1911 Parts

[kickert318]

I just bought a Para-Ordnance 1911. I know that they are not the best but, it is my first 1911 and I did not want to spend the money on a Kimber or a Springfield unitl I knew what I was doing. I am left handed and the 1911 I bought did not come from the factory with an ambi safety. For the last week or so I have been looking for an aftermarket ambi-safety. I have seen them range in price from $35.00 to over $150.00. I know that Wilson Combat makes great products but is it really worth the extra $$$$ ?

 

[Ruggles]

Hi,

First do not worry about your Para, its a great gun. I currently own 9 1911s ,1 Para, 1 Baer, 4 Colts, 2 Springfields and 1 Kimber. I also have a S&W 1911 in layaway. The Para is a fine gun (mine is a LTC). I still carry mine to work and back daily. As you get more and more 1911s (and you will get more!) you will see that alot of the "brand name" stuff is marketing.

To tell the truth the Kimber is the worst of the lot (Warrior). The Colts being the best so far.

As far as adding a Ambi safety I think you will find it would be better to send it to a gunsmith to do that. Alot of parts (safeties included) do not drop in, they need to be fitted. Also changing to a ambi safety might also mandate grip modification or new grips altogether. Some other work might have to be done on the gun as well.

Good luck!

 

[KC&97TA]

go with the Kings safety that pins on, the pin replaces the hammer pin.

+1 on the gunsmith installing it. I've gunsmithed a bit on my SA Mil-Spec Champion, very slowly and it's turned out to be a great piece. For some reason, my wifes SA Mil-Spec / Build into a NRA Hard Ball, has fought me on everything, and ended up with the gunsmith for most of it's modifications.

1911's are fun, they're a sickness... don't think they are a Camaro and have to be hot rodded out.

 

[Rexster]

Your Para is far better than any recent-model Kimber could ever hope to be. Kimber made some darn good 1911 pistols in their early days, and have been riding that wave ever since, propped up by ad hype. My Springfield was excellent, as were my Colt Government Models. I had three Kimbers, all bad. As for aftermarket safeties, cheap is false economy. Some are very cheaply cast, which I would never trust on a pistol I kept loaded for defensive use. I will also echo the recommendation to let a GOOD 'smith install the safety, and I would say use a brand he recommends.

 

[BlindJustice]

I'll say ditto to installing a ambi SAFEty by a competent Pistolsmith.
but the Para, altho a fine weap[on is not a 1911 it has a wider frame
as well as the barrel being a different desing. That said, a friend has
a P14 that I have fired and it's the only handgun he owns where he has
a standing offer for me to buy at fair market value.

 

[kickert318]

Thanks for all the advice, and the para I bought is a 1911. Although I have seen the P13's and P14's with the double stack mags and the wider frames, I bought a PX756S SSP. Its the standard single stack 1911.

Thanks to REXSTER for the tip on the cheap parts. I plan on carrying the gun on duty and that is the main thing I was worried about.

 

[Hoppy590]

i love my para p14 and i would only consider it second to a true M1911a1 or something custom worth many times its value

the pin Kings would probibly be the best option for you to not sink alot into it and still get a good piece