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My Sons New Para USA GI Expert and Range Report
2/9/2009 2:51:20 PM
Well again Para USA (formerly Ordnance) has impressed me. This gun is definately a keeper. I took 200 rounds of mixed ammunition to the range today and it gobbled everything up without any malfunctions whatsoever. I had 50 rounds each of:
230gr. Magtech FMJ
230gr. Winchester White Box FMJ
230gr. Federal HydraShok HP
230gr. Hornady XTP HP
Since I really hate the plastic grips, I changed them out with a set of the Kimber Double Diamond Checkered Hard Rubber grips and other than inspecting, thoroughly cleaning and relubricating the gun, I did nothing else.
I do have a couple of complaints. The slide release literally takes two thumbs to depress when there is an "empty" mag in place. Without the mag it works normally. I tried this with a Wilson 47D and one of my Para LTC 9mm mags and they were a bit less difficult to release but still much more than the norm. Not a biggie in my book. This gun has a extremely strong slide return spring. I need to check its weight to see if is the factory norm.
The gun has a flat mainspring housing, my preference and an older style tang on the grip release. All safeties worked flawlessly and the trigger became a bit smoother after about 150 rounds. It breaks cleanly around 4# to my guestimation. The three dot sights were bright white and worked fine.
Shooting from a bench with an Outers adjustable Pistol Rest the hole punching went as follows for the best 9 shot string:
230gr. Magtech FMJ = 3.21
230gr. Winchester White Box FMJ = 3.36
230gr. Federal HydraShok HP = 3.55
230gr. Hornady XTP HP = 3.38
Here is the MagTech target with one called flyer.
Here is the gun taken earlier in the day, after I changed the grips.
230gr. Magtech FMJ
230gr. Winchester White Box FMJ
230gr. Federal HydraShok HP
230gr. Hornady XTP HP
Since I really hate the plastic grips, I changed them out with a set of the Kimber Double Diamond Checkered Hard Rubber grips and other than inspecting, thoroughly cleaning and relubricating the gun, I did nothing else.
I do have a couple of complaints. The slide release literally takes two thumbs to depress when there is an "empty" mag in place. Without the mag it works normally. I tried this with a Wilson 47D and one of my Para LTC 9mm mags and they were a bit less difficult to release but still much more than the norm. Not a biggie in my book. This gun has a extremely strong slide return spring. I need to check its weight to see if is the factory norm.
The gun has a flat mainspring housing, my preference and an older style tang on the grip release. All safeties worked flawlessly and the trigger became a bit smoother after about 150 rounds. It breaks cleanly around 4# to my guestimation. The three dot sights were bright white and worked fine.
Shooting from a bench with an Outers adjustable Pistol Rest the hole punching went as follows for the best 9 shot string:
230gr. Magtech FMJ = 3.21
230gr. Winchester White Box FMJ = 3.36
230gr. Federal HydraShok HP = 3.55
230gr. Hornady XTP HP = 3.38
Here is the MagTech target with one called flyer.
Here is the gun taken earlier in the day, after I changed the grips.
2/10/2009 5:30:33 AM
Very nice. I was waiting to see if someone would post a review on here.
It would be nice if para would release a plain jane hi-cap version of this pistol.
It would be nice if para would release a plain jane hi-cap version of this pistol.
2/27/2009 2:19:34 AM
What's a good price on one of these? I like the P-13 but a plain jane 1911 is always a good friend to have in a pinch.
4/7/2009 11:58:42 AM
Originally Posted By portagee:
What's a good price on one of these? I like the P-13 but a plain jane 1911 is always a good friend to have in a pinch.
What's a good price on one of these? I like the P-13 but a plain jane 1911 is always a good friend to have in a pinch.
buds has them 480 shipped.
4/7/2009 12:17:31 PM
Originally Posted By tex45acp:
The slide release literally takes two thumbs to depress when there is an "empty" mag in place. Without the mag it works normally.
