Buying my first 1911

[Ransom]

I've finally decided to start saving up to get my first 1911(clone). After talking to some people and handling/shooting and so forth I've settled on getting a Para P14.45. Other 1911s didnt really jump out and grab me quite as much as the Para has. Its really a beautiful gun. A friends father is an ex sheriff and competition shooter and he swears by his.

So now comes the process of putting together the funds and finding out where exactly to get it. I'm considering ordering directly from them but I'm not sure. There is a dealer I'm going to see and they might have them there for sale but I think I'd rather have one brand new from the company.

Of course, after I settled on the Para I started looking around for reviews and general thoughts on Para products and of course some of my results were very disheartening. Seems people either really really love them or really really hate them. So of course I'm now terrified of getting a lemon. I'd hate to waste that much on something that isnt worth it. But I'm determined to get one since its a sexy sexy gun.

I just thought I'd share and ask everyone if there is anything I should look for or any specific things I should avoid. Praise and ridicule for choosing a Para is welcome as well.

 

[shooter1]

Ransom,
If you're gonna buy a Para, buy one locally where you can handle/examine/inspect the individual gun. It has been my experience, and the experience of others I know, that quality can vary from piece to piece. The good ones are------ok, and the others----------not! Good luck!
Will

 

[dsk]

Ransom, the early Paras made in the mid 1990's and prior were excellent guns. Since then QC has taken a real dive at Para, just as it always seems to do with any 1911 maker that's been around for more than a few years.

 

[OF]

Be very careful with that Para - my brother's P14.45 is jam city. He can't wait to get rid of it. They do not have a good reputation.

My advice for your first 1911: get a 5", single-stack .45 made out of metal. Stick with Springfield, a new-rollmark Colt or Kimber.

- Gabe

 

[Black Majik]

I'll partially agree w. GRD and go for the NRM (new rollmark) Colt Governments. The 5" standard length has the best reliability and reliability is sacrificed as barrel length gets shorter. Exception may be the Colt Commander length @ 4.25"

Also definitely try and go Single Stack magazines for the 1911. They are not as prone to malfunctions (FTF, FTE) as double stack magazines.

Please excuse the poor light. This is the Colt NRM Government. All others are just copies!