I am looking at getting a 1911 for a range gun and to add something to my collection since everybody needs a 1911. I have settled on getting something entry level so that I can learn the platform as well as being a cheaper purchase. I know these are not the be all end all of the 1911 world, but I think they both will do what I am interested in. I think the Mil-Spec might be a better built gun and its been around for quite a while vs. the GI Expert which has just been released. I am just looking for some constructive advice on which is the better gun and why.
Get a used Colt 1911/1991.
Same or less money as the other two options…and it’s a pony.
A brand new one will cost you a hundred or two more.
Here’s one on Gunbroker…listed as used but it appears NIB.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=130696167
If it was my money, I’d rather go with the forged Brazilian rather than the cast Canadian. The Springfield is probably more amenable to upgrading/hacking since it uses series 70 fire control parts.
If you’re out to just save money on any ole 1911, then the Taurus and Armscor are other low priced options. The Pony is a nice suggestion if you don’t mind series 80 and spending a little more. If I was looking for a long term addition I’d go with a Colt just because it’s a Colt.
My last “low-priced” 1911 was a new Kimber series one that I picked up a decade ago for under $600. I was also under the impression that “everyone needs to have a 1911” until the extractor went out of tune after 800 rounds. Simple fix and not a big issue on a range gun. You probably already know that 1911s can be fickle/needy. Personally, it’s just not an attribute I want to deal with in a gun anymore.
Between the two you listed I would opt for the Springfield… or as was previously mentioned buy a used Colt.
I’m not looking for a used gun, Colt or not.
I know 1911’s can be fickle, like I said, I am not worried about it, its not going to be a trust my life to it gun. I have read a ton good about the Springfield Mil-Spec, but the only thing I have read about the Para is reviews with maybe 200 rounds down range. I know the mil-spec has had thousands of rounds down range by some very capable people. I would love to find a Kimber series 1, but haven’t seen one locally, well, ever. Its going to be a range gun and thats about it. The shop I generally buy from has the Taurus PT1911(I think thats the model number), I looked at it, but it didnt strike me like the Springfield Mil-Spec did. I cant say the Para struck me as a gun I had to have either though. The guns that struck me as “I want this now” were the Kimber’s, but being all series 2 guns, I know the issues with them and am not really interested in them.
Springfield Mil-Spec!
ditto!
Repeat after me, class:
ParaOrdanance is crap. Bottom of the barrel.
The Springer GI guns aren’t bad from what I’ve seen of them and from what I’ve heard from knowledgeable people.
I’d opt for the Mil-Spec; mine has worked well for a 1911.
I’d have to agree…
I’d only settle on a springer if I was sending it to Burton to completely overhaul.
Since you’re not looking to build a nice weapon, the safer bet would be the Colt M1991 A1.
I think the Colt is going to be a bit above my price range since I can get the Mil-Spec for like 550. All the Colt’s I am seeing are around 750 which would get me into a Springfield Custom Loaded.
I agree. Para is crap, and the Mil-Spec would be a great beginner 1911.
However even though I love my Springfield, and the lifetime warranty is tops, honestly if I were going to buy a 1911 tomorrow it would be a Colt.
BTW: I have a Springfield Loaded. It is not a “Custom” gun by any stretch of the imagination. It has some nice features for the money, but comes from the exact same production lines as the Mil-Spec. One thing you’re going to learn in the 1911 world is $750 is not going to get you into a custom gun. Look to spend about 2x that.
I never said I thought the Loaded was a custom gun, I know its not. All I was saying was for what I have seen basic Colt 1991’s going for($750), I could get a Springfield Loaded.
Just reading what you wrote bro.
Man…sounds like I’ve heard that from someone recently.
Not sure if they still do it but Para even came up with the bright idea to use a cast extractor at one point. 
Me too.
But I’ve never really liked Paras.
The last time Canadians made a decent handgun it was John Inglis making Hi Powers for WWII.
Para Ordnance guns shit the bed on a regular basis.