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This is good conversation, but let me refocus us back to my original question. A number of you have indicated that the plastic guns are a "modern design". Can someone clearly explain to me the benefits of a modern design, over say the established 1911 design. Just because it's newer, doesn't say much. How exactly is it better?

I'm not trying to make this a 1911 vs Plastic Guns debate. I view a gun as a tool, and as such, if there is a better tool out there that does the job then I want to make sure that I can recognize that fact. For example, if I'm a wood worker and I've been using screwdrivers for 30 years to assemble my items. The screwdrivers are metal, durable, last forever. However, I noticed that my neighbor next to me is able to take screw in screws faster because he is using one of them new "plastic screwdrivers", aka drill. Yes, the drill might not be as durable over the long term, but it does the job better. Because I was so locked into using screwdrivers I couldn't step back into seeing how the industry had changed, an even though the new "plastic screwdrivers" felt cheaper, they allowed me to do my job better. This is an example of what I'm trying to prevent.

I'm a big believer in the 1911 platform, but I don't want to get so biased that I immediately discount other platforms. I've tried in the past to like the polymer guns (as was stated, you can never have enough guns), but I've never got past the toy'ish feel of them, which has prevented me from buying them. However, I may be missing out on the best shooting, reliable gun out there and not know it. I don't want to buy one of these guns just because I don't have one. I want to buy one if they offer something that I'm not already getting from my 1911's feature wise, or if there are external benefits I receive from them (such as lower price).

So, let's refocus the discussion back on the merits of the polymer guns. I'll start again by saying one of the big selling points are that they are cheaper (cost wise) and should my luggage get stolen in the airport, then I'm not out alot. The last gun show I was had had new XD for $399, good grief. That's nothing after you come from the tables with the Kimber and Sig's.

Currenly I own 3 1911 handguns. I'm a big fan of the 1911 platform. With another gun show coming next weekend I've been thinking about picking up another toy, and this time I am considering something else besides a 1911. Lately I've been thinking of something that I previously thought was blasphemy.... owning one of them "plastic guns". I've handled the guns at the gun show, but personally they just feel like toys to me. I know they sell well, as they tend to be much cheaper than the 1911's. I travel in my job, and the thought of one of my $1k Kimbers being stolen in my luggage at the airport gives me the shivers. I want a less expensive alternative to pack with me when I'm gone.

So, I need some convincing. What are the advantages for these polymer framed guns over the 1911 platform aside from price? Assuming money was not an issue, tell me why you would go with an XD, or Glock or H&K over a Kimber, Springfield Armory, Sig Sauer gun. I'm not trying to be a 1911 snob. I just want to understand the major selling points for these type of guns.

For sake of the argument, let's leave out the 3" 1911 clones, and the small frame revolvers.