[RCReecer]

A local shop has a P12 that is in good condition. It shows very little wear from firing, but it does have slide wear from a holster. The asking price is $425 with Bianchi OWB leather. What is the going rate?
Do the Para's have the same problems as the smaller 1911s? I like the thicker grip of the double stack. I'm just worried about reliability problems.

Thanks folks,
Cain

[10-Ring]

What mags come w/ it? 10 or 12 rounders?

I like shooting the smaller Paras too...;)

[HSMITH]

As long as there has been no kitchen table gunsmithing going on the Paras are darn reliable just as they come out of the box. At least equal to any other production 1911 type, and better than most. Accuracy is FANTASTIC in EVERY Para I have ever shot, and that is into the dozens now. With 2 or 3 ten round mags or one hicap $425 is a good deal. Hicaps are down to about $50 each for new factory made so that is not a big deal.

[CWL]

Since it's used, can you arrange to take it out for a spin?

See how it feels after a few shots. You will need to look at how it reliably cycles the defensive ammo of your choice.

[RCReecer]

Thanks fellas. It includes 2 10-rounders. Unfortunately I can't test drive it. They won't let me take it to the range. :mad:

[SouthpawShootr]

I usually tell the seller up front that the fact that the gun has a holster with in makes no impact on whether I think a price is right. Bianchi holster? If I wanted to, I could find these in mint condition for $20 at local gunshows (if this is your standard Bianchi unlined OWB holster, it sells locally for about $45-50 new). Seems to me that the price is about right. Para only ships one mag per gun, so if your package includes 2 then you're doing ok, in spite of the fact that they're neutered mags. To put this into perspective, I bought a mint used P13 stainless a couple of gunshows ago for $450. Got an additional 2 factory 13 round mags and a second 10 rounder for $75 off www.gunbroker.com (I can't for the life of me figure out why this guy was selling them this cheap, but all 3 have been excellent performers). I considered both the gun and the mags to be a good deal.

What type of finish is on this gun? Most of the P12s I've seen have parkerized finishes. The short barrel is definitely a concern. It is notoriously hard to make a reliable 1911 pattern pistol with a short barrel. Unfortunately, since you can try it out, if you want this gun, you're going to have to take a risk. There's just no way (that I know of) to tell if this thing will work properly just by inspection. They're not terribly popular in this area, so I've seen precious few and have not fired any P12s. Dicker with him and see if you can get him down to $400. You should emphasize that you are taking a considerable risk of this thing being a lemon since they won't let you take it to the range and the wear on the finish. However, as long as nobody has fooled with it, it would be fairly easy to put it right if you do end up with a reliability problem.

[RCReecer]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I've decided to pass on the P12 and pick up a very well equipped Glock 29 package for $100 more. I'm still concerened about the officer-sized 1911.