high cap/double stack 1911s - appreciate user input

[Sheepdog1968]

[wamphyri13]

Unless you already have the design spec magazines, or have really big hands and no magazines, what's the point? You can only get 10 round mags. You didn't mention if you had the mags already.
With that out of the way, Para Ordnance is readily available for purchase as opposed to the Springfield. I don't think the SA is on the roster, so unless you can find one PPT, go with the Para. I've got an older, blued Para P14 with the design spec mags, (don't like calling hi-cap because that's how they were designed) that I've shot without issue. Para's are on the roster and more readily available.
Ryan

[elsolo]

Forget about the Springfield, Para, or Caspian.....Get a STI, SVI, SPS, or Bar-Sto branded "2011" type. (they are all interchangeable)

The others are mid-capacity rather than high capacity, they don't have nearly as much aftermarket support, and the 2011's are the standard for double stack 1911's.

[Voo]

The STI/SVI's are the standard for double stack 1911 type guns.

In terms of finding them, you cant bring them in- they're not on the approved DOJ handgun list. You occassionally find them used, but the best way to come across them is to familiarize yourself with IPSC shooters..

[RTE]

for a double stack I went with the Para 14.45
but if residing in CA a single stack 8rd kimber 1911 would be a better option.

[elsolo]

The STI/SVI's are the standard for double stack 1911 type guns.

In terms of finding them, you cant bring them in- they're not on the approved DOJ handgun list. You occassionally find them used, but the best way to come across them is to familiarize yourself with IPSC shooters..

SVI has one doublestack on the CA list, but it's a .45 so most IPSC shooters don't want to hassle with getting a new top end in .40 or 9. The OP might even prefer his in .45acp if he's not needing the extra capacity of .40 and is a die hard 1911 nut.

Bar-Sto specifically addressed this open market by making their's in .40

I do believe either manufacturer will deal with you on exchanging the brand new topend for a different one, but I would certainly talk to them and buy directly from the manufacturer if that's the route you want to take.

It's just easier and cheaper to buy a used one from a fellow IPSC shooter, because somebody always has one for sale.

http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/safeguns_resp.asp

Bar Sto Precision / Stainless Steel, Polymer Pistol 5" .40 11/16/2010

Infinity Comp. Target / Stainless Steel, Polymer Pistol 5.190" .45 ACP 4/2/2010

[RogueSniper]

Para Ordnance P14.45, all steel. It was perfect straight out of the box. However, if you check some of my postings, I'm having problems dropping empty mags with the slide locked back. Probably some grit or grime, so it's my fault and not the gun. I've been running this pistol since the late 80's and never a hiccup. It doesn't like SWC, but will eat up XTPs, Hydrashoks, Golden Sabers, and my reloads (Berry's 200gr JHP). I didn't mod, so it's still stock everything.

Sheepdog - since you're local to me (SF Bay Area, I'm in San Mateo) if you want to try it out just PM me and we can set up a time at Jackson Arms. Ammo's on your dime!

[lehn20]

Avoid it like the plague. Nothing but problems. If you do get one buy STI/SVI. Avoid anything that says Para Ord on it.
I dont even consider it a 1911.

[Sheepdog1968]

Thanks Ryan. How many rounds do u have through your Para? Is the Para wider than the Springfileld XD45?

Unless you already have the design spec magazines, or have really big hands and no magazines, what's the point? You can only get 10 round mags. You didn't mention if you had the mags already.
With that out of the way, Para Ordnance is readily available for purchase as opposed to the Springfield. I don't think the SA is on the roster, so unless you can find one PPT, go with the Para. I've got an older, blued Para P14 with the design spec mags, (don't like calling hi-cap because that's how they were designed) that I've shot without issue. Para's are on the roster and more readily available.
Ryan

[Sheepdog1968]

Thanks for the advice. I don't have any preconceived notions. Are the STI and SVI reliable? That's my biggest concern. In terms of after market support, I tend to keep firearms relatively stock with the exception of sights. For a self defense pistol I tend to put on the XS sights.

Forget about the Springfield, Para, or Caspian.....Get a STI, SVI, SPS, or Bar-Sto branded "2011" type. (they are all interchangeable)

The others are mid-capacity rather than high capacity, they don't have nearly as much aftermarket support, and the 2011's are the standard for double stack 1911's.

[Sheepdog1968]

Thanks for the suggestion on the source for used ones.

The STI/SVI's are the standard for double stack 1911 type guns.

In terms of finding them, you cant bring them in- they're not on the approved DOJ handgun list. You occassionally find them used, but the best way to come across them is to familiarize yourself with IPSC shooters..

[Sheepdog1968]

How many rounds do you have through the Para? Have you found it to be reliable? I have read of some finding the oversized mag release button prone to releasing mag. I've already got single stack 1911s. They are fun no doubt how does Para compare in terms of grip width to XD45?

for a double stack I went with the Para 14.45
but if residing in CA a single stack 8rd kimber 1911 would be a better option.

[leelaw]

My STI (Tactical 5.0, .45ACP) is reliable. I took it out for a 10 hour training course last week and the gun had no issues. The only kink I've had with it was a few of the magazines - of which STI .45 magazines are more picky than the .40, .38 or 9mm magazines (so I've been told by Brazos Custom and Dawson Precision)

I could arrange to meet at a local range so you can try it out to help figure if it's the pistol you want.

The STI is the standard for large capacity 1911/2022s. The Para Ord has a much larger frame, since they simply bump out the frame, and add grips on top of it. The STI integrated the grips into their polymer magazine well. I don't want to get started about the Para LDA trigger.. Yuck.

[Sheepdog1968]

Thanks for the tips. Any idea on how reliable they are. I have pistols in 40 and 9. I'm specifically looking for this in 45 ACP. Its my favorite cartridge. I don't dislike the others.

SVI has one doublestack on the CA list, but it's a .45 so most IPSC shooters don't want to hassle with getting a new top end in .40 or 9. The OP might even prefer his in .45acp if he's not needing the extra capacity of .40 and is a die hard 1911 nut.

Bar-Sto specifically addressed this open market by making their's in .40

I do believe either manufacturer will deal with you on exchanging the brand new topend for a different one, but I would certainly talk to them and buy directly from the manufacturer if that's the route you want to take.

It's just easier and cheaper to buy a used one from a fellow IPSC shooter, because somebody always has one for sale.

http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/safeguns_resp.asp

Bar Sto Precision / Stainless Steel, Polymer Pistol 5" .40 11/16/2010

Infinity Comp. Target / Stainless Steel, Polymer Pistol 5.190" .45 ACP 4/2/2010

[Sheepdog1968]

Thank you so much for the offer. I would very much like to meet up with you there. I will pm you and see if we can't find a date in the next week or so. I really appreciate your kind offer. I'm happy to hear its been good to you for two decades. I also tend to keep things stock with the exception of sights for combat pistols.

Para Ordnance P14.45, all steel. It was perfect straight out of the box. However, if you check some of my postings, I'm having problems dropping empty mags with the slide locked back. Probably some grit or grime, so it's my fault and not the gun. I've been running this pistol since the late 80's and never a hiccup. It doesn't like SWC, but will eat up XTPs, Hydrashoks, Golden Sabers, and my reloads (Berry's 200gr JHP). I didn't mod, so it's still stock everything.

Sheepdog - since you're local to me (SF Bay Area, I'm in San Mateo) if you want to try it out just PM me and we can set up a time at Jackson Arms. Ammo's on your dime!