para-ordinance

[sendithit]

Who amongst you own/shoot this brand of 1911? What are your pros/cons of this brand?

[Ubermcoupe]

Para has been know to have some unique features to a 1911, of which, some argue are unnecessary (for example the LDA action).

I have a commander Tac - S 4.25” 1911. It has the “Light Double Action” or LDA trigger system that is supposed to be a nice option for LTC (although I do not use it for LTC).

I bought it because it has a OD Green finish, that has held up after 1000 rounds in/out a holster.

First time I took it out @ 10yrds I put a whole mag of 230gr in the 10 ring, and I do not consider myself a good shooter.

The larger frame models are “double stacked” so the grip may be more wide for some used to a traditional single stack 1911 frame. Not being able to get 10+ mags for it sucks also.

I have had nothing but success with mine.

Have you shot one before? - I might try one out and see how you like.

Some more information on the PO can be found here. Be sure to check out the left side options.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

I have an older P14-45 LDA (Light Double Action) and P14-45 Limited (double-column magazine, single action).

The LDA shoots much more accurately than I can. The long, light trigger pull and long trigger reset take some getting used to, about the same learning curve as a Glock. The frame finish on this pistol comes off easily, a rep shared by older Paras (don't know if the newer ones share this). I got it cheap a number of years ago as the frame looked like it had been thrown down a gravel driveway. Sent it back to Para (this was long before they moved, BTW), they refinished it and installed an ambi safety for $100. It's been a good shooter ever since.

The Limited is a stainless steel pistol, so doesn't share the finish problems. It also is a very accurate pistol. I'm planning to shoot USPSA Limited or Limited-10 next year with it, depending on whether I can get full capacity magazines working reliably or have to use 10 round mags that already do work well (see note below).

I also owned a Carry .45 LDA; this newer pistol had the Para "Power Extractor", which is the answer to a question no one asked IMO. I replaced it with a channel liner and standard extractor from EGW and it worked flawlessly after that.

Para double column magazines can be problematic. I don't have a single Para double column mag that works all the time. The Mec-Gar mags I have run fine all the time. Para just has problems building a good magazine IMO.

[TMC]

I have had 5 Para's in total and still have 2, an old alum frame kit gun in 45 and a P-18.9 LDA

All of mine have been double stacks and I've had them in all calibers, 9mm .40S&W and 45. The Hi-Cap mags are the tricky bit if you have a double stack. The 40's were the most reliable, the 45s and 9's can get hinky without tuning. STI used to make mags for them and they were the best in all calibers. That said the 10 round mags work great without a hitch.

The quality is good and the parts are all 1911 standard (except the LDA models) so you can customized them like any other 1911.

[Reboot]

I've owned 2 Para Ordnance P14.45 Limited guns made in Canada. Both of them have been accurate for everyone who's shot them. I'm still regretting seeling my first one in stainless but I'm happy with my current one. I've heard lots of not so geed reports on the newer USA made models though but I've never tried one myself. That being said I'd hate to sell mine.

[k55f]

I picked this up used last month, w/6 10 rnd mags. She shoots nice, but is a PD gun, not a target as she's got Novak tritium "golfball" sights & lots of extras.

[3GunFunShooter]

I have a pre Power Extractor 16-40 set up for USPSA Limited. Runs great with the stock Para mags with Dawson extensions. Had it gone over, trigger job, mag well, ambi safety,
fiber optic sight, Cylinder and Slide parts. It does not like factory ammo. Will only run reliable on ammo loaded long. 1.18-1.22".
Atlanta Arms makes 40 S&W long ammo. 180gr.
Just got a P18-9 with the new Power Extractor, had issues, waiting for my gunsmith to put in the EGW extractor and sleeve, Smith and Alexander mag well and trigger job. Setting it up for IDPA ESP and 3 Gun, time plus matches.
Lot of information on the 1911 forums about the Para.
I did have a LDA 45 single stack. Broke the barrel bushing after 250 rounds, Para sent me a new one. Sold it for a S&W 1911. Para is really not a bad choice if you want a double stack in Ca and have a good gunsmith! LOL!