Dressing Out Para P14.45 with aftermarket parts

[Genghis]

I have a Para P14.45 that I shoot in IPSC, IDPA, and steel matches. I just got started a couple of months ago. The gun is straight out of the box, except I have an aftermarket adjustable rear sight. As I shoot in these matches, I am noticing how it could be improved with some aftermarket parts. I'd like some advice on the best ones to buy.

I'm thinking about replacing the sights. I want a different rear sight because the current one sticks out over the hammer. I'm thinking about replacing the front and rear sights with fiber optic ones like the Dawson Precision, Truglo, TTF, or similar ones. Truglo makes one that combines fiber optics with tritium, but unfortunately it won't fit my Para.

My Para is an older model, and the front sight is pinned rather than dovetailed.

I'd like to get an aftermarket trigger. I also need to replace the grip safety, because I can't keep the current one from corroding. I'd also like to add an ambidextrous thumb safety to help with weak hand drills. I'd also like to add an extended mag release, because right now I can't quite reach the stock one with my strong hand without moving it, or using the weak hand.

If possible I'd like to get drop-in parts, but I'll pay a gunsmith to fit them if it would be beneficial. Any advice?

 

[waktasz]

You aren't really going to find drop in ambi safeties or beavertails, they need to be fitted to properly engage the hammer and block the trigger, etc, for safety reasons. In my Para 16.40 I had a Smith and Alexander magwell added as well as some other goodies and I love it. It fits the IDPA box and makes weight, although justttt barely. The 14.45 should be a bit lighter because the barrel is not as thick with metal (the hole in the middle is bigger)

All in all the work cost be about $700, which was for magwell, rear sight work, 3.5# trigger job with fancy hammer and trigger, Brown ambi safety and match bushing. It was pricey but I love everything about it, so it was worth it. EGW does great work, I'd recommend them.

 

[Genghis]

Thanks for the advice and pictures. Looks like a nice rig. I see you have a fiber optic front sight, too. I'm going to call the local gunsmith and tell him what I want to do, then ask for advice on what to order and an estimate.

I'm very tempted to buy one of the new P16.40 Limited's, instead of refitting the one I have. But so far I've just admired them from afar. About $900.00 afar, to be exact.

 

[Krag]

I shoot USPSA with a Para 16.40 HiCap Limited. I had a trigger job done on it, installed a Dawson fiber optic front sight, beveled the mag well and just ordered some Arendondo +2 magazine kits. I love it!

 

[waktasz]

If you're going to order mag basepads again I'd recommend the Dawson. The Arredondo give you +2 but the Dawson are +4, +5 if you get a new follower.

I'm still not sold on the fiber optic, I actually replaced the red with green because the red BURNS with intensity and I can't see the top of the post. The green is more subtle and allows me to see the top of the post better on tough shots. The fiber rears I don't really like either, too much stuff going on with the sight picture with those. If you like them though, that's great, but try them before you buy if at all possible, they are kinda pricey if you get them and decide you don't like them.

 

[Krag]

I can already get 17 rounds in my Para mags. A gun with 20 will be plenty for me.

I prefer red over green fiber optics. Maybe it's my 50-something year old eyes or the fact that for years I painted my front sights Day-Glo orange? Different eyes work with different colors. I know one guy uses a light colored orange, more like a yellow. I can't even see the da*n thing?

I like a black rear and red fiber up front. I have that set up on my all the Paras, Glocks and (lone) Beretta I use for USPSA and the two S&W revolvers I shoot steel matches with.

 

[Wakal]

1. Dovetail the front sight and have a Dawson fiber front sight installed. You can change the colour yourself, and you already have an adjustable rear sight

2. Beavertail safety. I like the Ed Brown high/arched with memory 'bump' (odd, since I cut the safety tab off anyway).

3. Oversized safeties so you can use The Grip. I either put a Brown extended on the left and trim the right (or fit a trimmed on the right, if the customer doesn't mind buying two safeties). Assuming a right-handed shooter, of course.

From there, a beveled mag well works almost as well as a S&A and is...free... (assuming a needle file is handy ).

Everything else is just eye candy...and money better spent on ammo and range time





A

 

[waktasz]

Oh I forgot we're talking about a .45. The basepads I was referring to a for a .40 :/

 

[Krag]

wak - that's what I shoot, a 16.40. Twenty rounds are still plenty.

 

[waktasz]

Yep, I get 20 +1 with the Dawson pads...never could get more than 18 with the Arrendondo. I can get 21 IN the mags, just cant get the mag in the gun