[Nathan]

Is this a good base gun for a moderately customized 1911 for carry? I really like the size and fit to my hand, plus the 2001 model comes with some nice features like the Kimbers, and I like the fully supported barrel/one piece feed ramp. I also like that fairly easily, I will be able to pick up 3 high cap mags.

I'm probably not picky enough to have much replaced. Maybe just a King's thumb safety, Brown or Briley spherical barrel bushing, new Black T or Bearcoat finnish, reliability tuning, CMC night sights, STI spur hammer and sear, trigger, etc.

Anyways, the custom part is a little ways off. First, is the Para a quality base gun? Also, is stainless or carbon steel better for a custom carry gun? I'm kind of leaning towards SS because of ho nice my S&W 640 SS cleans up and NEVER rusts.

 

[viesczy]

Is the Para a good base gun?

Well, I have had a P12 and a P13 for 5 years and I have a total of 6 malfs between them in .45acp with about 7500-10000 digested (and maybe 750 in 400 CorBon for the P12 which had a TIGHT BarSto barrel that required a little break in period).

The blue frames are sorta UGLY and they are prone to scratching and oxidizing quickly, at least mine have proven to be so.

I like my Paras and tote 'em often. I just had a P16 (duo-tone no more blued frames for me! :grin converted to 10mm with an Ed Brown barrel and I couldn't be happier.

I think Dane and the others here will give a more "pro" look at the pistol and the ins and outs of what the Paras.

Derek