Para and other affordable 1911s?

[Nucking Futs]

Im looking for my first 1911 but Im not looking to spend very much. I do want some sort of stainless because I entend to carry it on a daily basis and do not want to have to wipe it down every time I touch it. (Does anyone carry a blued gun daily?)

I have been pricing some models, and Taurus and Para keep popping up all over the gun shops here in Fayettenam... any news on any of these models?

I found one that was a Para 14 round double stack 45 1911, but not stainless. The grip was thicker (which I liked) than all the other 1911s I looked at that day. They also had a polished stainless Taurus, looked pretty, but I havent heard much about it. They also had a brushed stainless Para standard mag. I liked it, price was real good (I think $600? does that sound reasonable?)

So, any suggestions?

[M&P Chris]

I carry a blued gun daily. For the $600 range that your talking, I would look into certain Springfield 1911s. The Taurus would not be on my list.

[cpio]

You might wanna look at one of these. A couple of years ago, Para started nitriding many of their 1911s including the entry-level Expert series models. Of course, that won't make them 100% impervious to rust, but you won't have to worry about rust forming overnight because you touched it without rushing to wipe it down.

http://para-usa.com/firearms/expert/expert.php

[39flathead]

Para had some problems when they started being manufactured in the USA.

I would either make sure it's a recent production gun (the last couple years) or a Canadian model.

Taurus gets a bad rap, and in some cases rightfully so, but the 1911's seem to be good to go, except for the shitty magazines they use.


I used a "blued" Para P14 for USPSA, it was more like a black painted finish rather than actual blued.
Rain and snow during matches and being left in my truck in between didn't cause it to fall apart.

I have carried a blued LCP for a couple years in my front pocket of the front pouch on my lunch cooler, other than wear from the holster, there is no rust.
I normally oil it about once a week or so.

If the gun is in a good holster and not touching your skin during carry, you can probably get away with a weekly wipedown if you go blued. Use a quality CLP.

People have different makeup though, I have seen some people bring guns into the shop that were utter rust buckets, their sweat just wasn't kind to blued firearms.

Also, be aware that stainless is not rust proof. It is normally rust resistant but if left on it's own, it can rust.
We had a customer that must have ad some acidic sweat, even stainless would rust for him.
CeraCoat fixed him up.

[FLICK]

Try Rock Island Armory (specifically the tactical models). I have two, and they deliver for around $450-500....

STI Spartan is a little more expensive, but also a great option..

[harold63]

except for the shitty magazines they use.

OP...Definitely don't step on a PT 1911 mag if you get a Taurus...they can't take it. If you're dropping mags on the run and want to keep them, look at Chip McCormick, Wilson, or Tripp.

[awfroadan]

I'll second the STI spartan, great 1911 entry level gun for the money.

[ByAnyMeans]

I have no knowledege of Para 1911's so no help there.

I have generally heard good things about Taurus from people who actually own the guns. However, these people own guns Taurus did not design but manufacture such as the 1911, the Berretta 92 copy, S&W copied revolvers. However, they all said to use the supplied magazines for the range only.

I have also heard good things about RIA 1911's and loved every model of there 1911 I have been able to shoot. Very nice entry level 1911 and the Tactical model is ready to carry.

For six hundred you may also find a used Springfield model which are nice 1911's.

[Mity2]

Try Rock Island Armory (specifically the tactical models). I have two, and they deliver for around $450-500....

STI Spartan is a little more expensive, but also a great option..

Yep RIA would make a great first 1911 for budget minded.
Also, I had a chance to see a ATI's FX 1911(one with rail and checkered front strap, and bull barrel), and I was VERY impressed with overall quality. For $800, I thought it was a heck of a gun.

One of these...


I'd buy that

[harold63]

I'd buy that

I just looked at this on Bud's. Of course, they're out of stock, but they are moving it for $701. That gun has a lot of features for $701. If it was in stainless for that price, it would be darn near a no brainer.