Another 1911 question

[Jon4ta]

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.

[North Country Gal]

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.

[Jon4ta]

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.

[North Country Gal]

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.

[RanchRoper]

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

[Jon4ta]

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

[ditto1958]

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.

[Jon4ta]

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

[BigAl52]

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.

[daytime dave]

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.

[North Country Gal]

Thanks, Dave.

There are now very few gun brands that I would trust to buy sight unseen. This is not a rant about lack of quality control. It's just the nature of the business model being used by most gun companies to keep costs under control and make guns we can afford. Hand fitting/finishing and taking time to thoroughly inspect a gun before it leaves the factory are very costly procedures. Some companies still do this, but you have to pay the big dollars to buy one of their products. This leaves it to us to inspect and choose the best examples from a batch of affordable guns. We obviously can't do that, sight unseen. For example, I was patient and waited over a period of a year, looking at half-dozen SA Mil-spec 1911s until I found one that had a trigger I liked and passed all of the above 1911 tests. It was well worth it, though. That budget grade Mil-spec has been an awesome 1911. It's now one of the last guns I will ever sell.

Bottom line for me is that you do not have to spend a lot of money to buy a gun that performs well, right out of the box, but the odds of getting an affordable gun that does that are greatly improved buy inspecting before you buy. When I order a gun in from a dealer, I demand the right to pass on the gun if it does not pass my inspection. If the dealer refuses, I find another dealer.

[Jon4ta]

NCG, Dave,

Decided to stop in a LGS ( Sarcos ) and looked at 4 models in my price range. Happens the RIA 1911 A1 FS fits the bill. As far as bang for the buck salesman feels this is the best buy. I very much liked the fit and weight of the gun. At $440.00 it fits the budget and reviews have been positive. When I'm ready to buy I will bring along your checklist and rookie my way through it. If either of you will be visiting my neck of the woods in the next month or so I would just bring one of you to hold my hand. Thanks for all the input. Now to fill out all the crazy N.J. paperwork.

[clovishound]

I've heard good things about the RIA 1911s. They are supposed to be a good entry level 1911. If you want some of the niceties, you will have to spend a little time, and/or money on the trigger, barrel, etc. If you just want a basic, reliable shooter, they are supposed to be good as is.

Good news is there are a ton of aftermarket parts for 1911s if you want to customize down the road. Have fun, both Clovispup and I have grown to love our 1911 in a short period of time.

[daytime dave]

Jon,

I was lucky about 25 years ago. Colt came out with a more budget minded series around 1991 I think. I picked up my Commander at that time. It is still a solid performer today. The only addition/modification was the addition of trijicon sights after the front sight fell off.

A word of caution on budget magazines. Don't. I bought a no name mag that caused the only malfunction I've never been able to clear by hand. I had to use pliers to help get the mag out. Turns out the mag lips lost their mind and decided to form a new shape. I promptly stomped that mag flat and threw it out. Be careful in selecting an extra mag. I know quality has improved industry wide in 25 years, but choose wisely with the wallet as only one point of consideration.

Good luck with the RIA if it works out. I'll defer to NCG for the hand holding in this instance.

[Jon4ta]

Thank you to all for the great info. Working a little more overtime to put the funds together. Hoping to purchase by the end of July. Will get back to y'all if things go well.

[Tape]

Your first 1911 I would go with Springfield, they have the best warranty and CS in the firearms industry. They cost a bout 150$ more than your budget but well worth it down the road. GL on your choosing

[Jon4ta]

Thanks Tape.

[clovishound]

I can attest that the Springfield is a great 1911. I am very pleased with my Range Officer. It comes with a lot of stuff that will be mods and money on a basic.

It's not a custom, but it doesn't come with a custom price tag.

[Jon4ta]

Small update..still waiting on paperwork..gotta love N.J.

[Jon4ta]

http://www.ruger.com/products/sr1911/models.html
This is the one I settled on two tone. Have gotten the chance to shoot aprox.100 rounds. Learned I need practice. Love the size and weight.