For First 1911: Para GI Expert or S&W SW1911PD?

[marks]

I suppose to some extent, it might be like comparing apples and oranges, but considering that the Para can probably be had for roughly half the price of the SW1911PD, all things considered for the first 1911 in my collection: Can I go too far wrong with the Para? Or, ultimately if I go with it, will I eventually wish I'd gone with the SW1911PD anyway? Thanks!

[Exbiker]

Look around. There are lot`s of choices. The Para GI45ESP at least has a beaver-tail safety and front optical sight. Shouldn`t be more then 600 bucks.

[biggs88]

Look around. There are lot`s of choices. The Para GI45ESP at least has a beaver-tail safety and front optical sight. Shouldn`t be more then 600 bucks.

Para's are not bad. I have a Para 14-45.

If you want a 1911, I'd say it's a good brand to jump in to first. A kimber would be more ideal, but the price is high.

I have heard Springfield has well priced options. I have read some good reviews of them.

Is this going to be a self defense gun or just a target/range gun??
Because that would alter my opinion on what brand/model to get. . .

[radnor]

I have a pair of Para(s) 14-45 & 18-9. Both are LDAs. Love em both.

Waiting for a GI SS to come in.

[Joel Dreggie]

I suppose to some extent, it might be like comparing apples and oranges, but considering that the Para can probably be had for roughly half the price of the SW1911PD, all things considered for the first 1911 in my collection: Can I go too far wrong with the Para? Or, ultimately if I go with it, will I eventually wish I'd gone with the SW1911PD anyway? Thanks!

I have held the para GI, and i like it very much. the s&w is a very nice 1911 but i would get the stainless pd version, Only becasue the bluein wares off extremley easy on the PD model 1911. springfield are also a very good option. And are in bettween both price ranges.

[tdyoung58]

Para and S&W are both good guns.

I have three 1911's and am always looking for more. I don't buy 1911's with a rail. My next one will probably be a Para High Cap if I can find one at a good price

I think the Springfield Mil-Spec is the best first 1911, a step up from the GI and you can customize it easy if and when you desire.

[Nic]

I suppose to some extent, it might be like comparing apples and oranges, but considering that the Para can probably be had for roughly half the price of the SW1911PD, all things considered for the first 1911 in my collection: Can I go too far wrong with the Para? Or, ultimately if I go with it, will I eventually wish I'd gone with the SW1911PD anyway? Thanks!

The Para GI Expert is a good first 1911 choice. Likewise, so are the Rock Island and Springfield entry level 1911s. Of your two choices, I would purchase the Para. For the price, you will like it.

[marks]

Look around. There are lot`s of choices. The Para GI45ESP at least has a beaver-tail safety and front optical sight. Shouldn`t be more then 600 bucks.

So many choices, . . but that's a good thing. Thanks. I'm thinking I might sell the XDm .40, which will/should at least get me a good bit of the way there.

Mark

[marks]

Para's are not bad. I have a Para 14-45.

If you want a 1911, I'd say it's a good brand to jump in to first. A kimber would be more ideal, but the price is high.

I have heard Springfield has well priced options. I have read some good reviews of them.

Is this going to be a self defense gun or just a target/range gun??
Because that would alter my opinion on what brand/model to get. . .

Scanning down through the rest of the replies, I think I'll go with the Para. Though, I'm interested in your additional thoughts. It will be a target/range gun. Thanks!

Mark

[swack]

Let me start by saying that I do not own a 1911, but I am also looking for my first one.
I have been looking at a large number of brands and the one thing that I have found is that it is near impossible to find a bad review of a Smith and Wesson 1911. When I'm ready to purchase one there is a good chance I'll wait and save my extra pennies and spring for the Smith.

Just my .02