Para vs. Springfield or Rock Island Armory

[cjlandry]

I posted a similar thread in NGF, but then realized that this is probably the better forum for it.

Is the Para Ordnance 1911 worth the extra dollars over the Springfield or RIA?

I've gotten a few gift cards that could put me in a Para if I put the same amount of cash into it as a Springfield.

If the Springfield or RIA is the better choice, I could spend the gift cards on break-in ammo.

[collim1]

It depends on the level of "refinement" you want.

I would choose SA over the other two, but how much are you looking to spend?

SA loaded and professional models are very nice but costly.

My Mil-spec is a real shooter and is very reliable even with JHP. It is however not as tight fitting as the higher end models.

A great range gun, and great for occasional CCW (main carry is G23).

In my experience the SA stay truer to the 1911 original design (minus the ones that have the stupid ILS, but that is a quick fix). than the Para's.

[cjlandry]

Right now I'm leaning toward the Springfield GI, but thinking of the MilSpec. The Para is no longer a consideration, as I spent my gift certificates today on some winter clothes and a new pistol travel case.

Thanks for your input.

[collim1]

IMO you will be well served by either a Mil-Spec or a GI. I really enjoy my GI at the range and would feel fine carrying it for SD if I needed to.

For the money they work great and are plenty accurate.

[jonathon]

I'd step up to a Mil-Spec. The sights alone are worth it, not to mention the lowered and flared ejection port.

On a kind of OT note, my Colt 1991 is great :banana: I find with a 1911 I don't need the sights close in to hit what I'm aiming at. The weapon just points perfectly.

[cjlandry]

Originally posted by jonathon
I'd step up to a Mil-Spec. The sights alone are worth it, not to mention the lowered and flared ejection port.

On a kind of OT note, my Colt 1991 is great :banana: I find with a 1911 I don't need the sights close in to hit what I'm aiming at. The weapon just points perfectly.

There is the possibility, albeit a slim one, that I'll save my money for a while longer and step up to a Colt. I heard that those 1991's are bad about going off in MRI units. ;)

[jonathon]

:rofl: Talk about freaky. Though the fact the gun was fine after being fired WITH THE SAFETY ON is a testament to the 1911's durability.

The 1991 is comparable to the SA Mil-Spec, with the exception that it is %100 American made and only has three MIM parts in it(Sear, Disconnector, and Mag catch I believe).

The big thing is it looks like the Springer GI is the only one with a standard dust cover. The others are blockier and sharper.

[cjlandry]

Originally posted by jonathon
The 1991 is comparable to the SA Mil-Spec, with the exception that it is %100 American made and only has three MIM parts in it(Sear, Disconnector, and Mag catch I believe).

The big thing is it looks like the Springer GI is the only one with a standard dust cover. The others are blockier and sharper.

That's good info. I may just "settle" for a Springer GI then. Even if I got a Mil-Spec, I'd change the sights and grips.

I like some of these:
Woodgrips (http://www.woodgrips.com/1911%2045%20grips.htm)

[1991]

The big thing is it looks like the Springer GI is the only one with a standard dust cover. The others are blockier and sharper.

The last time I looked (a fairly long time ago), the GI had a standard dust cover AND front grip profile, while the Mil-Spec was blockier in both areas. The shape of the dust cover is purely visual, but the blocky front grip drives me crazy when I grip the gun.

[vanilla_gorilla]

Maybe I'm missing something, but why not go to something like the Loaded? They can be found new for well under $700, and I paid 6 for mine new. Used, I've seen them go for as low as 500. To me, the nightsights and ambi safety on the Loaded make it worth the extra money.

[cjlandry]

Originally posted by vanilla_gorilla
Maybe I'm missing something, but why not go to something like the Loaded? They can be found new for well under $700, and I paid 6 for mine new. Used, I've seen them go for as low as 500. To me, the nightsights and ambi safety on the Loaded make it worth the extra money.

Sorry, I missed your post earlier.

I don't like the ambi safety, I don't like the beavertail (I'd rather bob the hammer if it bites me), and I like to choose and install my own sights.

The fact of the matter is that I'm looking for an entry-level 1911, and I really like the looks of the originals. I think J.M. Browning designed a fine pistol, and I don't think that all the "improvements" are truly so.

I've been reading a lot about the 1911 lately, and I want my pistol to be as true to the original design as possible without spending a fortune.

It seems the Springer GI is close to this at a really good price. If I have a few hundred extra bucks suddenly fall into my lap, I'll step up to a Colt.

[Walter45Auto]

I've heard lots of bad about Para-Ord's guns. Springfields are supposed to be great. I have a Rock Island Armory, and it's an AWESOME gun. I love it. It's great, and I only gave $300 for it. It's Also Really close in appearance to the traditional 1911's.


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