1911 American Icon

The 1911.  An iconic piece of American history.  It has been praised for it's strength, robustness, crisp trigger and slim frame.  For some it is a carry piece, for others a range or competition gun, and for more than might admit, it is a safe queen, brought out only to fondle and photograph. It is timeless, exudes class, and like the AR15 comes in a wide variety of flavors.  Available with aluminum and steel frames, tactical rails, and a plethora of sight options.  If someone from Hollywood in1945 were trying to create a futuristic prop gun for a movie, it might look something like the 1911 race guns of today. The John Browning pistol is constantly being compared to the modern polymer pistols in current production such as the Glock.  The bottom line is they are two pistols from two very different periods of time where different technologies were available. I'm going to go out on a limb and say if these guns were vehicles, then the first Gen Glock would be a 1988 Nissan Sentra, and the 1911 a 1950 Chevy pickup.
The 88 Sentra had little to no character but it was cheap, fuel effecient and boring reliable.  I owned one and can't think of anything spectacular about it other than it worked and always worked.  It's a small car, I'm 5'9" but for a lot of taller people this would be an uncomfortable ride. The vinyl seats would stick to your legs and make you sweat in the summer.  Even though it was ugly and uncomfortable, mine was going strong even when only firing on 3 cylinders.  This was after my dad had used it to commute to work and back for several years.
An old fully restored antique pickup is a beautiful thing.  They are not gas sippers and they are lacking in modern features. Still, they are sure to turn heads and serve as a reminder of an older time where everything was made of steel and made to last.  People like the way they look and appreciate the history they carry.  Usually reserved for around town and parades, these classics are not ordinarily designated for everyday commuter use.  Making an old truck with new technology is the same thing as manufacturing modern day 1911s.  I mean car companies are going retro anyways with some of their newest models.  Kind of like Hollywood, they are running out of new ideas so they look at remaking originals.  Look at the newer Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, and Dodge Avenger for example.  The PT Cruiser, Chevy HHR, and SSR are eyesores but they are designed to look like older model cars and look at who is generally driving them.
They haven't quite captured the timelessness embodied in the pickups of old with these recent re-makes. On the other hand, I think the firearm industry has nailed it with the 1911.  They've kept the body of the 1911 and just given it a new set of clothes.  Modern sights, beavertail safeties, and ramped barrels are just a few improvements made while keeping the frame of the pistol intact.
My point is that while I'm a huge fan of the 1911 with it's timeless design and huge role in American history, it would not be my number one "go to" pistol.  Is my Les Baer 1911 with 1.5 inch guarantee at 50 yards the nicest gun I own?  Most definitely.  I value it more than any other firearm.  For one, it cost 4 times what a new Glock, SD, or M&P runs for.  It's my parade pistol.  I enjoy shooting it the most and I shoot it more accurately than any other.  Short and Crisp 4 lb trigger, 5 inch barrel, and over-sized parts that are all fitted by hand.  Yeah, it better be a sweet shooter.  What do I carry though and expect to function 100%?  Glock 19 or HK USP Compact.

So what do you guys think our grandkids will say about our Glocks in 50 years?