The slide release literally takes two thumbs to depress when there is an "empty" mag in place. Without the mag it works normally.
This is as it should be. It helps remind you that your trying to drop the slide on an empty mag with no rounds in it. Bad in a fight if your expecting it to be loaded after you release the slide, and bad on the gun as you shouldnt drop the slide on an empty chamber.
4/9/2009 10:17:46 AM
well based on the review here I bought one.. I must say.. I like it.
I havent fired it yet, but i have hand cycled a few hundred rounds through it and its MUCH smoother and reliable than my series 70 hartford colt was.
I havent fired it yet, but i have hand cycled a few hundred rounds through it and its MUCH smoother and reliable than my series 70 hartford colt was.
4/14/2009 12:37:00 AM
I checked one out in a gunshop. Checked mag and chamber, empty. Cocked the hammer, locked on the safety, aimed at floor, finger off trigger, flicked off safety and the hammer fell. Not good. Couldn't replicate the event, but have never ever even heard of such a thing happening with a 1911.
GL
GL
4/14/2009 9:31:09 AM
Originally Posted By GunLogic:
I checked one out in a gunshop. Checked mag and chamber, empty. Cocked the hammer, locked on the safety, aimed at floor, finger off trigger, flicked off safety and the hammer fell. Not good. Couldn't replicate the event, but have never ever even heard of such a thing happening with a 1911.
GL
I checked one out in a gunshop. Checked mag and chamber, empty. Cocked the hammer, locked on the safety, aimed at floor, finger off trigger, flicked off safety and the hammer fell. Not good. Couldn't replicate the event, but have never ever even heard of such a thing happening with a 1911.
GL
Friend had a wilson do that thankfully it cought on the halfcock.
5/7/2009 11:44:06 AM
Hi, Was wondering on how your son's Para GI Expert is holding up?? I am very interested in getting one of these and have read some recent articles the rave about the pistol. I want a basic 1911 that is made well and functions well. The Para GI Expert seems to cover this at a reasonable price. Thanks
5/12/2009 10:40:23 AM
how much do these pistols run?
edit, never mind I am blind
edit, never mind I am blind
5/12/2009 10:58:32 AM
i am interested too
6/8/2009 12:08:21 PM
So Far So Good Guys!!!
He took it out to the range this past weekend and he and a friend, who brought 300 rounds of mixed brand ammo, said he had no problems what so ever. I think this now makes over 1500 rounds. The only thing that was a problem, that happened at around 1200 rounds, was the thumb safety not working properly. The little knob that holds the sear in place chipped enough to allow the trigger to be squeezed, thus allowing the sear to rotate and the hammer to drop. I had a brand new Wilson Combat extended thumb safety that I replaced it with. 15 minute fix and it works perfectly in these last 300 rounds. I sent the MIM part back to PARA USA.
tex45acp
He took it out to the range this past weekend and he and a friend, who brought 300 rounds of mixed brand ammo, said he had no problems what so ever. I think this now makes over 1500 rounds. The only thing that was a problem, that happened at around 1200 rounds, was the thumb safety not working properly. The little knob that holds the sear in place chipped enough to allow the trigger to be squeezed, thus allowing the sear to rotate and the hammer to drop. I had a brand new Wilson Combat extended thumb safety that I replaced it with. 15 minute fix and it works perfectly in these last 300 rounds. I sent the MIM part back to PARA USA.
tex45acp
6/30/2009 9:58:08 PM
Glad to hear you're enjoying it.
I have a question about these. A lot of Paras have a ramped barrel and fully supported chamber. I've heard different things about whether these have a ramped barrel or not. Does yours?
Here's a picture illustrating the difference:
I have a question about these. A lot of Paras have a ramped barrel and fully supported chamber. I've heard different things about whether these have a ramped barrel or not. Does yours?
Here's a picture illustrating the difference:
7/8/2009 10:36:12 PM
i don't own one yet but the ones i have seen have the conventional barrel setup.
