I have a Para SSP and while it had some issues, I can say that it works very well now. I had a lot of issues with it after it came back from the Para folks. With some patience and a file I was able to solve them. Would I recommend Para? They are OK. Certainly a heck of a lot better that the neon comparison! I think I would lean towards a Springfield if I was in the market. Just my opinion ....
Need 1911 Advice
- Thread starter Cave76
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I have a Para SSP and while it had some issues, I can say that it works very well now. I had a lot of issues with it after it came back from the Para folks. With some patience and a file I was able to solve them. Would I recommend Para? They are OK. Certainly a heck of a lot better that the neon comparison! I think I would lean towards a Springfield if I was in the market. Just my opinion ....
I went through what you did several monthes ago.
Sold my Norc just recently, opting instead for a nice Kimber Custom Target II.
The Norinco was alright, taught me the basics about 1911's, gunsmithing, and shooting big bore handguns like the .45ACP. Relatively few malfunctions for it's price. The external quality of machining and finish was admittedly pretty poor, but it served it's purpose.
That said, if I was to do it all over again, I think I would have spent a few more dollars and gotten a decent used 1911 in the $500- 800 range to learn with rather then the Norinco, and spend the money later on a really nice 1911 when you are sure you love the breed. ( You will.)
My .02
Sold my Norc just recently, opting instead for a nice Kimber Custom Target II.
The Norinco was alright, taught me the basics about 1911's, gunsmithing, and shooting big bore handguns like the .45ACP. Relatively few malfunctions for it's price. The external quality of machining and finish was admittedly pretty poor, but it served it's purpose.
That said, if I was to do it all over again, I think I would have spent a few more dollars and gotten a decent used 1911 in the $500- 800 range to learn with rather then the Norinco, and spend the money later on a really nice 1911 when you are sure you love the breed. ( You will.)
My .02
If you are ready into IPSC, go get any 1911 tuned from Armco, doesn't matter Norinco or STI Spartan, You can learn some tuning, gunsmithing and do some little modifly work which can help you know more about 1911, anyhow no matter what gun you buy, what you really need is the flame, parts are always interchangable. STI made such sweet gun but not that really expensive, and best of all, you get after sale support in Canada.
Trigun
Trigun
I would have said... Springfield Loaded or TRP but you said getting into IPSC in the future. So that leaves you with Para or STI for the wide framed double stack. Unless you don't mind being limited to 7 or 8 rounds or you can shoot 10 round extendeds in Open against the Space Gun guys.
Para's aren't as bad as the snoots are cutting it down for. The rental at our club keeps on going like those old Timex commercials. It even had broken parts (nothing to interfere with gun safety) for a while and still shot well. I know plenty of IPSC people and other club members who are more than happy with them.
I sold one of my Springfields to finance a Para because of the extended mag exemption for North America being taken away. Now I just have to wait for the distributor to get them in and send them to my club.
Too bad Springfield doesn't make a double stack any more and the ones that are out there are hard to find because nobody who owns one wants to sell it.
Para's aren't as bad as the snoots are cutting it down for. The rental at our club keeps on going like those old Timex commercials. It even had broken parts (nothing to interfere with gun safety) for a while and still shot well. I know plenty of IPSC people and other club members who are more than happy with them.
I sold one of my Springfields to finance a Para because of the extended mag exemption for North America being taken away. Now I just have to wait for the distributor to get them in and send them to my club.
Too bad Springfield doesn't make a double stack any more and the ones that are out there are hard to find because nobody who owns one wants to sell it.
For those playing the home game:
VOTES SO FAR:
Taurus - 1
Colt - 2
Springfield - 2
STI - 2
Para-Ord - 3
Kimber - 4
Norinco - 4
(I'm not counting votes against, just votes in favor.)
So far it's basically a tie between an Armco tuned Norc, and a Kimber Custom II.
Any further thoughts?
PS - Had a Smith & Wesson 1911 recommended to me by a guy at the local gun shop. Seriously recommended. As in, I had to pretend my phone was ringing to get away from him.
Lunatic ravings, or a feverish love for an excellent pistol?
VOTES SO FAR:
Taurus - 1
Colt - 2
Springfield - 2
STI - 2
Para-Ord - 3
Kimber - 4
Norinco - 4
(I'm not counting votes against, just votes in favor.)
So far it's basically a tie between an Armco tuned Norc, and a Kimber Custom II.
Any further thoughts?
PS - Had a Smith & Wesson 1911 recommended to me by a guy at the local gun shop. Seriously recommended. As in, I had to pretend my phone was ringing to get away from him.
Lunatic ravings, or a feverish love for an excellent pistol?
If you want to spend a little more and get a VERY high quality gun, take a look at the Dan Wesson Razorback 45. About $1100 to $1200 and quality approaching others at double the price.
Other than that, go for a tuned Norinco.
Other than that, go for a tuned Norinco.
I was impressed with the Norinco 1911, though i don't own one, i had a chance to shoot a Norinco 1911 at the range,..i was impressed,.the owner had tuned it up, by adding a nice trigger, and sights
For those playing the home game:
......it's basically a tie between an Armco tuned Norc, and a Kimber Custom II......Any further thoughts?
If I had to start all over again, my first goal would be to master a 1911 in its stock form. For this reason alone, I would lean towards the Norc. Not only is it reliable, its built pretty tough and you can get one with well decked out features (Sports or Police Model), new, for $349++. Spend minimal on upgrades and shoot thousands of rounds so it will become "part of you".
Once you get the hang of it and decide to move to a prettier, smoother pistol, the Norc can then be sold on the EE for $349 and my next choice would be a Kimber. However, if you are like most of us Gun Nutz, it will become evident that one 1911 isn't enough (you'll keep the trusty Norc) and at that point you can venture into the higher end stuff - shopping time again!!!
The survey results are great and only goes to show this fratenity of firearm enthusiasts are always ready to share their personal experiences.
Don't forget to let us know what you are getting!!! (or maybe you bought the S&W already????)
