Kimber, Para or springfield?

[talldrink]

I am in the market to buy my first 1911 style pistol. I have narrowed it down to the Kimber, Para or Springfield. They all seem to be good weapons and price is not a problem. Any imput as to which one may be a better choice and why?

Thanks in advance for any help

[Sandman1967]

Well talldrink, that will be a "loaded" question. :D
I like all three, they are all good guns.
For me it is a very thin line between Kimber and Springfield.
Put them in your hand and get the one that appeals to you the most. Either way life is good with a 1911!

[Hawkmoon]

Buy the one that strikes your fancy. All are good brands. I'm not sure about Kimber, but both Para Ordnance and Springfield offer a lifetime warranty, so it'll be hard to get zinged too badly with either of those.

Personally, I feel Kimbers are a bit over-priced and I don't like the external extractor. I think Para Ordnance makes excellent pistols but I can't stand the aesthetics of most of their new ones. All I know about Springfield is that they sell for realistic prices, a lot of people have them, and a lot of people like them.

[Hunter]

One thing I am sure of is you cannot go wrong with Springfield

[John]

A few days ago, I created a new forum, just for questions like that, which refer to more than one brands, I am moving this thread there, might get a higher exposure.

[stans]

If you want a gun that you can carry and not carry cocked and locked, then Para is the answer.

If you want a high capacity gun, then Para is the answer.

If you are looking for a traditional style 1911, I'd go Springfield. Springfield still used the internal extractor (Kimber says they are going back to that style), and no firing pin safety mechanism. Springfield's can also be found for less money than Kimbers.

[PITMASTER]

Stans, Para does make a cocked and locked triaditional 1911.Its the SSP series.This is what I know about Para.No written warranty.Great gun. Nice looks great reviews all around.Kimber, 1 year warranty. great gun great reviews looks nice higher price.Springfield lifetime warranty great gun so on and so forth.So here is the deal:
Most of the three look the same, with some small options
They all have been given great ratings
Price is a factor, with Spring and Para close Kimber a bit higher
Warranty should be a big factor in your choice.Springfield 1st Kimber 2nd para 3rd
Otherwise all great choices, depending on what draws you in, and price, warranty.
Footnote.Para does say they will repair any manufactures defects as long as the first owner owns the gun.Check the site.
I was going to buy the Para PX745E. I purchased a Kimber
Jack

[John]

Warranty should be a big factor in your choice.Springfield 1st Kimber 2nd para 3rd

Para 3rd? I think they give a life-time warranty, don't they?

[PITMASTER]

Para 3rd? I think they give a life-time warranty, don't they?

From my understanding and research, they used to offer a lifetime warranty but decided to opt for the NO IMPLIED WARRANTY which means there is nothing in writing, but they have expressesd that they would take care of manufactures defects as long as the gun owner has the gun.I guess they just dont want to given a breakdown of whats covered and whats not.

[robertbank]

PITMASTER - NO that is not the reason. The US passed a law concerning warranties. Para like a number of companies found fault with the legislation. They now provide a lifetime service policy free of charge and it covers everything. Ask any Para owner who have used Para Service Dept. and you will find virtually all are very satisfied with the response from Para. So if you are ranking the pistols solely on warranty then Para should be the equal of Springfield. I have the Para SSP and it is a great gun with ramped barrel and the new power extractor which is awsome. I would give the nod to Para on those two points alone.

[PITMASTER]

Dude I am sure they will repair anything that will be manufactures shortcomings but again, its implied.This is what it says on the website.I work in a dealership as a service advisor.I know about warranty and I know about loopholes.I prefer to have something in writing.That is all.Take it how it is.I need to know what someone is offering and have it on hard copy.You may be different.Its all personal.

[John]

I do not know what the differences are between implied and non-implied (or whatever), all I know is what Ted Szabo told me.

Life-time full warranty.

[robertbank]

PITMASTER - I am sure if you work for any of the big three you know all about loopholes. The issue of warranty has come up before on another forum and discussed at great length. The issue does come down to a law passed by your Congress relating to warranties. A good number of manufacturers including Para have opted for lifetime service policies to avoid the contraints implied within the law. If a part fails or the gun fails to function as it should Para will fix it. Simple. No sub-sections to worrry about, or any fine print. George Wedge from Para frequents this site and I am sure he can explain the situation much better than I.

