Para 1911's

[General Tso]

I'm a 1911 newb. Are Para guns any good? I mean compared to colt, kimber, smith, Springfield and others. Where does the quality of Para fit in?

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

the gi expert is the best 1911 para makes.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Para has had some frame and slide issues over time.

i'd rank them above the cast 1911s coming out of the Philippine Islands and behind ones from the PRC. a good starter 1911 are ones from Brazil...like Springfield Armory's MilSpec

 

[Gunfighter123]

I own 4 ParaOrd pistols -- 3 of them are hi-cap and one is the C7.45 ---- all have been very reliable and accurate --- 3 of the 4 have over 5000 each thru them and I've never hade a part break etc. --- BTW , all of them are the steel frame.

 

[Magnumite]

I've owned 3 of them...one being a P-14 Limited model. They are okay but they machine the slides large where the barrel bushing goes in and their "match grade" barrel is loose at best.
Also, there is no warranty except for the original retail consumer. Been there, done that with the limited gun. It was a nice gun, but not what it was marketed as.
It shot two distinct groups without use of a Group Gripper and the trigger needed work to make it match ready.
If you want a good project gun, then Para Ordnance is a good starting point. That is my intention when I start my hi-cap project.

 

[ichiban]

I love my LTC (crappy finish, two trips back to the factory for repairs and all) but I would definitely rate Para below the ones you mentioned. The big selling point for PARA (IMHO) is their high capacity models and the LDA trigger (if you are into that sort of thing).

 

[Strahley]

Had one, will never buy another

Let's just say that if my Glock is boring at the range (due to no malfunctions etc), then that Para I had was a spectacular 4th of July show

 

[9mmepiphany]

you know...there is a reason that the FBI replaced the Para pistols for their HRT personel...they weren't holding up to hard use

 

[Shadan7]

Well, I like them. Own 4 different .45s, one a "Carry 12" that I prefer for my CCW over other brands in my collection. But I like the LDA trigger a lot. Mine have all been very reliable and well shooting.

Jim D.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I had a poor experience with a P12-45 (continual malfunctions and cutting my hand), but it was a long time ago and may not be representative.

 

[Fat Boy]

I'd say you will get opinions on both sides of the issue, from really good to really poor.

Personally, I tried to work with a compact 9 millimetre for a while, and it wouldn't lock open after the last shot, and jammed frequently.

I wouldn't buy one, but that is just my opinion...

Good Luck!