Para USA

[Gary13]

I don't see mention of them much. I did a search and other than the double stack 1911's, not much said about them. I was at River City in Sac on Saturday and they had a single stack 1911 there that appeared to be well made and was under $1000. I eventually want to get another 1911 to join my RIA Tactical and while I would love a Les Baer, I may have to go with something less expensive. Any thoughts on Para's?

[Blackhawk556]

From what I read they have really good extractors.

For some reason, every time I read about Para 1911s, someone always has something bad to say about them. At this point I wouldn't buy one but if you've read good things and want one, go for it.
Their prices are really good but people always say, "At that price, you might as well buy a springfield/kimber". I never read someone saying to buy a Para over one of those two brands.

Why???? :/

[3GunFunShooter]

The newer Para's with the PXT extractor have had issues. There is even an aftermarket
sleeve for them. For a single stack I would stick with Colt, S&W, Springfield or Kimber, Wilson. For a double stack 1911 Ca. legal you don't have much of a choice. I do own a 16-40, and just got a 18-9. the 16-40 had to have a lot of work done to get it running for USPSA, and does not like factory ammo. Likes it loaded long 1.18 or longer.
Just breaking in the 18-9. Will need some trigger work, and other mods for IDPA.
Best place for Para information is on the 1911 forums. With Para's it, is buyer beware.

[Blackhawk556]

The newer Para's with the PXT extractor have had issues. There is even an aftermarket
sleeve for them. For a single stack I would stick with Colt, S&W, Springfield or Kimber, Wilson. For a double stack 1911 Ca. legal you don't have much of a choice. I do own a 16-40, and just got a 18-9. the 16-40 had to have a lot of work done to get it running for USPSA, and does not like factory ammo. Likes it loaded long 1.18 or longer.
Just breaking in the 18-9. Will need some trigger work, and other mods for IDPA.
Best place for Para information is on the 1911 forums. With Para's it, is buyer beware.

see what I mean

[Helixfury]

I never have any issues with my Para p14-45 Limited, it's classy , very functional and carries 14 rounds of lethal .45 ammo. To each his own, I don't like Kimber nor Springfield but Para's and Les Baer appeals to me a lot. JMHO

[BigNick]

I have had a para warthog for about the last 6-7 years and have never had any problems with it. It eats all the ammo I put in it even crappy reloads. I have 3 other 1911s and it is in the same league as all the others, IMO. I guess I have been lucky. It was my CCW gun untill I got into revolvers. It still gets put into rotation. I love it and will not get rid of it.

[MountainMike]

I never have any issues with my Para p14-45 Limited, it's classy , very functional and carries 14 rounds of lethal .45 ammo. To each his own, I don't like Kimber nor Springfield but Para's and Les Baer appeals to me a lot. JMHO

7 years ago myself and my 2 roommates binged on guns. The exact amount of firearms purchased will remain undisclosed but among them I purchased a Para P14-45 Limited, one purchased (per my recommendation) matching Springfield Loadeds, and the other went against the grain and bought a Taurus 9mm.

My friend's Springfields were great firearms. They had no rattle between the slide and frame, they were accurate and reliable, but uncomfortable. The etching on the frame was sharp and dug into your hand while firing.

I have big hands and my double stacked Para is accurate, reliable, comfortable, and doesn't have any play between the frame and slide either. After thousands of rounds it still shoots like new.

I have also fired older Springfields as well as Officer and Commander model Colts and of all I prefer my Para. Unlike my Para these do not have a full length recoil spring guide so the felt recoil is much greater. As I understand it newer model 1911s all have one so that is less of an issue.

When it all comes down to it Para makes a fine 1911. My only aversion to Kimbers is the price tag.

[Blackhawk556]

Does Para make full size 1911s in 9mm that are on the list?? I don't like the idea of paying and extra $50-100 for single shot guns

[rubber duckie]

there are 3
PX189SL / Stainless Steel Pistol 5" 9mm 10/28/2011
PX189SN / Stainless Steel Pistol 5" 9mm 10/28/2011
PX189SR / Stainless Steel Pistol 5" 9mm 10/28/2011

[40cal.]

I've just picked up a Para 14-45 Limited a few months ago. I had a lot of custom work done to mine (high performance trigger, barrel tuning, etc.). The big problem is with Para Magazine's, besides the Para Mags not feeding properly the 10 round mag's will only take 8 rounds, my 14 round mag's will only take 12. I'm told they will loosen up with time, Not True-spring steal does not loosen. Para mags suck. I'm looking a some after market mags I found out about from the Para Owners Forum web site. The gun itself does shoot real nice though.

[dfletcher]

The Paras I've had worked well, my quarrel with them is (maybe was?) they use plastic in places I don't like and have the Series 80 FPB. The couple I've owned came with a plastic trigger, plastic mag release and MSH. You can replace all that for a few bucks, I'd prefer the better parts came as factory issue.

[3GunFunShooter]

If you want the Para double stack 9, you need to get it before they go off the list.
The new 18-9 Limited is not listed and probably won't be.
That's why I bought my 18-9, now instead of waiting. Para Custom Shop had a sale on their 10 round mags for only $29.00 each.

[skyking13]

Finally a discussion on the Para 1911. I just picked up the new Slim Hawg, the short 3" SS .45 (my first). I wanted a good quality single stack for my medium sized hand. I had given my Smith 5906 to my kid who liked the double stack 9mm (plus the price was right!)

Stepping up to the .45 was satisfying and the single stack and easy conceal-ability of this compact Para was a big plus.

Fit and finish on the stainless steel model is excellent and after only 100 rounds find that accuracy is as expected with the 3" barrel.




Regards,
Captain Bob

[HappyG]

Love my P-14

Mags are DAMN expensive though...

[rubber duckie]

i just picked up a para hawg 9 from a fellow member on here. i have yet to shoot it, but it does look great. the fit isnt as good as say my first 1911 sig.