Para-Ordnance 1911's

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I was quite happy with mine. I had a single-stack, single-action Nite Tac (has a light rail on the dust cover). It was accurate and reliable, though the trigger on my Kimber is nicer.

I sold the Para, but it had nothing to do with the gun itself. If I hadn't needed it to go, it'd still be here.
 
Some like them and some don't. I had a Warthog and it was very reliable . I don't like the fact that they have cast slides. I can live with cast frames, but cast slides is a little rediculous. If you like one you see and can get it at a good price , get it . You should know that they do not have a good resale, but that is ok if you plan to keep it.
 
I bought the GI on an impulse I had previously owned the Para 14 and loved it no problems the ajustable sights made it a hell of a shooter. I have up to date been very happy with my GI 100rds down and shoots very well especially that I bought it for $499 + tax. So with my experience with Para damn good guns.
 
I don't like Para's, they feel cheap, but my Para has yet to fail at the range.

Not the most accurate 1911, but it will do the job.
 
Para 1911's

Hey Haranguer---how in the world did you manage to get your hand "chewed up" with a P-12?? In a number of years all my P-12 has been able to do is thump me! My P-14 is my jewel, totally reliable out of the box, and still going strong. I'm (tentavely) looking for another sidearm, but then, who isn't?? I don't think I'll ever part with my P-14. I trust my life to it.
 
My 14.45 has been flawless with zero FTF. The only gripe is the mag release button seems too easy to actuate. More than once I have drawn the piece with the mag falling out after carrying IWB and having ridden in a car or been sitting in an office chair previously. I have never had that happen with my Colt. Therefore it is relegated to a house gun until I (if ever) address the mag release issue.
 
I have the double stacked gun rights model and LOVE it. Flawless out of the box, most accurate gun I own, and soft shooting too.
 
I love my pre PXT Tac-Four (P13 w/ LDA). It's yet to have a single failure in 800+ rounds I've put through it. To bad its heavy as a boat anchor...
 
Para 1911s don't fully and completely adhere to the dimensions for 1911-pattern parts. If you are of a mind to 'upgrade' bits on your 1911, you will likely find that you simply cannot readily fit some of the upgraded bits to the Para.

An example is my Para GI; the mag release is a cast bit that I would like to replace. However, Para's mag release (and subsequently the frame) are not dimensionally 'standard'. The Para mag release is quite a bit smaller in diameter than is 'standard', and to fit a non-Para replacement required hours and hours of hand-fitting.

If you like the Para as-is and are comfortable with how they manufacture the bits that they use to assemble the pistol, then they are solid values. Since I fall into neither camp, I have only one Para and I bought it solely for non-critical/range use.
 
I have a friend with a Para Ordnance P-14 - it has been 100% reliable
and accurate enough. However, compared to my
S&W 1911, it is not as good in detail - I've also heard Paras don't
hold resale value as well as some other makes. Probably
depends on region.

Randall
 
My Para C-645 shoots very well but it is picky about ammo. Since I load my own it is easy to keep the right ammo on hand for it.
ParaOrdnanceC-645.gif
 
Bought one sold it very quickly never relieable ( sent for warrenty) traded never buy again.
Also as stated not a true 1911 for parts swaping
 
Don't know which model you are considering so it is hard to answer.

I have a P12-45 and recently picked up a Warthog.

The P12 I bought used, in part because the guy I bought it from said it wouldn't go three round without jamming. He was right. I replaced the recoil spring and the mag springs and it has been 100 percent since. It is very accurate.

The Warthog was a surprise. I've recently finished the 300-round break-in period Para recommends without a hiccup. In the process I thought I'd found the ammo I want to carry for self defense. I went to the range this afternoon to see if I would settle on this ammo. I fired four rounds from 10 yards. All four holes were touching and in the X-ring. The gun is ready for service.

Parts are not necessarily the same as 1911, but are widely available. Steel mag releases are available from numerous sources. Mainspring housings in arched and flat, stainless and blued, smooth or checkered, with or without a magwell and even with a lanyard loop are made by Smith & Alexander. They also make wood grips in checkered and smooth for all the double stack Paras (including the Warthog).

Wolff has Springs. Dawson Precision, EGW and PT all make sights.

I am not a fan of cast frames and slides or MIM parts, but my Paras are working guns and that means they will spend a lot more time in the holster than on the firing line.

I have other guns to shoot for practice, in competition or for barbecues.
 
Two C-6s, one P-14 and one Tac-Four.
The C-6s were sweet but heavy for a 3" 1911--steel frames do that to you. If they were alloy framed I'd probably still own at least one.

The P-14 was an LDA and was a great range or bedside gun, but too heavy to carry, and if I can't (or don't) carry it, it's gone.

The Tac-Four is my GF's. 'Nuff said--it's not going anywhere. :)
 
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