Thread: 1911 - Disappointed

Ah, A question I know more about than SR shaving!

First off, you've bought a nice (and expensive) pistol and it should work well (once cleaned to get rid of any manufacturing/shipping "gunk") right out of the box. However, if it's double stack as you said, it's not a Para 1911, which is single stack, as are all 1911s, it's a Para Black Ops 14.45 or a 10.45 or one of the yet to be released (I think) Combat or Recon models. The fact that they are double stack pistols means, pretty much by definition that they are not built on the proven (since the early 1900's) design of the 1911, but are adaptations/redesigns.

That is a critical issue in answering your question, since the 1911 design has proven to be reliable under even the most extreme conditions. The one thing that will effect them is not having a solid enough grip to allow the slide to cycle completely. This is commonly referred to as "limp-wristing", as compared to the correct shooting technique of "pressing forward into the grip" while the pistol cycles.

If I were you I'd 1) clean the pistol well, 2) get a box of quality ammo and 3) do a test firing of 50 rounds while being sure you have a tight grip and good shooting position during all 50 rounds. If you still have a problem, it is probably the pistol....OR....the double stack grip is just too big for your hand to maintain control.

Good luck, for what you've paid for a Para-Ordnance pistol, it should function. If not get them to replace it or buy a Kimber or Springfield Armory (I have both and they are great) or one of the other high end, well proven 1911s. If you want a 45 in double stack, look at the new Sig P227.

I have been hearing good things about the STI 1911's from the Tactical guys. Have any of you tried one of them?

I think Harold may have a good point about giving it a real thorough cleaning. If the tolerances are tighter than mil spec issue in order to accurize them then they can get very finicky and are really sensitive to dirt and gunk build up.

Bob

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

Ah, I question I know more about than SR shaving!

First off, you've bought a nice (and expensive) pistol and it should work well (once cleaned to get rid of any manufacturing/shipping "gunk") right out of the box. However, if it's double stack as you said, it's not a Para 1911, which is single stack, as are all 1911s, it's a Para Black Ops 14.45 or a 10.45 or one of the yet to be released (I think) Combat or Recon models. The fact that they are double stack pistols means, pretty much by definition that they are not built on the proven (since the early 1900's) design of the 1911, but are adaptations/redesigns.

That is a critical issue in answering your question, since the 1911 design has proven to be reliable under even the most extreme conditions. The one thing that will effect them is not having a solid enough grip to allow the slide to cycle completely. This is commonly referred to as "limp-wristing", as compared to the correct shooting technique of "pressing forward into the grip" while the pistol cycles.

If I were you I'd 1) clean the pistol well, 2) get a box of quality ammo and 3) do a test firing of 50 rounds while being sure you have a tight grip and good shooting position during all 50 rounds. If you still have a problem, it is probably the pistol....OR....the double stack grip is just too big for your hand to maintain control.

Good luck, for what you've paid for a Para-Ordnance pistol, it should function. If not get them to replace it or buy a Kimber or Springfield Armory (I have both and they are great) or one of the other high end, well proven 1911s. If you want a 45 in double stack, look at the new Sig P227.

I agree 100% my first thought when reading the OP was that 1911's aren't double stacked. And I've been positively drooling over the P227 for almost a year now!!! Just tough to drop that kinda $$$ right now. Esp if it's going to be a carry gun, tough to see it get beat up through daily carry. I will get one one day though...

Originally Posted by Lynn

I have been hearing good things about the STI 1911's from the Tactical guys. Have any of you tried one of them?

The only STI I have shot was one that was really worked over, so it shot like a $2K+ pistol...like butter. Same guy had a Les Baer Monolith and I liked the STI better. I've heard good about the box stock STI's too.

The tightest tolerance 1911 I have shot was the same mentioned Les Baer, it was still shooting great with at least 200 rounds of WInchester white box ammo. It was dirty as all get out, still ran like a swiss watch, and still made me look like I was a shooter when you looked at my groups.

My Kimber was a pretty good piece. And I do love 1911's. But i've re-lapsed (down-sized) into revolvers only now...and SA at that.

Also, i see all factory-produced guns (and automobiles) as "pre-assembled kits". I take them apart and tune them up/modify them to suit my preferences because ...well because that's what i've learned to do to suit my "needs".

If i had money to spend, i'd hire the work out. But i always blow all my money on the kit. Then fix it.

I was probably 16 when i started smoothing sears and polishing/deburring what comes out of factories.

Originally Posted by Lynn

I have been hearing good things about the STI 1911's from the Tactical guys. Have any of you tried one of them?

I borrowed one for a while, from a friend that only have STIs, and I have nothing but good experiences with them.
Runs well. Shoots well. Like a 1911 is supposed to do. I recommend them.

Funny little axiom of pistols (and many other weapons) that has been well covered in this thread but not stated

As accuracy gets better, tolerances must get tighter, as tolerances get tighter, reliability decreases...


The break in periods, tuning, cleaning, tweaking, all carefully and selectively open up certain tolerances of the system...

I haven't had a chance to shoot an STI, but have friends that have one of their full-size 1911s. They love it.

Personally, I'm at a stage at which given my current inventory which includes a Kimber (full size) 1911 and many other items in other calibers, I'm not inclined to buy any handgun that costs over $1000. I have a safe full of S&W, Ruger, Taurus, Beretta, and Kimber, and plan no additions (although they're easier to sneak past SWMBO than razors and other shaving supplies which come via the post office, UPS or Fedex)

Originally Posted by Lynn

I have been hearing good things about the STI 1911's from the Tactical guys. Have any of you tried one of them?

STI makes quality products in my experience. I think the STI "Defender" is a single stack model? There are a lot of 1911/SS .45s out there, and as you know prices from "don't bother wasting your money" to "if you have to ask you can't afford it." For tactical use, reliability is obviously #1. Don't need 1" groups at 25 yds in a defensive weapon, but it dang sure better fire on every trigger pull! As mentioned in other posts, higher accuracy = tighter tolerances = lowered reliability.