What to look for?

[BULLET_DRIVER]

When you look at a used 1911 or any pistol, what do you look for? Local gun shop has a used Para 1911 G.I. Expert for $475. It sure sounds alot better than $850 new for the same model. The gun is really clean and not one scratch on it.

[hrt4me]

check how tightly the barrel locks up in the slide, and how loose is the slide-to-frame fit?

check the frame and slide for galling

check the breech face for pitting

if the seller lets you take down the pistol, then check where the lugs contact the frame, and also check the feed ramp on the frame, particularly on lightweight (aluminum) frames

check the extractor tension, check the hammer and sear engagement surfaces for wear

I would really worry whether an incompetent gunsmith hacked up a trigger job, and how often the previous owner let the slide go forward on an empty chamber...

[dee]

check how tightly the barrel locks up in the slide, and how loose is the slide-to-frame fit?

check the frame and slide for galling

check the breech face for pitting

if the seller lets you take down the pistol, then check where the lugs contact the frame, and also check the feed ramp on the frame, particularly on lightweight (aluminum) frames

check the extractor tension, check the hammer and sear engagement surfaces for wear

I would really worry whether an incompetent gunsmith hacked up a trigger job, and how often the previous owner let the slide go forward on an empty chamber...

X2 sound advice.

That being said the Para you asked about that's about what I would pay for one I personally feel that's what they should be worth new not what they retail for.

[VaderTT]

Ask Elvis about his.

[BULLET_DRIVER]

Thanks for the info.

[ThreeFingerPete]

Stay as far away from Para Ordnance as you can.

[Cooter]

x2 sound advice

[motoman]

Stay as far away from Para Ordnance as you can.

Just curious, would you say the same for any of the Rock Island 1911's?