[PITMASTER]

Look in 100 years who is gonna care anyway.Para, Kimber, Springfield.They are all good firearms.Take your pick.By the way, I work for Nissan

[robertbank]

Well you got me intrigued about warranties from these three manufacturers and here is what I have found out:

Kimber Mfg., Inc. firearms are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one (1) year after the date of original new gun retail purchase, the Manufacturer agrees to correct by repair or replacement (with the same or comparable quality model) your firearm, without charge, if returned prepaid with a copy of the bill of sale.

This warranty does not apply to normal wear of any parts, including metal, wood, plastic, rubber and other material’s surfaced finish or if unauthorized repair and/or alteration has been performed.

This warranty does not cover repairs related to unreasonable use, corrosion (corrosion is neglect), failure to provide proper maintenance, damaged or shopworn display guns, gun barrels damaged by an obstructed bore or guns damaged in return shipment due to improper packing and handling.

Kimber Mfg., Inc. reserves the right to inspect any product before making any adjustment covered by this warranty.

Basically if it moves or rusts you are out of luck from the get go unless it is clear it broke within one year due to improper manufacture.

Para

Lifetime Service Policy

Para is proud to offer a lifetime service policy to the initial retail purchaser of its pistols. This policy went into effect with the beginning of the new millennium January 1, 2001.Para will provide the original retail purchaser of its pistols with all necessary service, free of charge, for the lifetime of the pistol, where adjustment or repair is required due to some defect in materials or workmanship. At Para, we believe that providing you with the best pistol you can own means that we will stand behind that pistol 100% for as long as you own it.
Since the beginning of the Millennium, Para has offered a Lifetime Service Policy to each original retail purchaser of its pistols. This means that we will provide the original retail purchaser of any one of our pistols with all necessary service, free of charge, for the lifetime of the pistol, where adjustment or repair is required due to some defect in materials or workmanship.

Pretty clear. If it breaks they will fix it for free! From the posts from owners of Para Pistols their service department is excellent and they honour their commitment to their customers.

Springfield

Springfield does not offer a written Warranty or Service Policy

This to is pretty clear no written warranty or service policy. Basically you are in the hands of Springfield God.

To address the issue of warranty/service policy I read my service manual that came with my SSP.

The American Act in Question is called the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act and because of the legal ramifications set out in the act as they relate to "Warranty" Para has issued a life time service policy rather than use the term "Warranty" that covers everything and it is in writiing. For those interested you may find the full explanation on Page 40 of the Para Safety & Instruction Manual.

From my eyes Para offers the best service policy of the three manufactureres listed and frankly I don't know how you could make their policy better. If you bought it new, and it brealks they will fix it....free. Their Policy ranks at the top of industry period. If warranty or service policy is your main concern then Para is the obvious choice.

[PITMASTER]

Odd, because I was going to buy a Springfield and the paperwork said lifetime warranty.Also, if you go on any website that sells the brand, they say lifetime also.

[robertbank]

where did you find the written lifetime warranty. I went to Springfield Armoury website and found nothing about a written warranty. In fact I found no mention of their warranty anywhere on their site. Not saying it is not there just could not find it. Can you provide the link to it. I know Para's warranty is all over their website, kind of expected the same thing with Springfield. If you find it why not cut and paste their warranty on this forum.

Are you saying the guys who sell Springfield Armory guns say the guns come with a lifetime warranty or are you saying Springfield Armory says that. Seems to be there is a difference between a dealer telling you that and the manufacturer telling you that. I know there is no mention of it on their website that I could find.

Here is their website:http://www.springfield-armory.com/index.shtml

I am resonably sure Springfield does have some kind of warranty/service policy be it lifetime or limited but they sure seem to be quiet about it from what I can see. Nothing in writing anyway. Maybe they publish their warranty and what is covered in the warranty in pamphlets that come with their guns. Some of the guys have posted here have them and they can answer that better than I.
Bob

[PITMASTER]

Ok here is one of the top of my head.www.gilbertsguns.com. sells SA
click on the 1911 for $629.00 go to description. Lifetime warranty.Black and white.

[Hunter]

You are right I saw the lifetime warranty in the description. The whole post makes me think of the movie Tommy Boy with Chris Farley when they are talking about the warranty on auto parts. What I gathered is if you list it than you are assuming that is what it will take to sell the product. Quality makers will know there product will hold up and not need to list a warranty but if something were to fail it would be taken care of. None of my Springfields have ever had a problem but I have dealt with the customer service department on other issues and they were more than helpful.In my opinion Colt or Springfield or nothing as far as auto loaders go.

