Para Ordnance P-14

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Para Is Like Taurus

Seems both brands have been completely distrusted. Both don't seem to have a strong legion of followers except for Taurus revolvers. But personally, brand for brand, QC against QC i'd go with a Taurus.

One thing to consider though, if the P14 sports the PXT extractor, aftermarket extractors will not fit-in in case you break the PXT extractor. Others also feedback that PARA have softer steel.
 
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I have owned a P14-45 (standard with alloy frame) since 1997
I had a 99 vintage P14
I had a Para P-10 (3") for maybe 10 years
Both of mine were bought in the mid-to-late 90s
Bought it used about 4 - 5 years ago

Quote:
Correct me if I am wrong, but the new models have ramped barrels that fix any failure to feed issues

No offense, but you may want to consider yourself "corrected". Mine wouldn't feed until I monkeyed with it. When it did feed, the hammer followed about 50% of the time. The problems were an out of spec chamber (they claim "match") and an out of spec disconector (they said "beefy").

It seems that a lot of the people who are Para fans have a right to be, as they got good ones, being mostly ten years or older.

Caveat Emptor.
 
I haven't had any trouble with the ramped barrel from 1994, quite accurate too! I did strip the guns down completely and decided I didn't like the rough cast extractors, and fire control parts and pins. I replaced them with surplus AMU GI 1911a1 parts that were on e bay years ago. I filed all the other parts flat and smooth and with a good smith's help on the trigger pull fitting,got guns that have been trouble free for 10 years of training and blasting.I DON't CCW one however- too chubby.
 
1911 guy:

Again, I may be wrong, but...

My understanding is that Paras weren't "updated" until around 2004. I don't k now about the barrel, but that is at least the case with the PXT extractor. This also explains why old Paras sell for $500 and new models (used) for $800+.

I was speaking about the newer variants, not the old. I'm not saying I'm right or that you're wrong, but that was my understanding and you said your Paras were from before that date...

And, by the way, 1911 guy, I like the sigline. And for the record: Bagpipes kick @$$
 
I purchased a P14.45 LDA in 2007 and am happy with it. The pistol is quite accurate, the trigger is light and smooth and the wide grip fits my hand perfectly.

HOWEVER

I cannot find a gunsmith in town who will touch an LDA Para.

and

When I try to reload (after firing 50 or so rounds) the slide ALWAYS fails to chamber the first round in the magazine. It seems as though the round is fed into the barrel at too steep an angle and gets stuck with the bullet sticking in the bore and the bottom of the casing touching the follower. After that it will function flawlessly.

Despite this I do not regret my purchase.
 
I've had the failure to feed on 1911s before, but it's usually proven to be filthy feed ramps :banghead: or weak springs. Could either of those be the culprit?

I have heard, however, the Para Ordnance finish doesn't stay well on their alloy frame (Big Hawk) or, from my experience, many of their older model P14.45s... Anyone know about this?
 
My experience with Paras goes back about 12 years and the only one that ever gave me trouble is now my carry gun.

I really don't understand it when people give up on an auto because it jams. If it jams it jams for a reason - fix it. Most of the time all it takes is some polishing or a $5 spring.

The Para that is my primary gun now wouldn't go three rounds without a jam when I bought it. I polished the feed ramp and chamber, put in a heavier recoil spring (Wolff) and replaced the firing pin spring and mag springs (also Wolff).

I also replaced the mag release. My only real complaint about the gun. It is made out of plastic and holds a steel mag. I don't trust that combination. I also put on an extended slide release, extended safety and a Wilson beavertail. But, these were all personal preference items.

I can empty 12 rounds into a four-inch target at 10 yards in about five seconds.

The gun is currently out getting a custom holster made (the extended safety flicked to off on drawing from every stock holster I tried).

It will get fiber sights and a black nickel job on the slide and it will be done.

I find it interesting that my two most commonly-used .45s are two of the ones that get the most guff on the boards. My competition .45 is a Tanfoglio (EAA Witness). They are frequently belittled in forums. I've won every match I've shot with the Tanfolgio.

My Kimbers, SIGs and S&Ws languish in the safe most of the time. Either one of my Tanfoglios or my Para go with me everywhere I go. I carried and competed with Kimbers for about a dozen years. They were 100 percent reliable and accurate - I just win with the Tanfoglios and my Para is more accurate and than the Kimber it replaced.

I would not hesitate an instant to buy a Para. If you have a problem they have an excellent warranty program - I just prefer to "improve" it myself...
 
Okay, a little update on this subject...

I was at Bass Pro Shops today, and saw the Para model that is being offered in our department's purchase (the P1445 Limited, Stainless version).

They had this gun priced at $1049, with only two magazines, no tritium sights, no engraving, no light rail.

Seemed higher than I was expecting. But, if that is the going rate, then I think my dept is getting a nice deal on these guns!
 
If you do decide on the P14-45, make sure you have a good sturdy belt.
It is heavy.
Carrying 2 extra full mags is heavy too.
 
hm2pac said:
If you do decide on the P14-45, make sure you have a good sturdy belt.
It is heavy.
Carrying 2 extra full mags is heavy too.

Yeah, it looks heavy. I probably won't use this as a duty weapon, as I'm satisfied with my Glock.

This was more of a collectible purchase, due to the department engraving and such. But, if it shoots well, I wouldn't necessarily rule out carrying it from time to time!
 
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