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This is the second Para 1911 I purchased from Bud's. The other is a full size SSP. This version is a scaled down version of the GI Expert, with some extras. At 28oz with a 4.25" barrel vs 39oz and 5" barrel for the full size, it is significantly lighter and easier to carry. Upgrades included in the GI LTC include the nice wood grips, competition trigger, and fiber optic front sight. Out of the box it looked good and everything seemed to function. It was delivered clean and well lubricated. Para does not recommedend cleaning before the first use. They recommend shooting 250 rounds, then clean, lube and shoot another 250 rounds. They say this is for the break in. The gun is tight to begin with so this makes some degree of sense.

At the range, I had a couple of times in the first 50 rounds where I fired and the next round only partially seated in the chamber. It fed but the slide did not fully return to the correct position and I had to push it forward before firing the next shot. This occured about 20 or 25 rounds in. After that it fed and fired the next 200 + rounds perfectly. Being lighter (alloy frame), it has a little more recoil than the steel framed full size model but is very managable. Accuracy was very good. I am not an expert marksman, competition targer shooter. But, I hit what I shot at. From a sandbag rest, it did nice groups at 15 and 25 yards. Off hand in a more defensive fire situation I was able to consistently hit near center at 7.5, 15 and 25 yards. A couple of flyers were my own fault, not the pistol. This was with fairly cheap ammo. The first 200 rounds were Georgia Arms factory reload 230 gr FMJ, and the last 50 were Federal Champion 230 gr FMJ. The accuracy seemed consistent through the whole session. This is a nice pistol and very nice for the price. Bud's price was $549 when I ordered it with free shipping. I paid $25 for the transfer fee at my local FFL. So, a lot of gun for the money. I have shopped 1911's at several gun shows and this is a deal.

If you want a "Commander" size 1911, this one deserves serious consideration.

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