Henry Rifle Forums

Hi all just looking for an opinion. In the market for a 1911 .45, funds are very limited. Has anyone had any experience with Para this particular model PARA USA 1911 45ACP EXPERT COMMANDER? Next, besides the 3/4 inch what is the difference between the 4.25" and the 5"..accuracy? power?
Thanks in advance. BTW on sale for $479.00.

Have no experience with Para, but as to the difference between a Government (5" barrel) and a Commander (4.25" Barrel) there is no inherent difference in accuracy in the guns themselves, assuming all the same components and fitting of parts. This fitting of parts or lack thereof in this price range is the rub. It can vary tremendously, one gun to the next in the same model. Doesn't mean that budget grade 1911s can't be very accurate - I own a SA Mil spec that thinks it's a target 1911. Just means that in this price range, accuracy from one gun to the next will vary widely, compared to premium grade 1911s. Same can be said for triggers and so on. When buying in this price range, I strongly recommend giving each individual gun a thorough inspection. Here's a basic check list, http://www.m1911.org/InspectionChecklist.pdf

At the shooter end of things, some prefer the balance of a 5" and some a 4.25". For purely target work, the longer sight radius of the 5" is a plus, but I shoot 4.25"s and even 3" with good accuracy, too. For me, the quality and type of sights is as big a factor as barrel length for squeezing accuracy out of my 1911s.

As to power loss with the shorter barrel, it is non-factor for typical 1911 applications and shooting distances.

N.C.G. Thank you heeps for the info..This Para is normally in the $650.00 range which is why I am considering it.

I know several locals who shoot a Para and they've had good luck with them. Just follow that check list before buying as best you can, but be especially picky about the trigger. Well worth cherry picking to get one with a good trigger, assuming your local shop will let and assuming they have several to try. For me, that 1911 trigger is a big reason I love shooting 1911s. Well worth trying to get one with a decent trigger. Doesn't have to be super light, but you shouldn't have to settle for one that has a lot of mush or creep or grit. A nice clean break is a big plus for your shooting.

As for that list, most of those should be up to snuff on a new gun, with the exception of the barrel lockup test. That one's your best indictor of potential accuracy. A bit of play in the frame to slide fit isn't a big deal. It's only a small contributor to accuracy. Have had 1911s with play in the frame to slide that shot great. That barrel lockup is a different story. With the gun fully locked, if you can get any play in that barrel, either sloppiness in the bushing to barrel fit and, especially at the breech end (push hard, downwards), that's bad news. Pass on the gun.

One more thing to check is the thumb safety for ease of operation. In this price range, not a lot of fitting is done with the thumb safety. I use that safety quite a bit on my 1911s when at the range. When the gun comes down out of firing position, I automatically engage the thumb safety. It's a real hassle if the thumb safety is so tight that it takes two hands to push it back up to the on position. A 1911 thumb safety should be able to be operated with one hand, both ways. Most budget 1911s are okay as far as pushing the safety down into the off position, but, out of the box, a lot of them are pretty tough to get into the on position. I dislike having to use my left hand to help getting the safety back up to the on position. Yeah, you can have that safety fitted to make it work better, but, like the 1911 trigger, just be a little picky before you buy.

Maybe have a look here...prices look good...Cimarron's are real nice, a friend of mine just bought one.
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/pro ... B1+45ACP+5

Thanks Ladies and gents,
Trying to keep it $500.00 or less. Here is what I'm looking at..been looking at a few..this one caught my eye.
https://www.cdnnsports.com/para-ordnanc ... UwJiE1K0kI

OP, for you're trying to stay under $500, I'd highly recommend that you look at the basic GI model that Rock Island Armory makes. Bud's has them for $402. I have shot them myself at the range. They seem to get excellent reviews from almost everyone who has them.

I have looked at a few models. Reviews are good on the R.I.A.

Im gonna put another vote in for the RIA. If a guy wants to add a little more to it you can get one with the VZ grips and some 1911 bells and whistles. I have a RIA in a 10mm and it shoots very well and is accurate.

Jon,

NorthCountryGal has given you an excellent primer on 1911s. I prefer the Commander length. It is just my personal preference.

I can't repeat NCG's words too often. If at all possible, get hands on as many as your dealer will let you and pick the one with the best feel for you.