first 1911

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gf1723

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So I went to the local gun store today and asked about some 1911 brands. From what I read here on the forums and looked at online, I was deciding on a Springer Loaded or possibly a Kimber. My price range was about $800-900.

Being from an extremely small town the local shop doesn't come across very many Springfields since they are so popular. They also told me it would take a while for a Kimber to be ordered. I got to check out a a Para and liked the looks of it. Checked out some reviews when I got home and looked at Para's website. I really like the PXT SSP model, but wish it were in stainless. Then again I thought about getting the GI Expert Stainless for less money, and adding the extended beavertail grip. I'm just afraid a Para isn't going to be as reliable or up to par with a Springfield. I have read some reviews of people who didn't like Paras. I'm not looking to spend over $1000 for a 1911, so I think a Les or Wilson are out of the question. I guess I'm looking for a little convincing that I won't have any problems with a Para? Has their quality been good the past few years? This gun will be used at the range and for home defense.
 
Skip the Para, very spotty record. You may want to take a look at STIs website. The STI Spartan ($650) and Trojan ($1000) are both two of the best options in your price range. Springfields RO and the Desert Eagle 1911G are excellent choices as well. If you're set on the Loaded or something from Kimber, I'd probably lean towards the Kimber.
 
I own both Kimber and S&W stainless 1911s with adjustable sights. Both shoot very well and the fit and finish is really good. Better than the SAs I have looked at. As to the Para, my understanding is that their specs are different from the other 1911 makers, thus options for aftermarket parts are more limited and often require more fitting. For that reason, I would never consider any of the Paras.
 
Just about every 1911 has something different about it, not just the Para's.

The PXT models have a Para specific extractor (PowerExtrator), hence the PXT name. I believe all the SSP models have a ramped barrel while the GI Expert models do not and don't have the PowerExtractor either.

Anything like the STI Spartan or Springfield Range Officer with adjustable sights will really limit you if you don't like the adjustable sights and want to change them out for fixed models.

The Springfield models just about all have an ILS in the mainspring housing and have a proprietary sized firing pin.

The point is, just about every current 1911 has some oddity that people deal with just fine. The thing is to realize what you are buying up front and decide if those are the features you want.
 
I would go with the SA from the brands that you mentioned. If you dont mind going cheaper (price not value) think about the Rock Island Armory. The Tactical and Match models may get you exactly what you are looking for at a fraction of the price.
 
my most recent 1911 purchase was a SA loaded target model shoots realy great no complaints at all. but i really love my Colt .38super it allso shoots great i've never owned a Para so i can't say if there good/bad i have had a bad experience with the Taurus pt1911 i would not recommend one of those.
 
Para makes a solid gun, but I'd opt for the Springer over the Para or Kimber. I presently own two Springers and two Kimbers and the Springers are, in my experience, far superior. I have about 1500 rounds through my Kimber Eclipse Target II that I've had for four years and the thing still gives me fits. It's great when it runs, but I typically have three to four stoppages every hundred rounds with that gun. My Custom Royal II is also a bit of a thorn in my side as it is HIGHLY ammo picky. My Springfield TRP has been 100% through many thousands of rounds, and my EMP has also been outstanding. It has fed fired and ejected every round. The only issue I had with it was that the ejector came unglued, but that was promptly corrected by Springfield at no cost to me. The TRP and the EMP are almost right there with my Baer and Wilson.

Another gun to look at in the specified price range is the Colt Combat Elite.

If availability is an issue, take a look on Top Gun Supply, Buds Gun Shop, Gun Broker, et al for the particular gun of your choosing and have it transferred to your local FFL.
 
Well I finally found a different gun store outside of a town somewhat close. They have 4 different Kimbers and about 4 Springers. There was a beautiful brand new Springer Loaded with the wood grips in stainless. If I can remember correctly, it was about $849 or something like that. I really hope that this gun doesn't get bought before Friday (get paid Friday morning), or else it's mine. I'm taking a revolver that I don't shoot much in there for trade-in to see what they will give me for it. That will help knock the price down.
 
small town. few gun shops. I'd shop a online gun shop, and have them ship to a local shop of your choice.

I like Springfields, I have 3, so you know where my vote is.
 
I agree with Greg528iT, if the gun you want isn't there on Firday, Gunbroker is always a great place to find new guns and then get it transferred in, only thing is you don't get to handle it before you buy it, but that shouldn't deter you from purchasing.

Also my vote is for the Springfield. I don't think you will be disappointed at all. Good luck with your choice!
 
My first (and only so far) 1911 is/was the Springfield Mil-Spec Stainless. I don't think you can go wrong with that Loaded Springer you saw. Good luck, hope it's still there Friday.
 
IMO, if you're leaning toward modern features it's hard to do better than a Colt XSE in that price range. Read good things about the Springfield RO also.

Funnel
 
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