Author Topic: Picking up a new 1911... One problem  (Read 21504 times)

garand4life

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Picking up a new 1911... One problem
« on: August 28, 2011, 03:16:33 PM »
So after many bouts with my Taurus PT1911 I have finally decided to quit trying to fix it's issues and just replace it. I am looking at 3 different makes and models in roughly the same price tier but can't seem to settle on one. It's now a debate between 3 and each has a draw back that I can tell. So I'm asking for input from y'all to help me make peace with a my decision. I want it mainly for carry without frills for those times I want to carry the bigger, heavier bullet in the subzero freeze that is coming as always here in Ohio.
1) Ruger SR1911 - the only problem I can see is complete and utter lack of them. I'm not interested in waiting 3 months for it to arrive at my dealer.
2) Para GI Expert - my only concern is the grip safety felt really flimsy. Is that normal for it to be super light to press? What is the track record on these?
3) Kimber Custom II - I've heard quality at Kimber has taken a nose dive south of crap, any evidence to support that?

And I'm also taking a hard look at the Remington 1911R1. Thoughts?
Does any one of these have somethinmore to offer than the others? I know the Ruger tops the list do to its design being more feature rich and modeling, I guess, e better Colt pattern with the series 70 setup. I do prefer to avoid the full length guide rod but it's not an absolute need.
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Majer

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Re: Picking up a new 1911... One problem
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2011, 04:02:29 PM »
The Para GI Expert is a sleeper among 1911 Pistols,I don't think you could go wrong with one of these in your holster. The ones I have seen and handled were very nice out of the box, quite a few CAS shooters use them for wild bunch shoots,That says a lot there.
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Ichiban

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Re: Picking up a new 1911... One problem
« Reply #2 on: August 28, 2011, 04:03:42 PM »
Of those listed, I would recommend a Springfield Loaded or a S&W 1911, then the Ruger SR1911, then the Kimber Custom II.  I think the SA and S&W are very good guns and can be found in the $800 - 850 range (at least on line - and don't be afraid to buy on line).  The Ruger has been getting very good reviews but I haven't warmed up the fact that the plunger tube is part of the cast frame.  If, by some weird happenstance, the tube gets damaged it can't be replaced.  I've had a few Kimbers and while they have been good guns, they just didn't "speak to me", if you know what I mean.  And the complaints about Kimbers seem to be elevated in the forums I read.

The Para GI and the Remington would be off of my list because of the lack of a beaver tail grip safety.  Yeah, I know the GI safety has worked for years but once (hammer) bitten......

From GunBroker:
SA: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=248724918
S&W: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=248797825
Ruger: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=248595179
Kimber: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=248733876



tombogan03884

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Re: Picking up a new 1911... One problem
« Reply #3 on: August 28, 2011, 04:09:21 PM »
I'd put the Para and Remington back on the list, the Beavertail grip safety is easy to install , Midway and Brownell's both have drop in models and their not very expensive.

BAC

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Re: Picking up a new 1911... One problem
« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2011, 04:12:41 PM »
Speaking from personal experience, I would stay away from Springfield Armory.  The one I had came from the factory with a bent plunger tube, broken plunger, and bad extractor.  After 3 trips back it still wasn't working reliably, so I sold it.

Of the ones listed I'd be shy about the Ruger.  Like Ichiban, I'm not crazy about the plunger tube (see above).  I've heard lots of bad things about Kimber's customer service (not recently, though), so that would give me pause.  I've not heard anything bad about the Para GI Expert or the Remington R1, and the price is good on them.  If I was in the market for a 1911, I'd probably be looking at one of those.

Sponsor

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Re: Picking up a new 1911... One problem
« Reply #5 on: Today at 02:06:37 AM »

Ichiban

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Re: Picking up a new 1911... One problem
« Reply #5 on: August 28, 2011, 04:17:54 PM »
I'd put the Para and Remington back on the list, the Beavertail grip safety is easy to install , Midway and Brownell's both have drop in models and their not very expensive.

I think you'd have to change (or bob) the hammer on the Remington as well.  The Para has the commander style hammer so it should work.

garand4life

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Re: Picking up a new 1911... One problem
« Reply #6 on: August 28, 2011, 04:18:54 PM »
Ok, so I just said screw it and hit on on Gunbroker...
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=248717958
I did that before reading BACs SA warning, but I haven't seen one with the exact setup I wanted but this comes dang close and has night sights which I prefer when available. I figure I'll do the 60 layaway and call it even... I love this gun though... Honestly there is something to be said for a 1911 with  MODEL 1911-A1 Cal. 45ACP being prominently displayed on the side.
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Ichiban

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Re: Picking up a new 1911... One problem
« Reply #7 on: August 28, 2011, 04:34:40 PM »
Just one more thing left to do - go to Brownell's (or Midway) and order a GI (or full length) guide rod and plug.  You are definitely going to want to change out that two-piece guide rod.  That has been my one complaint with SA is that they like to use that stupid two-piece guide rod.

Otherwise, congratulations!  You are getting a fine 1911 that will give you years of fun and service.

garand4life

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Re: Picking up a new 1911... One problem
« Reply #8 on: August 28, 2011, 04:36:26 PM »
Just one more thing left to do - go to Brownell's (or Midway) and order a GI (or full length) guide rod and plug.  You are definitely going to want to change out that two-piece guide rod.  That has been my one complaint with SA is that they like to use that stupid two-piece guide rod.

Otherwise, congratulations!  You are getting a fine 1911 that will give you years of fun and service.

I am thinking GI style guide rod... and I would have ordered the one you linked me to but I really don't like stainless. Thanks brother!
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robheath

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Re: Picking up a new 1911... One problem
« Reply #9 on: August 28, 2011, 04:49:05 PM »
I have 3 paras and no problems ever.  I carry a para 745 single stack every day and have carried it for 4 years without a hitch.  Chip McCormick pro mags and full 230 grain JHP.  It's heavy but gives me piece of mind.
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