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I want to get a no frills basic entry level 1911. I used to own a first gen Kimber Custom Classic back in the days but sold it. Now I want to get back into 1911's. I have no need for all the extras. Just want a nice shooter without the high price. I've narrowed it down to either the SA Mil Spec or Para Ordnance GI Expert. What do you guys think is the better pistol and why?
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I've never handled a Para but I own the SA Mil Spec and I like it. I'm a no frills person myself too. I only changed out the grips to the Hogue rubber grips and been loving it ever since.Ray
"If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you." - Randy Paush, Carnegie Mellon University -
I would get the milspecComment
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+2. SA Milspec.Comment
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Why? Is the SA that much better? I know the Para has a ramped barrel and skeletonized hammer.Last edited by FUBAR; 06-21-2010, 3:14 PM.Comment
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Mil-Spec owner here...Comment
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either one. put if you're looking for a cheap, reliable, no frills 1911, check out RIAsigpic
Most civilization is based on cowardice. It's so easy to civilize by teaching cowardice. You water down the standards which would lead to bravery. You restrain the will. You regulate the appetites. You fence in the horizons. You make a law for every movement. You deny the existence of chaos. You teach even the children to breathe slowly. You tame.
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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕComment
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+1 on the RIA, can't beat the price, they work just fine, and aren't picky about ammo.Originally posted by Daytripper63Comment
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XL-650 to feed the: .45ACP's Les Baer Concept V, Ruger SR 1911, Ruger Nightwatchman,custom built Colt M1911, Springfield .45ACP Loaded.. 9MM SA Range Officer,Ruger P-85, Springfield Stainless 9MM loaded, SA 9MM 5.25" XDM, Springfield 9mm Stainless Range Officer, STI double stack .45ACP.
IDPA A41750 Safety Officer
NRA Certified RSO
"Stay out of the deep end of the pool; correct the problem with your credit card, not your dremel!"Comment
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what kind of problems?Comment
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From another Forum.
Seems to be a run on bad ejectors at Para lately....
I'll second the motion to ask them to send you one, and let a local smith handle it. Turn-around-time at Para is somewhat outlandish at this juncture, and the shipping costs for the whole gun probably would exceed whatever you'd pay the smith.
While Para probably could be induced to reimburse you for shipping, that'll take a while, too.
If you've never installed one before, it's probably a good time to learn, too, if you're so inclined, but a drill press is a good idea, so you need to check with the spouse/significant other first ....
(There's a little bitty pin through the frame that holds one of the two large pins on the bottom of the ejector. Easy enough to deal with, but you have to run a very tiny drill through the frame to cut a hole for the little pin in the new ejector.)
Want a laugh? Seems like yesterday, although I'd guess a year or so ago, that we were seeing reports of ejectors that were too soft, and getting bent (usually by the magazine) into causing problems. Guess they fixed that by making them more likely to break ....
Just between us, Para probably wouldn't say a word, warranty-wise, if you just popped out and picked up a Wilson ejector and (had it) installed.... In the past they were very good about stuff like this where the quality of the work was good.
XL-650 to feed the: .45ACP's Les Baer Concept V, Ruger SR 1911, Ruger Nightwatchman,custom built Colt M1911, Springfield .45ACP Loaded.. 9MM SA Range Officer,Ruger P-85, Springfield Stainless 9MM loaded, SA 9MM 5.25" XDM, Springfield 9mm Stainless Range Officer, STI double stack .45ACP.
IDPA A41750 Safety Officer
NRA Certified RSO
"Stay out of the deep end of the pool; correct the problem with your credit card, not your dremel!"Comment
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Ive had Springers, Colt's and RIA's. Ive shot many kimbers, S&W, etc. Never even held a para though.
That being said bang for the buck I have never shot a better gun than RIA 1911. Its a good, all steel, faithful reproduction of the 1911. All colt parts are interchangeable and the warranty service is outstanding. Go to M1911.org and check out the RIA section for more info.Comment
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SA has pretty good customer service too. I had some issues with the sight dots on my XD coming off. I called SA and they issued me an RMA so they could look at it. I got the slide on my XD back in less than 3 weeks when they told me it would take about 4-6 weeks and everything was taken care of at no charge.
Never had an issues with my SA MilSpec but if I did I'm sure I would get the same level of service as I did for my XD.Ray
"If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you." - Randy Paush, Carnegie Mellon UniversityComment
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What about the G.I. model? Do u really need a lowered ejection port? And how's the reliability? I'm kinda diggin the OD green one.Comment
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