1911 Advantages:
Trigger, trigger, trigger, shames all others.
Can be made more accurate than the poly guns and still be reliable.
Thin compared to ALL double stack magazines. I have yet to see in person or on the internet a magazine as size efficient as a 1911's for such an effective cartridge. The HK P7 and some other single stack 9mms are the only other ones that get close.
Looks great, and is a natural pointer for most folks.
The 1911 is FLAT and rounded, not blocky and rectangular, so easier to conceal for a lot of folks despite weighing more.
The design is not so spring dependent. No complicated interplay between the fire control parts, no trigger spring to fail.
Has an aftermarket as vast as the ocean, combined with an easily detail strippable design, (So does the Glock, the XD isn't even close).
With changeable backstraps before that was ever cool, replaceable grip safety and side panels, as well as different reach triggers and sizes of mag catches, thumb safeties and slide releases, the 1911 is endlessly customizeable to one's hand compared to every other pistol on the market.
1911 Perceived Disadvantages:
In condition 1 need to flip off the safety before taking a panic shot (This is solely a training issue that has never dissuaded serious shooters from adopting the platform.)
Lower capacity (not a disadvantage to some) I'd say if you can't get it done with 8+1 and 16 more rounds carried concealed, you aren't going to get it done with a fat 12+1 and 12-24 more rounds carried concealed either.
Heavier (A good holster and belt mitigate this a lot. I actually prefer the heft as I present the pistol. It swings quite naturally.
1911 Actual Disadvantages:
Due to the great variability in 1911 manufacture, an example that is not custom or semi custom in origin should not be automatically trusted out of the box to the same degree that a Glock, XD, or Beretta can be. A 500 round shakedown period is a must for lesser breed 1911s and still recommendable for all others and a variety of ammo tried to make sure that there are no feeding or extraction or ejection issues.
That vast aftermarket gives rise to the urge to tinker, sometimes to the detriment of performance. The vast aftermarket also gives rise to some really cheap but questionable magazines that can fail pretty regularly.
Cocked & Locked carry mandates dedicated dry and live fire practice to ensure the muscle memory to sweep the safety off during the draw from the holster. You can't half-ass the carry of a 1911 like one can get away with using a "draw and crush the trigger in panic" mode of carry.
Glock/XD Advantages:
No safety to flip before taking the shot, though you'd better be using a proper grip on either to avoid limpwristing.
Lighter than alloy/steel frame, but I think the impervious to corrosion is a bigger point for polymer than the rather overblown weight savings.
Able to handle +P ammo without modification or excess wear (A 1911A1 can certainly do this as well.)
Average lifetime longer than 1911 (Who told you this whopper?)
Usually have more generous chambers and inline feeding than the 1911 and use sprung extractors that actually work.
The Glock is even more simple to completely disassemble than is the 1911, but the XD is not. Both field strip easier than a 1911.
No "scary" C&L mode of carry, so dedicated practice is not paramount.
Glock/XD Disadvantages:
Harder to get accurate with on a quick shot due to trigger pull (Though not that much harder)
Slightly more muzzle jump due to lighter weight
Thicker frame a disadvantage for concealment, the magazines are fat for concealment too.
Grips on both are only customizeable through surgery or a cheap looking piece of slip on rubber.
The Glock has pointing issues for lots of folks.
Trigger covering holster absolutely required for carry, limiting one's holster choices.
I have tried striker fired pistols. The only one I like is the M&P. I carry a 4" Springer Champion 90% of the time
