The 1911 may not be the magic sword, but it comes pretty close for many people. Few guns have its combination of good features all in one package.
-1911s are very ergonomic, and thanks to their thin slides very comfortable to carry IWB. It;s arguably the easiest full-sized service gun to conceal and carry.
-1911s have excellent triggers with very short travel, very conducive to rapid and accurate fire. They are quick into action when carried cocked-and-locked, which is the only proper way to carry a 1911.
-1911s shoot a serious cartridge with an outstanding reputation for stopping fights.
-1911s use single-stack magazines, which makes for flat and very portable reloads. A double mag carrier of 1911 magazines has half the bulk of a double-stack magazine carrier.
-1911s come in many interesting calibers. You can get one in .45ACP, 10mm, .38 Super, 9mm, 9x23 Winchester, and .40S&W. That's not counting all the wildcat conversions and single-shot top ends.
-1911s are the small block Chevy of the gun world. Every holster maker has leather for them, and every gunsmith knows how to fix and tune them. 1911s have more aftermarket parts available than any other pistol design.
-The 1911 is the American Handgun. Chesty Puller, Audie Murphy and Alvin York carried one. It has served the nation well for almost a century, and it's more popular than ever.