[Rotorflyr]

If you were going to choose between the 2 which would you pick and why??
(let's assume for the sake of argument both are stainless versions)

[gopguy]

I have been pretty pleased with my Springfield Champion which is by the way Stainless. Came with Novak tritium sights and they are pretty much point of aim. The gun has been quite reliable. The only thing I think it needs from the factory is a bevel job or something to correct all the sharp edges. I must say I have no experience with the particular Para LTC but have had others. They are OK but I have trouble developing an affection for ParaOrdnance pistols.

[Rotorflyr]

gop,
Have you used hp or just fmj ammo?
Do you carry it or mostly a range gun?

Anything specific you don't like about Para in general?

[HighVelocity]

My wife has a Stainless loaded Champion and I have a lightweight one. Both are 45's.
I have shot a Para LTC and here are the differences I noticed:

The Para and the Champion both shoot great. The Champion has Novak nightsights, Para has standard 3 dot sights. The Champion has a tried and true standard internal extractor that can be replaced easily with any series 70 or 80 type standard extractor for the caliber.
The Para has the new wider extra power extractor. Works well but if it fails you're not going to get one from bubba's tool box. As far as I know, you'd have to get it from Para. I haven't heard anything about them breaking but I tend to shy away from non-standard designs when it comes to the 1911.

As I stated above, both the LTC and Champion are great shooters. I personally prefer the Champion.
Springfield Armory also has great customer service. I have no experience with Para's CS.

[blknh1992]

I have a 3 week old Para LTC, it's an alloy model though. I bought it FOR the power extractor. This thing is GREAT to shoot, even with the light weight.

I also have a Springfield Ultra Compact in stainless. True, it came with night sights, but the dot is soooooo small you can barely see the things in the dark. I don't feel they offer any advantage in the day because of the small dot. They dont' have the white retaining ring like on Meprolights.

My full size springer with white dots is much easier to see.

You WILL have to de-horn the Springfield. In stainless it's no problem, just be sensible with a hand stone, and there's no refinishing. The Alloy Para was fine as rec'd.

You probably won't go wrong either way. I do like the feel of the 4" barrel versus my Full size though.

I would highly recommend the alloy version of either one if you are going to carry.

[MICHAEL T]

I would get the Springfield for this reason
"
"The Para has the new wider extra power extractor. Works well but if it fails"
Their have been failers Just check around para boards.

I just belive the Springfield is a better made pistol over all. I had 1 para and just wasn't ever happy with it. But a lot of people like them.

[Rotorflyr]

Some interesting points made for both weapons, let's keep em' coming!


Oh and HighVel, I have read one or two threads about people having issues with (early versions?) PXT extractors.......but then again, I've read one or two threads about people having issues with most every brand/version of the 1911 ever made! :p

[Malone LaVeigh]

I'm curious as to exactly what is entailed in a bevel job for the champion. I have never noticed any sharp angles in my ss, but I am no expert. Is this an internal thing or external?

[blknh1992]

The problem area on my Ultra-Compact was the rear edge of the frame just next to where the MSH. I disassembled and used a hard stone to break the edges of all the edges on the frame. It tooks just a few minutes and made it much more comfortable to hold.