PARA Elite

[toby]

Looking at a PARA Elite stainless brand new for $700 I don't think I can pass on it.

[5ZS]

They are great value with feature for the dollar. They are nice 1911 (shot a few different models). But, keep in mind (current news) they are pretty much gone and under Freedom Group now.

A Springfield Loaded is only $850 on sale, so I actually would pass.
-Resale, sell/trade lots, Springfield will be the easier sell.
-Warranty, if you can smith yourself if any 1911 issues that may arise, take the Para and save cash.

[DArBad]

They are great value with feature for the dollar. They are nice 1911 (shot a few different models). But, keep in mind (current news) they are pretty much gone and under Freedom Group now.

A Springfield Loaded is only $850 on sale, so I actually would pass.
-Resale, sell/trade lots, Springfield will be the easier sell.
-Warranty, if you can smith yourself if any 1911 issues that may arise, take the Para and save cash.

I'd second this^^^^^

[toby]

The freedom group does not bother me at all.

[Prospector1]

Picked one up from PSA on a Cyber Monday deal last year for $450 after a $100 mail in rebate. Too good a deal to pass up at the time. Came with two Checkmate 8rd magazines. 100% reliable so far after 300rds. Fit and finish for it being an entry level 1911 is outstanding. Trigger pull was a little gritty at first, however, has since smoothed out. It's my first and only 1911 so can't compare to others as the only other 1911 I've shot was in the Army many years ago. Definitely a good value for the money considering the upgrades it has compared to a bone stock 1911.

[5ZS]

Now that's a deal I would not pass on at $450. Smoking deal you had there.

[toby]

The Elite is a little above the basic gun.

[MA5177]

Do some research on the 1911 forum before you buy, I don't want to go into too many detail but if you have any issues and have to send it in good luck!!

[SoCal Choppas]

First, I would like to thank Toby on the heads up on where to find this pistol instead of going online and out of state route. But I didn't buy from them because they were display models with handling blemishes/nicks, but since they were instock; another store priced match them.

This pistol exceeded my expectations. I took it directly from the store where I bought it and to the range. I wiped it down, swabbed out the barrel, doused it with Hoppes Oil (I will do the Froglube Treatment when I get home), changed out the factory coco double diamond grip panels for Magpul OD grips and then sent down 200 rounds without a hiccup and in the 9-10 ring @ 15 yards.

No rattles, No mag issues...my only minor issue is cosmetic, the thumb safety color is off

[steelholder]

NICE ^^

[MA5177]

First, I would like to thank Toby on the heads up on where to find this pistol instead of going online and out of state route. But I didn't buy from them because they were display models with handling blemishes/nicks, but since they were instock; another store priced match them.

This pistol exceeded my expectations. I took it directly from the store where I bought it and to the range. I wiped it down, swabbed out the barrel, doused it with Hoppes Oil (I will do the Froglube Treatment when I get home), changed out the factory coco double diamond grip panels for Magpul OD grips and then sent down 200 rounds without a hiccup and in the 9-10 ring @ 15 yards.

No rattles, No mag issues...my only minor issue is cosmetic, the thumb safety color is off

Congrats on the Para Elite, I really like mine (still) but be carefull, my hammer broke on mine while dryfiring. That said, if something minor breaks on it just fix it yourself until remington gets all setled in and starts making parts. They will cover it as Para is no more

[SoCal Choppas]

I'm not worried about the MIM parts breaking, because most of those will give me a reason to replace with better parts that aren't MIM from 10-8, Wilson Combat and/or Ed Brown.

Probably, when I'm ready to send it out to get action work..most of the major internals will be replaced.

This is my first 1911 and my main purpose for it: Range, fun gun and maybe for IPDA and Running Gun

[toby]

SoCal Choppas, glad it worked out for you. They are nice guns.

[MA5177]

I'm not worried about the MIM parts breaking, because most of those will give me a reason to replace with better parts that aren't MIM from 10-8, Wilson Combat and/or Ed Brown.

Probably, when I'm ready to send it out to get action work..most of the major internals will be replaced.

This is my first 1911 and my main purpose for it: Range, fun gun and maybe for IPDA and Running Gun

Great way to approach it, the main parts of the gun seem very well made.
The trigger, hammer,safety,sear,disc,MS housing are all crap parts.

Mine has ahad a new hammer and trigger job, it shoots just fine. I'm going to stick with the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" theory.

Tough to dump $500 with gun smithing into a mid grade gun