[robertbank]

"This is what I know about Para.No written warranty.Great gun. Nice looks great reviews all around.Kimber, 1 year warranty. great gun great reviews looks nice higher price.Springfield lifetime warranty great gun so on and so forth."

You stated in an earlier post how Springfield has such a great lifetime warranty and Para didn't. I am sure Springfield looks after their customers but as far as a written warranty goes I haven't seen it from Springfield and you haven't either. About all you can do is quote dealers who say the gun comes with a lifetime warranty. Well that is nice but it is hardly the same comfort level as Para who make no bones about what the warranty and it is in writing. End of story. By the way you indicated earlier you found the lifetime warranty on Springfields site. Well I looked and couldn't find it and neither can you because it is not there.

Now as far as being anti-American is concerned I have no idea where that comes from and if you stop to think neither will you. Springfield like many manufacturers operates in a world economy and sources their parts from wherever they can get them the cheapest. Their frames are cast in Brazil and I believe that is indicated on the guns frames if you look hard enough. No big deal, just happens to be where they are cast.

I have sixteen handguns and several long guns. Countries represented are Austria (1), Canada (2), Belgium (3), Germnany (1), Japan (1 - Savage Double shotgun if you can believe), England (4), USA (6), Finland (1), China (4). Czechoslovakia (1).

NOthing anti-American about my gun purchases or my opinion. It is you who has so much to say about warranties and for the most part you have been wrong.

OF the three manufacturers listed all make excellent guns for a wide market. Like any piece of machinery things can break, Guns are no exception. When they do manufacturers who want to remain in the marketplace attend to their customers, those who don't don't last.

Hunter - Your affection for Colt and now Springfield is encouraging and well known but would you rather have a Colt or A wilson? or a Les Baer? or a Valtro done up by Jardine or a Para done up by Hunter Customs?

Springfield in particular has a nice name and their guns are very good. The Brazillians certainly know how to make parts, guns too.

Stay Safe

[robertbank]

Well the thrust of your comments and concerns about Para was they did not provide a written warranty which I guess you would now agree was an error on your part which was understandable given the fact you were apparently not aware of Para's ironclad lifetime written service policy and why it is described as such.

But you then implied that Springfield did offer a written Lifetime Warranty. Well they don't! Springfield advises they do not offer a written warranty. What they do offer is a verbal lifetime warranty but not in writing. If your gun breaks contact them and they will tell you if it is covered. As you said earlier you are in the car business and know all about loopholes in warranties. I'll leave it up to you to decide how many loopholes there are in a verbal warranty. :rolleyes: I don't know about you but I prefer to see what I can expect from a manufacturer in writing like Kimber and Para provide, albeit Kimber is only for one year. At least with Kimber you know up front what you got, even if it is only for one year. One reason why I buy my cars from a Manufacturers store as opposed to a used car lot. Honest Ed might say he warranties his cars but Nissan puts it in writing.


Interesting too, if you check the manuals that come with their guns you will see they specifically state there guns either shoot a POI(Blot) patten, or a 6 O'clock pattern, and that either is acceptable. So, I guess that off target shooting isn't covered by their warranty.

As an aside to your previous post I checked out what your dealer had to say about Para's Guns. He says they come with a Lifetime Warranty as well. :rolleyes: Check it out.https://www.gilbertsguns.com/store/products/category146/1188.html?ck_SID=d0d26e8cef9f4c3490b3f5602cb

You might want to go back and read your original post about warranties.

[PITMASTER]

Dude this will be my last post on this topic.Your right dude you know more than me. You even know more than the gun manufactures themselves or what they put on their websites, cause Para says no written warranty on their web site.But you own a Para so that cant be right.Gilberts Guns cant be right about Springfield cause you said it.And Kimber well thats the only one according to you that I have got right or am I wrong about that too?Again I dont care.People will buy what they buy, and think what they want.I tried to provide some info on some subjects and from the web sites I have been on, they have stated what I stated.You are seeing things that I am not, so again you must be right.

