There seems to be confusion about the word relevant.
For self defense and general range work-The gun is used by millions around the world and thus by definition still relevant. It still meets the needs of it's users, it continues to do it's job and does it as well, and for many users better, than it's competitors.
As a military sidearm- It is being phased out. While still widely used within a decade or two it will likely be gone from this role and thus no longer relevant to the military. But that has not happened yet so it is still relevant as a military sidearm. It is in use and does it's job and by definition-relevant. The list of sidearms that have seen unbroken military service worldwide for over 70 years is slim.
Engineering-Improvements have been made on pistol design since 1935. The Petter lockup is more durable than the locking lugs of Brownings design. Both Petter and the designers of the Radom Vis had figured out the weakness of the 1911s link back in the 1930's. The frame and slide of many designs are stronger now. Yet old as it is the basics of the design are still widely in use and production. So while other, stronger, less expensive designs exist production figures, sales and profit margins tells use that the BHP is still relevant. That is it is still in use widely and meeting needs.
The existence of vacuum cleaners does not make the broom irrelevant. Only a first year economics student would argue that it does. Or maybe a professor of economics.
The single action design, and the barrel with machined top lugs are no longer in use.
The sa trigger makes it irrelevant. If so than add the 1911 to the list of irrelevant guns. The number of pistol manufacturers which offer single action guns is growing, someone should send them a note on this bit of irrelevancy.
I personally find them ugly and to have the WORST ergonomics of any firearm I have ever handled.
That a gun does not feel "right" in a fellas hand does not make it a bad design or irrelevant. Such a thing is subjective. What is not subjective is that the ergonomics of the Hi-Power set an engineering standard. That grip angle and shape have been widely copied, adapted and built on.
Folks may want to rethink what they mean by relevancy.
By the way, the basic discussions for the 1911 began about 1905 within the military. 1911 Tuner is correct on this bit of history. The basic features of the 1911 were designed to meet the needs of mounted soldiers.
tipoc