Thoughts on double stack M1911s?

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jagdpanzer347

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Greetings all. Lately I've been kicking around the idea of buying another M1911. I have a Colt Series '70 and really enjoy shooting it. It's by far my favorite centerfire range pistol and my back-up home defense pistol. My primary being a Glock M22.

The idea of combining the capacity of the Glock with the ergonomics of the M1911 seems like the best of both worlds. Something along the lines of a Para-Ord P14-45 seems almost ideal for my needs.

I have never even held a double-stack M1911, let alone shot one, so I'm looking for some real world input on their ergonomics, accuracy, and reliability. Experiences with Para-Ord pistols would be ideal, but any input on any double-stack M1911 in any caliber would be appreciated.

-jagd
 
Para 14-45 and i LOVE IT! the only down side is mags dont cost 10$, they cost 40$ but then again you only need 1/2 the number of magazines to have the same number of rounds!

i have small hands and still find the Para comfortable and a good fit
 
The ergonomics of the 1911 is all in the grip. Modify the single stack grip design and your ergos go out the window. It's a very different gun.

You can buy 10 round magazines for a single stack 1911. Rather than fitting flush with the bottom of the grip, they'll stick out quite a bit. For a range gun or a home defense gun, concealability isn't a concern. Plus you can change magazines quicker since you have a larger surface of the magazine to grap hold of.

I highly suggest you invest a small amount in high capacity single stack magazines before investing a large amount in a new gun.
 
My P14-45 was incredibly accurate and easy to work with. I have large hands, but even for the small handed it was easy to deal with. The double stack does not increase the grip size as much as you think it would.

2 issues:

1. It was heavy. A full 1 lb heavier than a full-size USP.
Great for shooting, but it actually pantsed me one time. Luckily I was home and alone.
2. It developed a nasty habit of not feeding the last round in the mag. I was impatient, and after replacing the mag springs didn't help, I sold it.:banghead:
 
For years I only had a single stack 1911. I began shooting uspsa with my son about 4years ago and bought a Para P16-40. Before I shot it it felt HUGE!!! But once I did shoot it I was amazed at how great if felt and how much more control I felt I had. I now shoot an STI and its the same feel. I really favor the wide body feel and my single stack feel skinny to me now. BTW the P16 is a great all around uspsa firearm and holds 16 or 17 rounds, with base pads mine held 19. If you have never shot uspsa you just don't know what you are missing. Its the most fun you can have with a gun!

Here's a pic of my son shooting the P16.
FSCTimSightPicture.jpg
 
I had a P-O P12-45 briefly. The grip circumference and feel was just fine. Remember that a 1911-style pistol has a short reach to the trigger. I got rid of the little pile for malfunctions and chewing my hand, not for its hand fit.
 
I have both; several single stacked and a P14 LTD. I like them all. The P14 has been flawless after many thousands of rounds and feeds all types of ammo. The downside is its heavy, not an ideal choice for a CCW unless you know you're going to be in a really bad spot and then you should rethink about going there. It is my home defense pistol though and I think it excels at that. My single stacks are my CCW of choice with the nod going to a lightweight commander. Get both, you won't be sorry.
 
just got back from the range. shot a SW 1911 single stack and my Para p14 double stack. the double stack definatly has less push to it and i find it alot easier to get back on target.

though the guy in the lane next to me seemed confused as to why he, with his fancy stainless 1911 and extended mags got 10 shots, and the kid with what looked to be a low end blued Gov. 1911 got 14 shots in what APPEARS to be a regular 1911. i also shot better than him. just felt like saying that for the ego boost
 
I think people either love them or hate them.

Just like Glocks.

And speaking of Glocks, I don't see how the 1911 design is an improvement on the Glock for a defensive pistol. But, to each his own. I respect a man who shoots a 1911 well - and without malfunctions. :neener:
 
The main reason I liked 1911's was because of their thin grip and slide. When I started carrying I really appreciated the thin grip, by going double stack the thin grip is gone, might as well just use something that is more reliable since you are going thicker anyway.
 
My two cents worth..
Shoot mostly single stack 1911's but own Browning's,S&W's and CZ's that are all double stacks..All are range guns and for some reason,maybe force of habit from the olds days of bullseye hooting,find that I load only five rounds at a time no matter what the mag takes..Been doing it that way for over fifty years so I guess that is my excuse..Do like those high capacity,or should one say normal capacity,9mm's..Just don't need all that ammo at once unless shooting pins or plates,depends on the game..
Shoot safe and have fun..
 
My take is you need hands large enough for them and then you need to get new springs into all of your magazines. Double stack mags in 45 are notorious for failure among 1911s. Extra power springs should solve that if you are wise and replace them annually.

I had a P13 but later sold it. Not a bad gun and it gave me trouble, but it just didn't light my fire like the single stack 1911s.
 
double stack

I carry a P12 alloy. No problem hiding. Accurate and reliable. I prefer it over my L W Commander because of the size. They weigh about the same.
 
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