The 1911 as originally designed is reliable. But if you throw in parts that are of lesser quality you're going to have problems. All these issues with bad magazines, extractors, fitting, etc are NOT the 1911's fault. If SIG shipped their pistols with cheap magazines they wouldn't have a reputation for flawless reliability either.
It's time for 1911 manufacturers to stop looking at their products as high-priced tinkertoys, and to give customers what they need out of the box. Quality components (no MIM small parts or flimsy mags) and professional fitting and assembly. The only problem is, to remain profitable they would have to charge $1000 just for a basic pistol. But as long as they have to compete with $650 "MIM wonders" being sold to folks who don't know any better it's gonna be hard to do.
It's time for 1911 manufacturers to stop looking at their products as high-priced tinkertoys, and to give customers what they need out of the box. Quality components (no MIM small parts or flimsy mags) and professional fitting and assembly. The only problem is, to remain profitable they would have to charge $1000 just for a basic pistol. But as long as they have to compete with $650 "MIM wonders" being sold to folks who don't know any better it's gonna be hard to do.