7/13/2009 4:43:45 PM
Does anyone have a link to that buds 
7/18/2009 10:31:04 AM
[quote]Originally Posted By b1ff:
Glad to hear you're enjoying it.
I have a question about these. A lot of Paras have a ramped barrel and fully supported chamber. I've heard different things about whether these have a ramped barrel or not. Does yours? [quote]
Not a ramped barrel,conventional as posted in your pic on the left. Here's mine pictured below which I just got and have'nt had a chance to try out yet. One of my local dealers got 10 of them in at $522 out the door. There are a few places online a little cheaper with free shipping but when you add in the FFL transfer it comes out within dollars of the same price anyway. My local dealers are getting between $30 to $50 to do a transfer now,and if it's a new gun that they also sell they don' really like doing it and I don't blame them.
I have three issues with this gun so far and have'nt even shot it yet. Decided to buy it anyways as these problems won't be hard to fix if needed and after trying 5 of the new pistols the dealer had,all were the same.
One is the mags will not lock in place unless you really hammer the bottom hard. I figured that might get better with break in,if not it's an easy enough fix.
Second,I don't like the feel of the safety. It works,does'nt seem to have any issues working it unloaded,but it just does'nt have a very positive detent feel to it,it moves too easy IMHO.
Third,which I'm not even sure is a problem based on the comments above,is that you cannot release the slide with an empty mag in the gun.
For the price though it seems like a decent buy. I was looking at the SA and Taurus guns too,just ended up with this one for some reason. I guess it was more the "made in Canada" over the "made in Brazil" stamp that sold me.
Glad to hear you're enjoying it.
I have a question about these. A lot of Paras have a ramped barrel and fully supported chamber. I've heard different things about whether these have a ramped barrel or not. Does yours? [quote]
Not a ramped barrel,conventional as posted in your pic on the left. Here's mine pictured below which I just got and have'nt had a chance to try out yet. One of my local dealers got 10 of them in at $522 out the door. There are a few places online a little cheaper with free shipping but when you add in the FFL transfer it comes out within dollars of the same price anyway. My local dealers are getting between $30 to $50 to do a transfer now,and if it's a new gun that they also sell they don' really like doing it and I don't blame them.
I have three issues with this gun so far and have'nt even shot it yet. Decided to buy it anyways as these problems won't be hard to fix if needed and after trying 5 of the new pistols the dealer had,all were the same.
One is the mags will not lock in place unless you really hammer the bottom hard. I figured that might get better with break in,if not it's an easy enough fix.
Second,I don't like the feel of the safety. It works,does'nt seem to have any issues working it unloaded,but it just does'nt have a very positive detent feel to it,it moves too easy IMHO.
Third,which I'm not even sure is a problem based on the comments above,is that you cannot release the slide with an empty mag in the gun.
For the price though it seems like a decent buy. I was looking at the SA and Taurus guns too,just ended up with this one for some reason. I guess it was more the "made in Canada" over the "made in Brazil" stamp that sold me.
7/29/2009 1:00:15 AM
Got mine for $465 locally. So far I really like it. This is my first 1911, so I don't really have a good frame of reference. I shot it and my friends Kimber Custom at the range on Saturday. I think my GI compared very well considering the price gap between the two. Other than the trigger (and grips, but that such an easy fix it's hardly worth mentioning) I couldn't tell much difference between the two. I shot some Blazer and American Eagle through mine with no issues whatsoever. I'd say it's a steal for the price.
I ordered a set of Pachmayr grips and 2 Chip McCormick Power Mags for it, and I'll probably get flamed for this, but I want one of those barrel bushing compensators for it. Strictly for appearance sake, I just think they look cool.
I ordered a set of Pachmayr grips and 2 Chip McCormick Power Mags for it, and I'll probably get flamed for this, but I want one of those barrel bushing compensators for it. Strictly for appearance sake, I just think they look cool.
