Para P12 .45 questions

[ABTOMAT]

Looked at a Para P12 the other day at a local dealer. Moderate holster wear, a couple of questions that need to be resolved, but looked good overall. Cone barrel, full-length guide rod, rubber grips. Not sure if the mag was a 10 or 12. I think it was an older one.

Anyone familiar with these? Probably could get it for well under $500 but I have no idea what small Paras go for.

 

[MICHAEL T]

My self I would pass My para was just one jam after another Even after went to warranty for repairs . I went to a Colt Defender and never looked at another Para.
You luck might be better than mine .

 

[ABTOMAT]

Seems like people who have had these things say it's either the most reliable compact 1911 they've ever owned or the least reliable. Was yours older or newer?

 

[tex929rr]

My experience has been good. The first 1911 I ever shot and liked was a single action P12. I later purchased an LDA P12 and still carry it. Now that I carry 1911's most of the time I wish I had bought a single action P12, but the LDA is still an excellent piece in my experience. The one time I needed Para service it was awesome. YMMV.

PS. Of all the barrel lengths I own I like the 3 1/2 the best. It seems they point most naturally for me. Again, YMMV.

 

[Buzmech]

Had mine for several years no complaints, its SA with a barrel bushing.
Used for home defense wish I could attach my tlr to it. I say get it get some new springs thruout and enjoy.

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

i own a para (only for a short while longer), and would never own another.

 

[ABTOMAT]

Anyone know what would make it nearly impossible to pull the slide back far enough to catch the lock? Wrong spring? Buffer?

 

[gun guy]

Originally sold as just a lower reciever and a 12 round hi cap mag the para seemed the next level in 45's. These days many companies offer a hi cap 45, and para seems about where they started. The only extensive work i have done is with an early model, that was highly modified, cut down to 10 rounds and turned into a vest pocket hi firepower 45 by a talented gunsmith. This weapon worked flawlessly but it had countless hours of hand fitting. There are so many factors involved, with home made or hand tailored weapons it's hard to pin point how reliable they are. Factory finished 45's at least have a standard to compare to. If it looks well made, i would test fire it before I even considered it. If it passes the fire section, see if the dealer will give you a limited in house warrenty. If thats a go, and the price is right, buy it. If you get the,,um cant fire it insurance regulations, no warrenty, you buy it, you eat it, select something else.
good luck.

 

[malnwah]

P12 Para

I owned one and quickly realized it would take considerable gunsmithing to smooth it out. Traded for a Sig and never regretted the move.

 

[CDR_Glock]

I have an original P14 from the mid 1990s. Mine fed everything and no problems with jams. When I saw the P10 and P12 I wanted one but couldn't afford it. A couple of months ago, I saw a Stainless P12 but it was upgraded to include lightening the trigger, upgrading the safety and slide latch, upgraded sights, upgraded grips and mag well. It was $645 and I didn't know what the market price was. I lost out on the deal. In the end, if you are allowed to test it or return it if it is not up to par, then it's worth a try for a used gun.

I think that the Pre-PXT Paras were fine. However get a close look at the gun and have a gunsmith inspect it.

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

form what i've read online, the para's made in NC have even more issues than the canadian made ones.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

One I bought in 1999 was a dreadful lemon. It not only continually malfunctioned, but chewed a hole in my hand due to sharp edges on the grip safety tang and frame. Admittedly, this was a long time ago. The cone barrel - which usually deletes the bushing - and full length guide rod, unless they have changed the design in recent years, may be aftermarket. Mine followed the original design of the Colt Officer's ACP, with a barrel bushing and non-FLGR. (The tiny locking tab on the barrel bushing did not inspire confidence either.) Unless you can try before you buy, I would have enough apprehensions to pass on this one.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Anyone know what would make it nearly impossible to pull the slide back far enough to catch the lock? Wrong spring? Buffer?

My first guess would be a buffer in there, you'll have to take it apart to see

 

[ABTOMAT]

Decided to drop this after some even more hideous feedback on other forums I'm on. Bought a Sig for less.

My curiosity got the better of me as far as the malfunction, though. The guide rod is one I've never seen before. Two-piece design with a tiny inner spring built into the rod. The "head" or whatever you call it is made out of urethane, like a buffer. However this mess works, it seems to be a bit too big for the P12.