Para switched production to North Carolina recently. One of the main improvements will be forged frames vs the cast frames from Canadian production. Paras have a loyal following, but, they frequently need a little after purchase help to get it right. I was given a GI Expert for some testing recently, a North Carolina sourced one. Now, after expending some 3,000 rounds through it, I'm not giving it back.

After a few breakin hiccups, the Expert settled down and has been flawless since the first 600 rounds. Its accurate, too. Locally, the Expert is selling in the mid500 dollar range and Para is now backordered until the end of the year. Its good to see Para come up with an economical and funtionally superb unit.

Dan Wesson's 1911s have been getting high praise recently. These 1911s are priced in the $1,000 range, plus or minus depending on model and features. I borrowed a co-worker's and, with his consent, tore it down completely to examine the parts and fit. Impressive. If you have followed the DW development of their 1911s you are aware that they are using premium components, many supplied by Ed Brown. (Brown allowed them to copy is Bobtail Commander, I suspect, in exchange for the business). CZ is now the distributor for DW and their sales reflect the new arrangement.

This is an impressive 1911 in all regards. If you are in the market for a new 1911, I would encourage consideration for DW. Not too many frills, superb workmanship and an extraordinay 1911 for the money. IMO, they compare favorably with far more expensive and exclusive brands.

Got any DW owners out there? Being somewhat of a 1911 fan, I hope to get one soon. Now, where is that piggy bank?

Sig makes a nice one too

No, fnuser, SIG makes a great 1911! It has its own unique feel and balance and manages to show some of its heritage from both the P series and the 1911. Neat stuff!

There are lots of great new 1911s out there. It wouldn't surprise me to see Ruger introduce one someday as they have covered most other aspects of the market. But, for the enthused die hard 1911 lover, having one of each of the good ones is a challenge. That said, there are a lot of substandard 1911s on the market that require the services of a good gunsmith to make them run right. The cost of doing this, when added to the cost of the pistol, usually exceeds the price of a good one off the shelf.

HL-

I have a stock watch over at Davidson's for a GI Xprt.

I also have a deal in the mix for an 80 series Gvt. that looks stock but has a few lil goodies under the hood.

I'm anxious to comapre the two. Push some buttons and get the GI X's rolling out here soon, would ya?!