[PITMASTER]

Here. Ok so I lied about the last post thing



Warranty Information
Para-Ordnance acknowledges its obligations under implied warranty legislation, with respect to the sale of consumer goods, that may be in force in jurisdictions where its products are sold. Due to differences in the extent and interpretation of such statutes, and also on the basis of the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act of the United States of America, Para-Ordnance has elected not to offer any written or express warranty on its product line and you are advised to consult existing legislation in your country, state or province with regard to any implied warranty rights you may have under such laws. However, Para-Ordnance is strongly committed to properly service its products, as it has over the years, and in place of an express or written warranty it will provide all necessary service for its pistols, to the original purchaser only, where adjustment or repair is required due to some defect in materials or workmanship.

NOTE: DIFFERENT REMEDIES MAY BE AVAILABLE TO YOU IN DIFFERENT JURISDICTIONS.


Limits of Liability
NOTE: PARA-ORDNANCE HAS CAREFULLY PACKAGED THIS PRODUCT PRIOR TO SHIPMENT FROM THE FACTORY. PLEASE EXAMINE IT CAREFULLY AT TIME OF PURCHASE TO ENSURE IT IS UNDAMAGED.

PARA-ORDNANCE SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER FOR INJURY, DEATH, OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AS A RESULT OF THE INTENTIONAL OR ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE OF THIS FIREARM, OR FROM ITS PROPER FUNCTION WHEN THE PISTOL IS USED FOR PURPOSES FOR WHICH IT WAS NOT DESIGNED. FURTHERMORE, PARA-ORDNANCE SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CLAIMS THAT MAY ARISE AS A RESULT OF, WHETHER WHOLE OR IN PART, IMPROPER OR CARELESS HANDLING, UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS, USE OF IMPROPER AMMUNITION (WRONG CALIBER, DEFECTIVE, HAND LOADED, OR RELOADED CARTRIDGES) THAT IS NOT ORIGINAL HIGH QUALITY COMMERCIALLY MANUFACTURED AND IN GOOD CONDITION, ABUSE, NEGLECT, CORROSION, OR OTHER INFLUENCES BEYOND OUR IMMEDIATE AND DIRECT CONTROL. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL PARA-ORDNANCE BE RESPONSIBLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SUCH AS LOSS OF USE OF PROPERTY, LOSS OF EARNINGS OR PROFITS, OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL LOSS.

NOTE: DIFFERENT REMEDIES MAY BE AVAILABLE TO YOU IN DIFFERENT JURISDICTIONS.


Service And Repair
If any problem or question should arise with regard to the performance of your firearm, please contact our Service Department, by mail or telephone, and fully describe all circumstances and conditions involved. This will allow our service staff to determine the best way to handle your problem and give you shipping instructions if authorized factory service is deemed necessary.


WHEN AUTHORIZED TO SHIP YOUR FIREARM FOR ADJUSTMENT OR REPAIR, PLEASE CAREFULLY NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
A detailed, written explanation of your problem should accompany the firearm being shipped for service or repair. Include model name, serial number and your return address (day telephone number optional). Also include a copy of your original proof of purchase.
All firearms should be shipped by common carrier (e.g., UPS), prepaid (we will not accept collect shipments) and insured for their full value. It is illegal for unlicensed individuals to ship handguns through the mail.
Due to the vast number of laws governing the transfer and transportation of firearms, it is strongly recommended that your firearm be shipped through a licensed dealer who will also accept delivery on your behalf when the pistol is returned.The shipment should be accompanied by a signed copy of the dealer’s license.
DO NOT include holsters, custom grips or other accessories when shipping your firearm for service.
DO NOT indicate the nature of the contents on the package or use the "Para-Ordnance" name to address the shipment.
MAKE SURE THAT THE MAGAZINE AND PISTOL ARE UNLOADED. DO NOT SHIP ANY CARTRIDGES WITH A FIREARM.
WARNING: DO NOT SHIP PISTOLS ACROSS INTERNATIONAL BORDERS FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER. TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN CONFISCATION OF YOUR PISTOL.


Spare Parts
For Para-Ordnance replacement parts please contact your local dealer who should be able to assist you. Alternatively, you can also contact the Para-Ordnance Parts Department by mail or phone, for up-to-date information on the names and locations of our Authorized Service Centers as well as current parts prices. PARTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE SHOULD BE INSTALLED AT A PARA-ORDNANCE AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER. OTHERWISE, IT IS THE PURCHASER’S TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT ANY PARTS FITTED AND INSTALLED ARE OF THE CORRECT TYPE AND THE WORK IS PERFORMED BY A COMPETENT PERSON.

