whats the difference in the para from the 1911 series 80
Newbi question
can the same internals be used, what about the slides.
Is the wider body/mag the only real difference
Para was made to accept top ends from single stack 1911s.
The mag requires a different trigger bow, which changes trigger mass, etc., and affects lock time.
IIRC para uses a different grip safety profile.
Maybe this is the central issue......
There is a misperception that 1911s are mostly interchangable. This is not the case. Beavertail shapes are different, and their interfaces with frames are different. Site dovetails are different for virtualy every maker. Some makers even have different grooves for different guns. Para frames use fully ramped barrels, which no Colt (to my knowledge) offers. The Para GI Expert has the traditional two piece feed ramp.
So-called "drop in" parts are made to specifically fit one or two brands. I switched an apparently identical part from a full size to an Officer size and created all sorts of feed problems. That particular part IS the same for those two models. There is much hand fitting in the 1911. It is NOT an AR.
Thanks
I'm not looking to swap parts. i just read the 1911 how to article by gaspain and I'm not about to dive into the 45 world.
I was looking to see how close they are and you answered it.
Paras are series 80 slides. Aftermarket parts can be used with minor fitting which you would have to do with any 1911. The only ones that are Para specific would be the trigger, mag catch, magazine, and grips. These would only be specific to the double stack.
