Here's a question from a newbie (me). I note that Armscor,RIA, and some other "cheaper" 1911s (not Norincos)are "investment cast", whereas Colts, Kimbers and other more expensive brands claim to be "forged".

  What exactly is the difference between 'cast' and 'forged', and is it really true that forged parts are harder and generally more durable? Is it worth paying more for a forged , rather than cast, gun? Thanks.

Yes, cast is a lot less desireable than forged. Ruger uses cast slides, IIRC.

Some 1911s have limited cast parts such as the main spring housing, trigger, etc.

BTW, Armscor, RIA, and Charles Daly are all made by Armscor in the Philippines.  The new crop (you can tell them from the old ones by the Novak-style sights) are considerably better than the first ones in the country.

I would definitely pay more for forged than cast, but I can't afford it right now.  The new Daly pistols have me intrigued as they're running about $400 on GunBroker.com.