Sorry, another 1911 Thread - S&W vs. Para-Ordnance

[xLusi0n]

OK...

Any my other 1911 threads, I was able to chose the Springfield Armory over the Kimber and the Sig 1911s.

Now, I started expanding my research and found

S&W: http://www.snipercountrypx.com/pc-38...il-45-acp.aspx

Para-Ordnance: http://www.snipercountrypx.com/pc-37...ac-45-acp.aspx

Again, I don't know much about 1911s and want to choose a good 1st one. Can the 1911 gurus provide me some info on these? Where do they rank in the 1911 world vs. say the Kimber and SAs? Thanks.

[xLusi0n]

Doing some research, seems that Para Ord offers lifetime warranty like SA. But can't seem to find the Nite-Tac series with the rail anymore.

The S&W is apparently made of some aluminum allow with scandium...I dunno about that. I like how the SA is made of SS frame.

[xLusi0n]

Hmm...after even more research, seems like they all offer lifetime warranty (the ones mentioned here). The only downside to the S&W is the external extractor? Are all the other parts 1911 compatible? Anyone know if the scandium frame is any good? If I get good reviews here, I'll probably go for that gun. I can get it for under 800. I'd change out the grips though. I love the grips on that Kimber.

[masameet]

I have that same S&W 1911 in stainless steel. If you can get the scandium brand new for under $800, you got yourself a terrific bargain. I love my S&W 1911.

And recently I had to look at the parts list for the S&W 1911 (you can do so too, as it is a downloadable PDF on the S&W website), because I stupidly lost a vital part. So this past Monday called S&W. And the parts rep said (without taking my credit card number): I'll send you one out today!

Talk about great customer service! Can't wait to get my new barrel bushing.

[xLusi0n]

How does it shoot compared to the others? I hear good things and at almost 60% cost of the SA TRP Operator, I think I may go for it.

[masameet]

Can't compare, as I can't recall shooting anybody else's 1911.

My 1911 feels good in my hands. I like its weight. I like how it fires and how it recoils in my hands. I love sighting down at the target and seeing it spit fire. Plus as someone who is emerging from the novice shooter stage, I like how it makes me look good.

[3GunFunShooter]

Para is moving to North Carolina from Canada, I would wait to get a Para until they get the new factory up and running and quality control. Who wants to own the last product from any factory build by pissed off workers.
For a Single Stack 1911 I would get the S&W. I really like the external extractor over the Para XPT or what ever they call it. And yes I own both a Para and S&W.

[xLusi0n]

I think I made up my mind. I'm going for the S&W 1911PD Tactical Rail. I can almost buy 2 of them for 1 TRP Operators.