Does anyone have any hands-on experience with the Para-Ordnance GI Expert 1911? I really want a semi-custom 1911 and think this would be a good place to start. I had a Taurus 1911 and just wasn't impressed at all. If I got the Para, it'd be the stainless model, as I've heard horror stories of their black Para-kote finish. I've got a friend who's a 1911 gunsmith and if I buy the replacement parts he'll fit and install them for $20 per part, no matter how long it takes.
The parts I would change would be the plastic mainspring housing to a checkered stainless steel one (which I could do myself), a match aluminum trigger, a stainless-steel ambi-thumb safety, and a stainless High-ride Beavertail grip safety.
The reason I am leaning towards the para is because I heard they are now being made in the U.S. I also like that the ejection port is already lowered and flared unlike many other GI models, and the barrel is non-ramped, it has vertical GI slide serrations and no front serrations as well dovetailed front and rear sights.
I just feel that it would be a good all around starting point for a project 1911. I need to add the main factor here is price. I want something I can buy cheap and add parts to at my leisure as I'm very short on cash.
Any info or experience with the Para GI expert, especially the stainless model would be greatly appreciated.
The parts I would change would be the plastic mainspring housing to a checkered stainless steel one (which I could do myself), a match aluminum trigger, a stainless-steel ambi-thumb safety, and a stainless High-ride Beavertail grip safety.
The reason I am leaning towards the para is because I heard they are now being made in the U.S. I also like that the ejection port is already lowered and flared unlike many other GI models, and the barrel is non-ramped, it has vertical GI slide serrations and no front serrations as well dovetailed front and rear sights.
I just feel that it would be a good all around starting point for a project 1911. I need to add the main factor here is price. I want something I can buy cheap and add parts to at my leisure as I'm very short on cash.
Any info or experience with the Para GI expert, especially the stainless model would be greatly appreciated.
