need a 1911, pro and cons

[ct03si]

ok, im beginning to shop for a reasnably priced NEW 1911
the 3 options im considering are
ruger SR1911
springfield mil-spec 1911
para gi expert
i want a stainless finish not black
im trying to weigh the pros and cons of each of these guns, they are all close in price so that does not matter, but which is the best of the bunch??
i would really like to keep it to these 3 guns, i know that everyone is going to immediately recommend their favorite other 1911 gun, im not really considering any other models right now

 

[BlackEye]

The grip safety, extended mag release, trigger, and hammer differences of the Ruger set it apart from the others. Does your personal preference out weigh price? There is a Springfield in the classifieds now with some aftermarket parts and stock parts available for a good price. And you can buy it now.

 

[ct03si]

i want new, not used or modified, so the one in the classifieds is out. as far as preference vs price im not following you, i want to stay in the price range of those 3 guns im just trying to figure out what gun has the better quality overall, finish, comfort, smoothness, accuracy etc.

 

[Pat-inCO]

the 3 options im considering are
ruger SR1911
springfield mil-spec 1911
para gi expert
i want a stainless finish not black

Out of those three I would go with the SR1911.

I've owned at least one from all three manufacturers. Of the three Ruger is a bit better than Springfield and light years ahead of Para.

DO take care with the one you buy. Some of the SR1911s are great while a few are less than that. The one that I had was better appreciated by another guy, so he owns it now. Just take care.

Since you said to limit it to those three, I'll not say anything else. 8)

 

[BlackEye]

i want new, not used or modified, so the one in the classifieds is out. as far as preference vs price im not following you, i want to stay in the price range of those 3 guns im just trying to figure out what gun has the better quality overall, finish, comfort, smoothness, accuracy etc.

The preference I was referring to was to the hammer style, grip safety, trigger, extended magazine release, etc. The three you listed are different somewhat cosmetically. As far as the price, if you bought a Springfield and later added a grip safey and changed the trigger or something, that would alter your price comparison.

 

[revhigh]

There is a Springfield in the classifieds now with some aftermarket parts and stock parts available for a good price. And you can buy it now.

In my opinion ... that gun in the classifieds is the classic 1911 to be avoided like the plague. All kinds of mods, lots of 'replaced innerds' (why ??), and now it's being sold because 'other things came up'.

I'm not saying there's a thing wrong with that particular gun ... but there sure as hell could be, and the buyer has no idea of the expertise of the person that 'works' on any given gun ... If a 1911 has mods other than simple bolt-ons like grips or sights ... I won't even consider it, simply because there are so many hacks with a 1911, no experience, and an accessory catalogue, sitting at the kitchen table with a dremel tool and some files.

A recipe for certain disaster when it comes to 1911's.

REV

 

[Tweety Bird]

I don't own any of the three.

SR1911 has Novak style sights. To me, that's a plus, because my eyes sort of require some sort of high visibility sight and replacing Novak style sights is a little easier. The thumb safety is an extended one. Some people love 'em, some people cuss 'em. Beavertail grip safety is something I like, but again, not everyone does. Also, the plunger tube is part of the frame, rather than staked-on like most other 1911s. I don't know if the plunger tube would be enough to sway me either way. It looks like the Ruger has a lot of things that some people add at a later date.

Springfield has standard GI sights, a standard (short) thumb safety, and GI style grip safety and hammer. Some people don't like getting their hand pinched between the grip safety and the hammer, though other folks can't understand how that can even happen. (I've only shot one with the GI style grip safety and hammer and it didn't bite me but it was close.)

Para looks like it has the same features and benefits as the Springfield.

Again, I don't have any of the 3 you're considering so this isn't personal to me. The closest I had was a Springfield Loaded that I gave to my son; it had a spongy feel to the thumb safety, and the trigger wasn't as nice as even my Rock Island. I've felt other Springers, though, that seemed just fine in both areas. In spite of those things, it's still a sweet shooter, though. But it's not the GI like you have on your list.

For my money, the Ruger looks like a pretty nice deal, unless you're really set on having that real "GI Look" about it.

 

[Jerry-R]

In that price range (street price) the SR1911 is hand's down the winner. Customer features at non-custom pricing.

 

[Ken ONeill]

I recommend the SR1911 highly over the others you suggest.

 

[Sax.45]

Of the three mentioned the SR1911.

 

[Rabon]

If I were going to buy a 1911 to shoot stock with no intent of building, I would choose the Ruger (I do have one), If I were going to use one as a platform to build on from those 3 I would use the S/A, however if I were going to build I would use a Colt (I also have a few of these).

 

[retiredsquid]

IMNSHO the SR1911 is a "best buy" in 1911s today. I purchased a pair for myself and my son. Both are accurate and reliability has been 100% from day one. The only thing I intend to upgrade is to Wilson Combat nite-sites.

 

[bigun]

Of the 3 you list the only one I would avoid is the Para, their QC is still to spotty. Although I have heard that their customer service has improved immesurably, not hard to do when you start at the bottom. I havent owned a SR 1911 yet but it is a Ruger so even if it's not perfect from the factory they will make it right.
Being a home table gunsmith with files, a dremmel tool and a Brownells catalog LOL, and a Beretta and SIG certified armorer I dont have a problem modding my 1911's to fit what I want or I would say go with the forged frame and slide of the Springer. But the Ruger is a deal for what you get.

 

[luckybaer]

Can't speak for the others, but the SR1911 is a fine, fine gun.