Feedback on current Para Ordnance pistols please!

[dairycreek]

I must admit to quite a bit of curiosity about the new Para Ordnance pistols. I have several classic 1911's and really enjoy them. But, because I really, really, need another pistol I'm trying to gather some good information about Para Ordnance pistols. I sure would be inerested in hearing (pro or con) input from those who have had experience with this line of pistols. Thanks in advance for any who opt to respond. Good shooting

 

[Smoke]

You won't find a bigger fan of Para's than me.

I currently have 2 P14s, and 1 P13.

I had at one time a P14 LDA. It had a wonderfully smooth trigger for a DAO pistol. I just decided DAO wasn't for me. The new Tac4 has renewed my interest though.

The double stack guns all need the mag catch replaced. The cheap plastic one from the factory will fail at some point. People disagree on whether to replace it with metal or plastic. I replaced mine with a metal one and have noticed no mag wear.

All my Para's haave run perfectly from the factory. I have over 10k cumulative through these guns and experienced no problems other than the mag catch.

Smoke

 

[geekWithA.45]

I've got a P14.45 ltd....

It's a fine 1911 type handgun!

Diffs from traditional 1911:

Ramped bbl
Firing pin safety
Ambi safety

And of course, the fact that it's a double stack.

You'll find that the grip is appropriately wider than a standard 1911, and some people don't like it, especially if you have small hands.

My only beef with the LTD is that it comes with adjustable target sights, whereas I'd prefer tritium night sights with a smooth ramp on the rear, but that's just me.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

I've had no problems with my Para Carry 3" .45 gun. I carry it regularly, and up to about 650 rounds or so at the range. I wouldn't mind picking up another Para Ordnance later.

 

[Khornet]

Para Tac Four

on my (left) hip right now. It's an LDA pistol, .45 ACP double stack, 13 rd mag, grip safety and manual safety, fixed combat sights, stainless. The hammer is bobbed, no spur at all. Beavertail is shortened and rounded for carry but the hammer can't bite-no spur. I guess I'd say the whole thing is Commander-sized, but fatter grips. Got it just after Thanksgiving and really like it. The LDA trigger is delightful, though I admit I carry with safety on.

A good-looking, accurate, reliable, and comfortable to carry pistol.

 

[Smoke]

geekWithA.45 brings up a good point:

I like the sights on the Limited. I don't particularly care for traditional combat sights. The newer Para Pro models use a Novak style sight that is Ok.

But Para uses a proprietary dovetail and there aren't a lot of aftermarket sights for Para's with out having some milling done.

Grips are the same. Hogue makes a nice wrap around for the doublestack guns. There are a couple of makers that make wood grips to fit but they are expensive.

Standard 1911 grips will not fit Para's Double stack guns. I don't know about the single stack LDA's, I'd guess that they might fit.

Smoke

 

[Sean Smith]

Now, this is just my experience with one P14-45. Lots of people like them. But here is my take on it:

It was the worst excuse for a firearm I've ever owned. Wouldn't reliably feed any brand of ball I could find, let alone hollowpoints. Also, they are made entirely of cheap castings through-and-through, except for the parts that are plastic. Para-Ordnance claimed this was normal, and I gave up after awhile and sold it for scrap parts. The few times it sort of worked, the trigger sucked and the accuracy was mediocre. I wouldn't recommend one to anybody, unless I didn't like them.

Some light Para reading:

http://www.1911forum.com/forums/sea...d=601846&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

http://brianenos.ibforums.com/index.php?showtopic=454&hl=para ordnance&st=0

 

[Atticus]

I bought a P-14 Ltd. last summer, and so far I'm very pleased with it. Looks good, shoots good, and I've had one mis-feed so far....a far better record than I had with my single stack Kimber...and my H&K actually. I have not replaced anything (including mag springs) and don't plan on it until something fails.