Originally Posted by KCJeep
The military association is certainly part of it's appeal, but it simply takes vastly more labor time to correctly put together a 1911, even a cheap one, than most guns. Labor = dollars.
That's basically it. Forged frames and slides add slightly to the cost, as does cosmetics, (front strap checkering, high polished bluing, etc.). Along with machined small parts like hammers, slide stops and such, as opposed to MIM manufactured. But mostly it's in the fitting and assembly that drives up the cost. As always in manufacturing time equals money.
Also is the fact it's a 100% steel weapon. Steel is more costly and time consuming to machine than Aluminum framed guns like the M-9, and several of the Sig models. It wears out tooling much faster as well.
Another problem with the 1911 is it is more susceptible to tolerance stacking than most other semi auto pistols. Many of the parts, (slide, frame, barrel, bushing), can be within tolerance, and fit very loose, or else so tight it can, and often does, impede reliability. It's the reason some people praise a given manufacturer, while others badmouth the same. It all depends if you, "get a good one", or not.
Companies like Colt maintain better tolerance control and assembly. So their guns run more consistently and reliably. Albeit at a higher price. They also have a higher standard of finish than most 1911 manufacturers.
Right now for the money a Les Baer 1911 is one of the best buys out there. They are all hand fit, and use quality parts throughout. But many models don't require a second mortgage on your home to purchase. Rock Island builds an excellent low cost 1911. They are somewhat crudely finished, (at least the lower cost G.I. models), but they are very reliable, and have excellent triggers. They also come with a very good warranty.
Another problem area with 1911's more so than other pistols that effect reliability are magazines. Some like the Wilson Combat mags. usually run flawlessly in any gun, while other cheaper magazines cause nothing but feeding issues. I have 1911's that will run a given magazine with zero issues. While the same magazine in another model will cause problems.
A 1911 of any make is a gun you want to "prove out", by shooting several hundred rounds of different ammunition through as many magazines as possible. It will help break in the gun, and at the same time allow you to choose the most reliable combination of gun, magazine, and ammo that will give the most reliable performance.