Evaluation: ParaOrdnance GI Expert

Handloader

Para switched production from Canada to North Carolina recently. It seems their 1911s have benefitted from the move. I recently got a new Para GI Expert, although, I have been unimpressed by some of their pistols over the years. I sing a different tune today.

The GI Expert has been one of the better dollar values in a 1911 basic IMO. Now, with 4,000 rounds through it, their advertising seems to be unexaggerated. No FTF/FTE whatsoever, eventhough, most 1911s don't run their best until the round count gets higher. Accuracy has been much better than expected with 1" groups, ten shots, benched, the norm at 25 yards.

Kudos to ParaOrdnance. IMO, they will be selling lots of the GI Experts.

wiersy111

I have only handled the Para 1911 in gun shops and am very interested in hearing the feed back because I want to buy a 1911 but can't make up my mind which one. My son just bought the Springfield GI Stainless today and I must say it is a nice feeling, nice shooting pistol. But the sights are pretty hard for me to see. What does Para have for sights?

Handloader

The GI Expert uses standard three dot fixed sights. That said, keep in mind that sights are among the easiest things to change out, if needed.

Unless someone is target oriented, elaborate sights, IMO, are seldom necessary. While some will install night sites or elaborate light pipe sights, in a defensive role one has time to find the target, the front sight and the trigger and must do so quickly. Using a gold dot front or, if needed, a night sight on the front only or a white paint often underlies the adage of keeping it simple.

wcfsr · Rookie Member Joined: Jul 26, 2009 Posts: 2

Hey guys, I just bought the Para GI Expert and have returned it to my dealer the next day. The finish was worn off after the first two clips were shot ! I practice by draw/fire method using a galco leather belt holster.
On the slide the finish was starting to flake off and visible bare metal was showing. My dealer said that he would return it for repair/replacement and he has not seen this before. I did read that it is a teflon finish, I hope this is not going to be an issue for the gun. As for as shooting and function I AM well pleased. The pistol shot fantastic and flawlessly.
The ball is in Paras' court now. Sad

wiersy111

Wow that sucks!!!!!! Let us know what happens, that was one of the 1911's I was considering.

shrpshtrjoe

Welcome to the HuntingNut wcfsr Howdy

sit and stay awhile. Thanks for the info.

Joe

chambered221

I have looked at the Para LDA a number of times now and keep thinking I need one for a carry gun!!!
If it wasn’t for winning the Kahr I have I’d probably would have bought one by now.
The LDA is nothing like any other double action out there.

whittling

I've heard a lot of good about them but no actual experience with one .

Handloader

Para Ordnance has been innovative in many ways, yet, they have had a rather high return rate for FTF/E issues. The company has always been responsive to warranty issues and I am confident the "wcsfr" will be satisfied when the handgun is returned.

It has been the expectation that the North Carolina manufactured Paras will have better QC than the Canadian sourced 1911s, but, time will tell. Me? I keep hounding Para for my GI Expert, but, I'm told they are backordered for the foreseeable future. About 15,000 units worth. So, I suck it up and get in line. And wait.

gelandangan

I own a para ordnance 14-45 a few years back before the Great Oz Gun Buy Back.
Mine were very reliable and accurate,
granted there are a few teething problems when the gun is new (in my hand)
but with some adjustment and change of spring, it quickly became a favorite.

I use it in Police Service Pistol shoots off holsters and over the years,
must have drawn it out of holster a few thousand times,
and feed it a few tens thousand cartridges.
Somehow, I do not have problem with the finish nor accuracy nor reliability with it.

Now for all I know the gun may be made into a soda pop cans..
such is the wisdom of the leader of this Great Land Of Oz..

wcfsr · Rookie Member Joined: Jul 26, 2009 Posts: 2

Thanks guys for the moral support over my new GI Expert. My dealer tried to explain that Para would make it right and has never had a problem dealing with them, He said that they would go over it with white gloves being it was a new model for them just to maintain their reputation.
We"ll see. I must repeat myself in saying that it functioned flawlessly. I can hardly wait to get it back!!

Remember, Shoot first and shoot fast!! Even if you miss, while he is standing there scratching his head saying" That @#$#@%$ shot at me!!" you"ll have time to get away!!

stovepipe

That's a feature packed 8+1 firearm for a smokin' price.

Thanks for the info HL, been anticipating this one.

Made is USA too? Move over Springfield.

Handloader

Added comment: North Carolina produced Paras have forged frames.