My first 1911 was a Colt. It just shot and I don't recall that gun ever failing to fire. I thought they all worked that way. A few years ago I decided to buy another 1911 and give IDPA shooting a try. I called Gunsite and asked their recommendation. The armorer I spoke with strongly suggested Colt or S&W as the production guns that were most reliable, in his experience. I bought a S&W PD Commander and liked it so much I bought a performance center Gov't. model as well. Both worked flawlessly, but I sold the PD after a printing incident in the grocery... it just didn't fit under my t-shirt as well as I hoped. One day I plan to replace my Kahr carry gun with another S&W CCO.