I am kind of eyeballing the springfield gi vs the para gi expert esp at the moment. They seem to be fairly well priced, and I am looking for an "entry level" 1911 that will last me awhile to see if I want to jump into a more expensive 1911 down the road. Can you folks advise as to the merits of one of these vs another?
First 1911 Recommendations?
- Thread starter kingdarb
- Start date
If you hang around here long enough, you will found Para is a poor choice, their lemon rate is above any other 1911 made.
Trigun
Would strongly recommend a STI Spartan as a first 1911,it has all the desirable features that you need at a very good price.For a bit more money the Trojan is great as well.
I would stay away from older Colts,esp late 70s and 80s manufacture,unless you can have a good look at them and shoot them before putting money down on them.They are very hit and miss(pardon the pun),I had a 70s government model before that was never reliable and then a 80s Gold Cup which was about the worst handgun I have ever owned.Getting through a magazine without a jam was an exception and a foot group at 25yds was the norm.
Ive also owned a entry level Springfield(good solid gun),Norinco(real piece of junk,but Ive heard the recent production is much better)
Im sure there are a number of other good 1911s out there but these are the ones that I have had experience with
I would stay away from older Colts,esp late 70s and 80s manufacture,unless you can have a good look at them and shoot them before putting money down on them.They are very hit and miss(pardon the pun),I had a 70s government model before that was never reliable and then a 80s Gold Cup which was about the worst handgun I have ever owned.Getting through a magazine without a jam was an exception and a foot group at 25yds was the norm.
Ive also owned a entry level Springfield(good solid gun),Norinco(real piece of junk,but Ive heard the recent production is much better)
Im sure there are a number of other good 1911s out there but these are the ones that I have had experience with
Cool thanks. After doing a bit more digging it does look like the Para's have a high lemon rate. I think I will likely look into the STI's, as it seems to be that their "entry level" 1911's are pretty solid. Also a bunch of site sponsors here that sell STI so that is a good thing!
- Location
- Lakeview...where?
Three companies listed in the above banner regularly carry Colts. ArmsEast, Ellwood Epps, and CRAFM. I apologize if I left anyone out.
I havnt heard any bad reviews on the taurus PT1911, It was the 1911 I first wanted but couldnt find one anywhere, So I chipped out the extra cash and got a Kimber Target II, Have never regreted it, But I still want a PT1911, Altho my trip to mexico tells me no.
The only other 1911 I have to compare to is my buddies nork, And its alot smoother than that, and quite accurate with my handloads, I use it in 2 and 3 gun matches, And it even feeds SWC's without a hiccup,
I dont think you can go wrong with a kimber, And I think most people will agree with me.
I dont think you can go wrong with a kimber, And I think most people will agree with me.
first 1911
I have owned nothing but 1911s I only just got my first polymer framed pistol last year. I have had 2 para GIs. I have had nothing but good experiences with para, since my first pistol was a 16-40. I am now going for the spartan. I bought a Ranger II and love it. For the money the spartan can't be beat. But Para is not bad as well.
I have owned nothing but 1911s I only just got my first polymer framed pistol last year. I have had 2 para GIs. I have had nothing but good experiences with para, since my first pistol was a 16-40. I am now going for the spartan. I bought a Ranger II and love it. For the money the spartan can't be beat. But Para is not bad as well.
If you get a colt, look for an older one. The last few years' worth of production have not been uniform in QA/QC. I've personally seen my local dealer return upwards of 50% of the Colts he is sent to stock. Usual reasons are poor fit and finish or too gritty and action with super-heavy trigger pulls. They worked, but not well enough for what he had to charge to make money so they got returned.
Bottom line, for the same money or less, get a Kinber, STI, etc. or if looking for a basic gun, maybe look at the RIA's.
Bottom line, for the same money or less, get a Kinber, STI, etc. or if looking for a basic gun, maybe look at the RIA's.
I own a colt 1911, love it and have never had a single issue with it.Great gun all around. My friend owns a kimber and it is on par with my colt. If i was buying another it would either be a springfield milspec (just cause i want a milspec) or a kimber.