PARA-ORDNANCE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY UNAUTHORIZED ALTERATIONS PERFORMED, UNAUTHORIZED ATTACHMENTS FITTED OR UNAUTHORIZED PARTS USED ON THIS PRODUCT.











MAINPRODUCTSINFORMATIONPARA OWNERSDEALERSSUPPORTMERCHANDISEREVIEWSAWARDS •1999 •2000 •2001 •2003FIREARM SAFETY •PXT LDA MANUAL •SHORT BARREL MANUAL •SINGLE ACTION MANUAL •PRE-PXT MANUALS •SYSTEMPARA - THE BEST PISTOL •MANUFACTURING •MATERIALS •SERVICE POLICY •QUALITY CONTROLTRIGGERPISTOL PARTSWARRANTY INFOCONTACT US

[robertbank]

Hey Dude!

You implied Springfield offered a written warranty - by their own admission they don't!

You implied Para didn't offer a lifetime service policy ie Warranty they do.

End of story. You haven't found a statement about a written warranty on Springfields site because it is not there. Simple! They do provide a verbal lifetime warranty and I am sure that is what your referred to dealer was referring to. Springfield is a reputable company operating in a very comptetitive marketplace I am sure they will stand behind their product. Most companies do. Your dealer also correctly indicates all Paras prducts have a lifetime Warranty - theirs of course is in writing - you know up front what is covered.

Before you go off making statements about manufacturers you might want to check out the facts before you post. Thanks for posting Para's legal disclaimer. :rolleyes:

Stay Safe

[PITMASTER]

First off he is not my dealer.Second why have you not commented on the Para thing I posted.Did it not say they would not give a written warranty or express a warranty on any of their products.Now I stated that they said they would stand behind them like they have in the past, but nothing written.Kinda like Springfield or so you say.So now what?So the same verbal warranty you talk about is the same for Para and Springfield.Didnt we talk about verbal warranty?So maybe I was wrong about Springfield, but you were clearly wrong about Para, but I am sure you wont admit it

[John]

Cool it now, or else this thread will be shut down.

[robertbank]

Dude I don't know whether you are trying to be smart or trying not to act dumb. Neither is working. Para puts their Lifetime service Policy down in writing. The Policy comes with their guns packaging and has been posted above. Springfield as you now know does not.

To recap for the last time

Para - Written Lifetime Service Policy/Warranty to the original purchasor.

Kimber - One year Warranty in writing as to what it covers and doesn't

Springfield - Lifetime Warranty - Not written, verbal
Problem - phone Springfield to see if your problem is covered.

Of the three, I would expect all the companies to honour their undertakings. Kimber does limit their warranty to one year and you know that going in becasue it is in writing. Para has put their warranty on the line and in writing. Springfield has chosen not to,preferring to state they will provide a lifetime warranty, presumably to the original owner. If it breaks contact Springfield and see if it is covered. Ranking them I would say Para, Springfield then Kimber. The latter only because it their warranty is limited to one year.

Stay Safe

[PITMASTER]

Yea Im acting dumb.No one would know unless they purchased the gun, so if you were shopping around and went on the web site you would think there was no warranty.Ya know what, whatever dude. I am ending this.I got points and all kinds of stuff unjustly given to me, so this is the last post.I dont care what you say I will not reply.Thats it

[fwarren94551]

I am in the market to buy my first 1911 style pistol. I have narrowed it down to the Kimber, Para or Springfield. They all seem to be good weapons and price is not a problem. Any imput as to which one may be a better choice and why?

Thanks in advance for any help

They're all quality. Some guys have better luck with one over the other. I've had good results with Kimber. Others will swear by, or at, any of them.

It's like rolling dice in the end. Sometimes you win, sometimes you get snake eyes.


Frank

[fwarren94551]

The penny-ante niggling between a couple of members here about "warranty" should not have happened; but people's egos get engaged. Basically, as soon as you shoot the gun in (about 500 rounds) it's either going to give great service for most of your life or needs to be sent back early in its life.

Ruger offers no warranty, express or implied, and people still get taken care of. It's bad business to burn someone and nobody I know of does it in the firearms market.

I get my guns to shoot and so far, I've never had a bad one from any of the named makers. Get what floats your boat. They'll all deliver good results and stand behind their product when it's new and problems surface.

