Entry level 1911 Which one?

[peacebutready]

Advice requested for GI Expert

I've owned three (3) Para's, and I've been cured of the desire to ever have one again. Their small part quality is frankly appalling, and their adherence to standard 1911 dimensions and tolerances is, um, liberal. I still own one (GI ExSpurt) but it was the only keeper of the bunch, and only with work.

I have the GI Expert. It has been reliable since it got back from servicing, but only with very good mags. The stock Mec-Gars still cause a jam periodically despite the piece being broken in. If I use the very good mags I mentioned, can I rely on it for HD? Or should I replace certain small parts? If some small parts need replacing, which ones? Mine was manufactured late in 2010, FWIW.

Thanks,
P.

 

[smalls]

Mec Gars are considered good mags.

 

[Okiegunner]

Mec-Gars, are some of the best magazines made.

 

[haslethandgunner]

I own a Taurus PT1911 in SS and it is very accurate and reliable. I thought I was having extractor issues so I sent it back and they replaced the extractor without questions. It has a lifetime repair warranty and after a good clean and lube it runs great and eats anything I feed it. I know Taurus got a bad rap for a while but this pistol is well made and goes bang everytime.

At the time I was fairly new to handguns and decided on Taurus PT to try out the 1911 format. I'm now a convert and will be adding to my 1911 collection very soon.

 

[peacebutready]

Mec-Gars, are some of the best magazines made.

The feed lips on my Mec-Gars are parallel. It appears I need to have tapered feed lips for my GI Expert to run well, with the possible exception of Chip McCormicks. That's despite it being back from the factory for servicing and broken in. I guess that is telling of my GI Experts quality.

 

[Roadking Rider]

I have a basic as you can get RIA Gi 1911. That pistol is pretty remarkable for what you pay for them. The finish is not the greatest on it but that really doesn't bother me in th least, as it's a GI model and any scratches or marks on it just give in character. Since round #1 that pistol has never, and I mean never failed to load, fire,or eject any round I've ever fed it. That includes value pack ammo, Reloads, and HP's. For pure 1911 enjoyment I'll take the Rock everytime. I know it's more accurate then any 1911 I ever shot when I was in the service.
IMO there a great entry level 1911.