought in WW1/2/etc doesn't mean that the 1911s produced by XYZ company have 97 years of field use backing them - often its a lot less.

On the other hand, the Glock is one design (in multiple calibers) that has been made by one company for - well, the Glock 17 was introduced in 1980, so nearly 30 years. And since Glocks are on the hips of more cops than any other pistol (>60% market share in US), they've logged vastly more actual field time than any model of 1911 currently being sold. I mean, buffs of XYZ 1911 will say "the XYZ 1911 is tried and tested". But are there 2 to 3 million XYZ 1911s out there, riding in holsters and being fired in anger? Not even close.

I've fired the S&W M&P and it is a very nice pistol too. Never tried the Springfield XD.