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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

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.

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.

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.

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!