Hi Alan0354,
At one time, Colt was the 1911-A1 to own. For some reason, its quality has declined. A Springfield Armory rep told me that his company didn't consider Colt its competition.
Some 40 years ago, 2 gunsmiths, one of national fame, told me that the S&W Model 27-2 was the best revolver ever manufactured to include the Colt Python. I wish I bought one. Anyway, marketers can become ingenious when it comes to convincing consumers to buy their products. Why does any handgun, especially a revolver, need a vent rib?
There are a lot of excellent quality 1911-A1s available to consumers. I honestly cannot write that one brand is better than others, assuming top-tier manufacturers. It pares to preference. For me, Springfield Armory's 1911-A1s have demonstrated flawless reliability and incredible accuracy. I know that other 1911-A1 aficionados have the identical sentiments about their favorite brands. Springfield Armory 1911-A1s (including its EMP models) are made in America by American craftsmen using highest quality materials (forged steel). I'll always support American workers if possible.
If I can offer advice that you seem to already know: always buy what's right for you, not what's right for others. And I agree with you: well made polymer handguns are of excellent quality. If you're good with polymer, that's the way you should go. However, I doubt that there's a significant weight differential between polymer and aircraft quality aluminum frames. My Sig P229's frame is feather light.
A point about lightweight handguns: they can be be difficult to keep on target. Too much cartridge in too light a handgun can produce adverse consequences. I couldn't imagine firing a .357 Mag round out of a "J" Frame. Worse, I doubt that a .357 Mag round out of a "J" belly gun would produce increased efficacy vis-a-vis a .38 Special +P round. However, you are right: weight is a huge concern for urban concealed carry. For wilderness carry, I go with my TRP loaded with 230 grain Fed HST LE +P loads. I use it for mean critter defense to include griz.
I can remember problems Glocks demonstrated when they were introduced. I'm almost positive that those problems have been long ago resolved.
I wish you the absolute best with your choice.
BTW, I live in the totalitarian state of CA. Its oppressive Amendment II infringements harm gun owners. Do politicians really believe that marauding felons are worried about its standard capacity magazine ban? Has any felon surrendered his standard capacity magazine because they're illegal? That law was designed to make felons out of law abiding America citizens as a method of de facto, back door gun confiscation.
