A few things come to mind.
Since I was a little kid, and my parents got me a WWII play set, with a 1911 that was about 1/2 size, it intrigued me. Even though I have carried several other guns over the years, (Glock, Sig, Beretta, etc,) I always wished they were 1911s. growing up and studying history made me appreciate it more. and if that wasn't enough, the trigger is the clincher.
I want to have to doodle with it as little as possible. I don't want any surprises. However, since I have a strong preference for 1911s, this has had mixed results. My Kimber is very boring. My RIA needed a few trips to the gunsmith to run well.
When rookies ask me what they should get, I tell them that there are many great guns, but some are here to stay, some will be in "What ever happened to" articles 20 years from now. I like guns that are well established in the market, and have many options for training aids, magazines, grips, holsters, .22 conversion kits, etc. To that end, I tell them, "Any accessory that hits the gun market, the first two guns it will be made for are the Glock 17/19, and the 1911." Some guns have almost no options for aftermarket magazines, which is very bad, if the magazine that came with the gun has a problem, and they come in here and ask us for help, and the first thing we tell them is....try a different magazine. Also, it is much easier to have gunsmithing done on guns that are more popular.
I like flat, dark finishes. I suppose for me, the intent of weapons stems from warfare, and usually that means having a finish that will withstand the elements, and not give away your position.
I don't keep safe queens. I suppose if I happened into one at little or no cost to me, I might keep it. But my guns get used. I recently inherited my grandfather's old 16 ga Model 97, which needs a total rebuild. I ask myself, would my grandfather want to have it sit in a locker forever? Or would he want it out hunting grouse? I am going to have it rebuilt. I have his M-1 carbine. It is gaining in value, and some would say I shouldn't risk it by using it hard, or getting it seized as evidence after a defensive shooting in my home. so, I ask myself, what would my grandfather say? He would say guns are replaceable. People aren't. So, I don't keep guns I don't shoot, that's just me. I have a commemorative Para with my unit's markings from my deployment. I still use it.
And you should be able to shoot it well. I shoot 1911s best. I suppose it's possible that some of that comes from liking them and really WANTING to make them work, but they work for me.
People say it should be a 'carryable' handgun. Ok. But I find that this is a bit subjective. Today there are many options that were designed to be carried concealed by civilians. But since I have always carried full-size (or oversize double-stack) handguns, I have found that carryable depends on how willing you are to work with it.