Para 1911

[stash]

OK - right off the bat let me say I never would have thought that I would like to own a 1911, but I have been getting the urge lately. I really do not want anything expensive but would like something reliable and to CC on occasion. This product maybe to new to get any opinions here but I have been looking at the new Para GI Expert, an entry level 1911. I was wondering how Springfield 1911's compare to Para USA on the entry level side. I think Academy carries both and can probably get them for around $600. If I get one I don't think I would want to do upgrades like I read about. Just want a good basic reliable no bells and whistles 1911. Thanks for any info.

Stan

[Kawabuggy]

I am going to go out on a limb here and tell you that the majority of people, being asked to choose between Para & Springer, will choose Springer.

I was in your shoes recently and put a post up asking the same question. Resoundingly, MOST said that Springers are better guns, and the gun that most custom shops start with. Since you don't plan on doing a lot of upgrades, I think either will be fine for you.

I chose Para Ordnance because it looks like a work of art. It fires, and functions very nicely. I have not broken it in yet, and hope that after some more rounds that the trigger will lighten up a little bit. Para's come from the factory with a trigger that is between 4 & 6 lbs. I would say mine is either at 6 now, or a little bit more. I know that using the gun more will break everything in more and the trigger will lighten up over time & use. Otherwise, I would rate it a 9 on a 10 scale with the current trigger pressure keeping it shy of a 10.

Best of luck with your purchase-and buy any .45 ammo you can find! It is getting hard to find in most places.

[Kalrog]

In general, the Springer is a better value. But I own a Para. The reason? Better features for CC work. The LDA trigger. If you want those, the Para is the way to go.

[RECIT]

For the money the Para is a really nice pistol in any model you choose. My uncle carries a 4" para without the LDA. I have not shot one with the LDA, but his single action shoots like a dream a like stated above is beautiful. I on the other hand have a Springer GI model like you are interested in. I too recently got the 1911 bug and found out it is just not for me. Maybe I would like a 4" model from Para with the LDA, but I'm not willing to make another investment to find out. Let me know if you want a used Springer, I have now found out that the single action cocked and locked is just not comfortable for me.

[barres]

Another thought. You might want to consider looking into the Rock Island Armory 1911's. They make a basic Mil-spec 5", a Tactical 5" (I own one of these), and a compact 3.2". They are very inexpensive. You can find the mil-spec for under $400; the Tactical with a beaver-tail grip safety, skeletonized hammer, and novak-type sights for about $450;and the compact for somewhere in between. I have heard that they even have a Match version of their 5" 1911's, but I have not seen one. They have an excellent reputation as a starter 1911. I love my Tactical!