ParaUSA Expert - Bomar Sights?

[mgmorden]

Ok - income tax check time is coming and I'll be getting a fairly nice check this year.

I'm going to put MOST of it towards existing bills and paying off some debt, but I've decided to get one 1911 for USPSA Single Stack division as a present to myself.

I've decided that I want adjustable sights (preferable Bomar style), beavertail grip safety, and preferably a stainless finish.

The ParaUSA Expert has caught my eye. Most places have the stainless version for around $550 and Para is running a $100 rebate right now.

My thought is that I could get that, then have a local gunsmith mill the slide for the Bomar rear (front sight already looks high enough that I doubt I'd have to swap it, and its already fiber optic to boot). There's a very well respected local smith that'll do that for $65-85 (depending on if you want hidden leaf or not) plus the cost of the sight itself.

My question is: I know that once a slide is milled for a Novak style sight you can't really mill it for a Bomar, but this one looks almost like a standard GI dovetail. Any foreseeable issues there?

Also if I'm missing something, or someone has a better idea here, then please let me know. I'm hoping to keep the total cost in the $900 or less range, but can got a little higher if need be.

Thanks.

Image for reference:
http://para-usa.com/2013/images/large/96747_expert_ss.png

 

[JTQ]

I'm not a fan of adjustable sights on 1911's and have spent a lot of effort pointing out the slide cut differences to guys new to 1911's who were intent on getting a Springfield Range Officer for use as a carry gun, and trying to talk them out of it. However, for your use, I'd just get the Range Officer, or STI Trojan, or Spartan, or whatever 1911 you want with adjustable sights on the gun already. All those guns also all have beavertail grip safeties, so you won't have to worry about grinding on the frame to get a beavertail fit.

I don't know why you want stainless, but since it is a competition gun, you should be able to take pretty good care of it and I'd think rust would not be a problem even with a non-stainless gun.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I agree with what JTQ has posted. You'd be better off with a SA Range Officer or a STI Trojan, which are already setup with a adjustable sight...plus you'd have apistol with a better track record for reliable function

BTW: Bomar sights are no longer available. The company closed up when the owner died a couple of years ago. However there are a number of copies of his work on the market

 

[mattk]

I'm not a fan of Para or adjustable sights. Both are better than they used to be but Were it my money, id buy a Springfield RO.

 

[mgmorden]

Well, after some extreme waffling I think I've decided to expand my budget a bit and get an STI Trojan in .40S&W. I figure with .40 being cheaper to load for (compared to .45ACP) the price will even out in the end, and it should be a fairly usable gun for Limited-10 as well as Single-Stack.

I really wish they made the Spartan in .40S&W as I'd probably go for that instead, but oh well.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Good decision, I'm sure you'll be very happy with the Trojan.

I believe that the gun has to be chambered in .45ACP to compete in Single Stack

 

[Radagast]

The Trojan is a much better choice than Para Ordnance. Unless their quality control has improved over recent years they are not going to hold up to constant use. Those IPSC shooters that I knew with Paras either had constant problems or used the base frame and had a gunsmith replace everything else.
Mine was a paperweight that I brought out for newbie training sessions so they could learn to clear jams. Eventually disposed of it to the Govt. in a 'gun buyback', couldn't foist it on another shooter.

 

[Radagast]

.40 cal is allowed in single stack.

USPSA Handgun Rules, February 2014 Edition
APPENDIX D5
—
Single
Stack Division
Minimum power factor for Major: 165
Minimum power factor for Minor: 125
Minimum bullet weight: No
Minimum bullet caliber / cartridge case length: .38 cal. / 9x19 mm (0.354” x 0.748”)
Minimum bullet caliber for Major: .40 cal. / 10mm (0.40”)
Maximum ammunition capacity: Yes, maximum rounds loaded in any magazine after the start signal- Major Power Factor - 8 rounds -Minor Power Factor -10 round

 

[9mmepiphany]

Thank you

I guess a long loaded .40 might be the way to go in Single Stack