Yes, the M9 replaced the 1911 because the rest of NATO was using 9mm and we wanted to have ammo compatibility. At the time I had just bought a Browning 9mm Hi-Power and was shocked that they chose the Beretta instead of the BHP. IIRC, the difference in bid price was between $25-75/each.
Interestingly, the 1911 is reportedly still used by SWAT teams, FBI Hostage Rescue, USMC Force Recon, Army Spec Ops and Delta Force. There's an ongoing interest - particularly among the USMC - to develop an improved 1911.
web pageI can already see that I'm going to need some range time to get used to the thumb safety. I don't want to carry it in Condition 1/cocked and locked, but there may be times when I would want to.... and that's not the time to be trying to remember to flip the lever. I guess I need to shoot it enough so it becomes a natural instinct and/or find out if I can draw it and rack the slide fast enough to carry it in Condition 3/empty chamber, magazine in.
At my age, I probably don't have the reflexes to jack the slide fast enough in an emergency, but there is a half-cocked hammer position that appears to allow for a round in the chamber, thumb safety off..... full cock is then very easy and it's ready to fire quickly with a minimum of effort. Unless a 1911 expert tells me that's a bad idea, it might be the best way for me to use it.
[EDIT] I've found several 1911 discussion threads that seem to agree that the half-cock position isn't safe - so, I guess it's gonna be cocked and locked for me. [EDIT]
Frank
