[elglockeroloko30]

Hi, I am looking to get my first 1911 and would be thankfull if i can get some advice. I was thinking of a compact or subcompact .45. Price is not an issue. At first i was almost convinced that kimber ultra carry was my winer but then a friend suggested Para ordenance as a more economic alternative an equal quality. I dont really know much about 1911s and would love to hear your feedback. Thanks in advance!

[Olympus]

Para guns are not exactly true 1911s. They use their owns specs and a lot of 1911 parts are not interchangeable with the Paras. If price isn't a factor, I would strongly urge you away from Para guns. They are decent guns, but kind of considered red-headed stepchildren in the 1911 world.

If you are looking for small frame 1911s, then you should look at Springfield EMPs in 9mm and .40. Then any Kimber model that has "ultra" in the name will be a compact frame. Colt makes an Officer's model and a new agent model. Sig Sauer and Dan Wesson both have CCO size models (compact size frame with an intermediate size barrel).

[Jeepergeo]

It is hard to beat a Classic 1911 with full size frame. But those are on the large size if you plan to carry yours.

With a 100+ year old off patent design, there are a lot of makers to choose from, from cheap and crummy to near perfection. Kimbers fit is tight and the finish is nice. I'd gauge the Kimber quality to be in the top 25%.

[HOSSFLY]

Originally Posted by Jeepergeo

It is hard to beat a Classic 1911 with full size frame. But those are on the large size if you plan to carry yours.

With a 100+ year old off patent design, there are a lot of makers to choose from, from cheap and crummy to near perfection. Kimbers fit is tight and the finish is nice. I'd gauge the Kimber quality to be in the top 25%.

Kimbers warranty sucks

[MrWray]

Originally Posted by HOSSFLY

Kimbers warranty sucks

I just had this same discussion with a friend 2 days ago. He called me up and said that his kimber WILL NOT feed FMJ ammo,before he told me that he called CS i told him that if he called them that they would pull their normal " you havent broke the gun in properly" routine.then he told me that he called them and that was pretty much word for word of what they said. He said that he has already put like 900 rounds through it so how much more break in does it need? I just laughed and told him,longer than i would wait

[trip286]

They say 500 I THINK.
I'd want a gun that runs right out of the box, with no BS break in excuses. The only hi points I've shot did so, so why can't some of these higher end (and much higher priced) hand guns do the same?

Is Kimber the only one that requires a break in period?

[MrWray]

Originally Posted by trip286

They say 500 I THINK.
I'd want a gun that runs right out of the box, with no BS break in excuses. The only hi points I've shot did so, so why can't done if these higher end (and much higher priced) hand guns do the same?

Is Kimber the only one that requires a break in period?

I think its just a general rule of thumb,but not a requirement. I think kimber uses "500rd break-in requirement" because their CS stays so busy with malfunction calls,that it keeps alot more guns from being sent in

[Olympus]

There is some truth to the break-in period, but I agree that some companies use it as a blanket statement help reduce the number of returned guns.

I try to use some common sense with new guns. If I get an occasional malfunction on a new gun, I will continue to shoot it and try to break it in to see of that helps. If I get a consistent, regular malfunction that something doesn't "feel right", I will send the gun back immediately no matter what the round count is.