Frank

[GusM]

I'm new here so I don't want to ruffle any feathers, however I'm also the proud owner of a new Springfield. The card enclosed with the gun has 2 halves, half you keep, the other half you mail in. The half of the registration card that you keep has a written warranty. The following is the wording of that warranty. Also the tag that was attached to the trigger guard says Guaranteed for life and they enclosed a Congratulations letter explaining the "lifetime warranty".
Hopes this helps to clear this up.



LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Springfield, Inc. warrants to the initial retail purchaser that the products it sells will be free of defects in workmanship or material during his or her lifetime as long as he or she owns the product. If any failure to conform to this warranty becomes apparent during this period, Springfield shall upon prompt, written, notice and compliance by the customer with such instructions as it shall give with respect to the return of defective products or parts, correct such non-conformity by repair or replacement, F.O.B. factory, of the defective part or parts. Correction in the manner provided above shall constitute a fulfillment of all liabilities of Springfield with respect to the quality of the products. This warranty shall not cover any damage or condition determined by Springfield to be caused by carelessness, negligence, misuse, normal wear and tear, or failure to properly maintain the product or unauthorized repairs or modifications. The foregoing warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties of quality, whether written, oral or implied (including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for purpose).


DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
SPRINGFIELD, INC. assumes no responsibility for damage and/or injury caused in whole or in part by handloaded, reloaded, remanufactured, or defective ammunition.
Under no circumstances shall Springfield, Inc. be held responsible for incidental or consequential damages with respect to economic loss or injury to property arising out of negligent use of handloaded or remanufactured ammunition, unsafe handling or unauthorized modifications to the firearm. Springfield, Inc. will not be responsible for the results of careless handling, unauthorized repairs and adjustments, corrosion, neglect, or unreasonable use (ordinary wear and tear excepted). Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the limitations above may not apply to you.


EXCLUSION
This Limited Lifetime Warranty does not cover Tritium Night Sights on 1911-A 1 pistols produced after January 1, 2001. The 1911 Tritium Night Sights are covered by the following Trijicon Warranty: The original owner of the Trijicon tritium self luminous iron sight system warranted with this card is entitled to repair or replacement (at Trijicon's option) if it should fail due to defects in material or workmanship during normal use. This warranty specifically applies to the illumination system. The tritium lamps in this product are warranted against breakage for a period of twelve years from the date of the original manufacture date. If repair is necessary, please send the iron sights to Trijicon, properly packed, including a description of your problem. This warranty does not apply to defects caused by anything which is deemed abnormal, abusive, or improper use including any fault resulting from an accident or improper service. SPECIAL NOTE: TRIJICON IRON SIGHTS CONTAIN TRITIUM AND ARE REGULATED BY THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION. THEY MAY NOT BE DISASSEMBLED BY ANYONE OTHER THAN TRIJICDN INC., WHICH HOLDS THE NECESSARY LICENSES. Any attempt at disassembly or repair will annul this warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to sate. Trijicon, Inc. 49385 Shafer Avenue, Wixom, MI., 48393. www.trijicon.com Phone: 1-800-338-0563

KEEP THIS CARD FOR YOUR RECORDS.

[fwarren94551]

Well, Gus, I wasn't put off and wasn't a party to the bruised egos. Frankly I don't much care. I've never needed "warranty service" on any 1911 I've owned and that suits me fine. I've owned something like 30 1911s over my lifetime and, so far, so good.

Others have not been so lucky in our cost-reduced world and while I feel for them, I am hesitant to join them. In reality most 1911s made by the major shops work exceeding well for MOST purchasers. The odd lemon gets out and it is nice to know that they do clean up after themselves. That is all anyone can really expect.

Frank

[POPO22]

Well, avioding the "Warranty Slugfest" I will comment on the original issue. I have owned 3 Para's so I will probably be a little biased. I have had great luck with the Para's. If they would produce a "compact" .40 cal-LDA It would be my next handgun to carry as a "back-up". I have been impressed with my 16.40 LDA since the day of purchase(approx. 4 years ago), no problems whatsoever.

Fellow LEO's have "Kimbers" and love them. I am least familiar with the Springfield's, but every owner I have spoken with also love them. I did send one of my previous Para's(late 90's) in for work by factory and was totally impressed with Para's response.

I guess your choice will come down to what exactly you want in your 1911 style pistol. Caliber, function, price (and warranty), and ergonomics(who ofers the most options?). I don't think you will go wrong with any of these brands. I personally like the LDA models because of "public and administrative perception", but such is the state of modern-day "LEO's". ;)
Good Luck