TNMTBik3r

Now I am just getting confused...the manual is for the GI Expert which is no longer listed on the Para website - the Expert Stainless is listed but does not say if it has the firing pin block or if it is series 70/80, and no updated manual on the website that I see. The slide has the button, but it is recessed and not a push-able button like on other pistols...and looking at series 80 pics on Google the button should be push-able with a finger. This one does not budge even with a punch - so is it a series 80 and the block is somehow stuck? Even if I remove the firing pin the button does not move. Going back to ammo, I had put 50 rounds of PMC Bronze factory though, then about 400 reloads, and the 2 slam fires were the first 2 rounds of a 2nd box of PMC Bronze (51/52 factory ammo). The gunsmith could not get the hammer to fall after those 2 slam fires, and I have not been able to get the hammer to fall either. I am just trying to avoid a dangerous situation and fix a problem if one exists. I have shot several 1911s before, but this is the first one I have owned and I have/had a lot to learn about the platform.

I don't think this has the firing pin block (series 80). I can push the firing pin forward with or without the grip/thumb safety engaged. The manual states there is a firing pin lock that prevents movement of the pin until the trigger is intentionally pressed. Well I can move the pin regardless...is this correct or am I taking the manual too literally? ETA - disregard the above. The manual is for the GI Expert series. Mine is just the Expert, model 96747.

OK the spring IS shorter than the entire pin. I guess I meant the spring stuck out past the pin nose. Again sorry about the link, if I get to my computer sometime tonight I will embed the pics. Mobile devices even viewing the full version are missing many post options. Booted up the computer and fixing the pics. Also, I have to push the pin past flush with the firing pin stop for any protrusion of the pin.

Finger was not on the trigger (laid alongside the frame above guard) on either of the slam fires - first happened to me and the 2nd was with to the instructor/RO. Dolomite, I will double check the firing pin and spring when I get home.

Yes I thoroughly cleaned the firing pin channel before and after the slam fires occurred. I did not notice any metal shavings. The firing pin spring IS longer than the pin. I read that it is supposed to be longer. I can get a pic of it tonight as well. I will remove the barrel and rack the slide multiple times to see if the pin is protruding at all when the slide is released.

No the hammer does not follow the slide. The pics I found online showed just looking at the top of the arms pictured and if they are not rounded then everything is fine....I can continue disassembly tonight and remove the hammer.

Based on my limited understanding and pics from Google, everything looks fine to me...

Glad you are happy with the rifle performance! It was great while I had it, just not used much.

Critical Duty or Speer Gold Dots are what I use in 9mm, .40, and .45.

No the trigger has not been modified at all. It does have the set screw to adjust over travel but I have not touched it. I will try to detail strip the pistol tonight and check the sear spring. If I run into problems one of my neighbors has been shooting and smithing on his 1911s for 20+ years so I can grab him if he is home.

Yesterday we performed sear and safety function tests...is it possible that the tests could pass yet there still be an issue with the sear to cause the slam fire?

Forgot to add earlier, the smith dropped the slide on an empty chamber multiple times testing to see if the hammer would fall. He probably hit the release 20 times. So our testing was about 25-30 slide releases with a mix of live rounds and no magazine/round and the hammer did not fall. Since it was only the two rounds, hammer does not seem to be falling when the slide is released, could it be as simple as a high primer on the factory ammo? A high primer and slight pin protrusion when the slide is released would cause the slam fire - I shot the rest of that box in a different 1911 no issues, but will check other ammo at the next range trip and see if I am getting any dimpled primers when the slide is released.

Just stripped it down again. The firing pin spring IS longer than the firing pin. And the spring does not seem weak but I don't have anything to compare it with.

Both of the slam fires were the top round in the magazine. But we then cycled a few other rounds through exactly the same way with no issue. The smith said everything looked and felt right during his inspection. Oh and I am in Columbia Dolomite.

I honestly am not sure if the hammer dropped on the two slamfires. The slide cycled so if the hammer fell it was recocked. I have not dropped the slide on a loaded chamber but have dropped the slide a handful of times (seriously about 5 times or so) on an empty chamber. No leftover parts and stripped down meaning field strip and firing pin removed to clean the firing pin chamber.

My new Para 1911 Expert has around 400-500 rounds or so through it now, with no issue except a couple of feed failures. Last weekend I shot it then stripped it down and cleaned it well. Today at a class I inserted a loaded mag, hit the slide release and the round fired. I cleared the weapon. The instructor came over and performed the same steps. Load mag, insert, hit slide release - weapon fired. A gunsmith then inspected the weapon and cycled several rounds with no issue. I am not home to research this, but is it a common issue? A weak firing pin spring? My plan is to clean the weapon and get back to the range (probably not until next weekend) and test to see if the issue repeats itself. I also plan to closely inspect the primers and see if there is any indent to indicate the pin striking on slide release. I did not think to check the ones we cycled today. The ammo was PMC factory. If no issues at the next range session or indication of primer strikes I may say it was weak primers? If any issue I will send it back to Para.

It took them how long to get a patent? Only a dozen companies making imitations now.

Congrats, hope it works out! I started my new job today... Really excited about this opportunity.

Keep some positive reviews coming, I may chance buying one (not sure if for my 1911 or SR40c). Worst case I'm out $30...

Boots?

Yeah I don't think these will last much longer.

Leather and kydex holster. Leather on the side against your body with a kudex shell for the pistol. Look at the Crossbreed Super Tuck for one of the most well known hybrids.

Anderson blems for $39. That is a few bucks cheaper than last time I saw these blems listed. Couldn't decide between posting here and the long guns subforum. http://fatboytactical.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21&products_id=28604

No pic, but I cut my finger to the bone once. I had a cheap folding knifge, and sharpened it using an air compressor grinder. As typical with a cheaply made knife, it had a cheap plastic lock - which slipped and closed on my finger. I still have a half inch scare across the top of my finger. We could see white, I assume that was bone, but even though it probably needed stitches I just glued it shut and slapped a bandaid on. Cut myself many times while processing venison. And of course smashed fingers with a hammer. But that knife closing on my finger is the worst hand damage.

I looked at their website, comparing them to a Crossbreed and others. I decided a few days ago AG will not be receiving my business - their website of course has superb reviews but most of the 3rd party sites I checked reviewed AG very poorly. Poor to nonexistent customer service and low quality leather. I know everyone has their own opinion, and if I ordered an AG holster it may be excellent. But as of now I am planning to wait and get a higher quality 100% leather IWB/OWB convertible holster for my 1911. At some point I may take a chance on an AG for one of my pistols, especially if I start reading more positive reviews.