8/9/2009 7:27:01 PM
I have a question about these. A lot of Paras have a ramped barrel and fully supported chamber. I've heard different things about whether these have a ramped barrel or not. Does yours?
which is better the barrel having the ramp or the frame and why??? or is it just an opinon thing?? thanx
8/10/2009 11:38:52 AM
Originally Posted By Blund:
Friend had a wilson do that thankfully it cought on the halfcock.
Originally Posted By GunLogic:
I checked one out in a gunshop. Checked mag and chamber, empty. Cocked the hammer, locked on the safety, aimed at floor, finger off trigger, flicked off safety and the hammer fell. Not good. Couldn't replicate the event, but have never ever even heard of such a thing happening with a 1911.
GL
I checked one out in a gunshop. Checked mag and chamber, empty. Cocked the hammer, locked on the safety, aimed at floor, finger off trigger, flicked off safety and the hammer fell. Not good. Couldn't replicate the event, but have never ever even heard of such a thing happening with a 1911.
GL
Friend had a wilson do that thankfully it cought on the halfcock.
Had it happen with a Colt 70 sereis.
8/15/2009 10:08:33 PM
Finally got mine out to the range last weekend. Bought a few of the 100 round 230gr Winchester white box ammo at the local Wallymart,the gun functioned perfect from the first round to the last(200rds),not one single hint of any malfunctions. Sights are perfect, dead on and need no adjustment. The gun feels very smooth and solid during recoil and lockup. The trigger is ok,not the best I've used but acceptable for a stock pistol in this price range.
Unloaded the gun has two issues I mentioned above,the mags have to be hit hard to lock into place and the slide release is very hard to work when empty. With a loaded mag they pop in and lock nicely with much less effort than empty ones,why I don't know but thats the way it is. Also the slide release works much easier when I lock a loaded mag into it. Once again,not being a 1911 gunsmith I don't know why this is. Empty and I can barely release the slide one handed with my thumb. Put a loaded clip in and I can easily thumb it.
The one feature I still don't like is the safety,it moves way to easy with little effort whether loaded or unloaded. This I will fix.
Other than that I am quite pleased with it and would recommend it to others if you want a decent "cheaper" 1911.
Unloaded the gun has two issues I mentioned above,the mags have to be hit hard to lock into place and the slide release is very hard to work when empty. With a loaded mag they pop in and lock nicely with much less effort than empty ones,why I don't know but thats the way it is. Also the slide release works much easier when I lock a loaded mag into it. Once again,not being a 1911 gunsmith I don't know why this is. Empty and I can barely release the slide one handed with my thumb. Put a loaded clip in and I can easily thumb it.
The one feature I still don't like is the safety,it moves way to easy with little effort whether loaded or unloaded. This I will fix.
Other than that I am quite pleased with it and would recommend it to others if you want a decent "cheaper" 1911.
8/31/2009 10:06:49 PM
Originally Posted By MP-40:
I have a question about these. A lot of Paras have a ramped barrel and fully supported chamber. I've heard different things about whether these have a ramped barrel or not. Does yours?
which is better the barrel having the ramp or the frame and why??? or is it just an opinon thing?? thanx
I have a question about these. A lot of Paras have a ramped barrel and fully supported chamber. I've heard different things about whether these have a ramped barrel or not. Does yours?
which is better the barrel having the ramp or the frame and why??? or is it just an opinon thing?? thanx
Ramped barrel offers more case head support and enhances feeding...........I personally don't think it is required for 45acp...............on the other hand in 9mm parabellum it is a must have. trust me...........been there and done that!
8/31/2009 10:19:02 PM
cool thanx man 
10/8/2009 9:48:57 PM
Originally Posted By Blund:
buds has them 480 shipped.
Originally Posted By portagee:
What's a good price on one of these? I like the P-13 but a plain jane 1911 is always a good friend to have in a pinch.
What's a good price on one of these? I like the P-13 but a plain jane 1911 is always a good friend to have in a pinch.
buds has them 480 shipped.
Link please?
ETA, nevermind, found it:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php
