Should I customize my Para P14.45?

[mase1b]

So I have an early Para Ordnance P14.45. For those that don't know, it's a 1911 type that use a double stack mag, giving it 14+1 capacity. Bought it before the AWB hit in 1994, so I have legit pre-ban mags etc. and it's the steel framed version.

Here's my question: I've always wanted to have it customized, but should I bother? It's not worth a ton or a collector piece or anything, so is it still a worthy platform to do some upgrades to?

I'd like to turn it into a combat/carry setup, yet classy not tacticool.
I'm thinking upgraded sights, dark wood stocks, maybe polished blue or black stainless finish. Then of course have a smith de-burr everything, add stainless trigger, hammer and controls, add beavertail grip and possibly bevel or dial in the magwell (not sure about this as it would still need to work with existing mags/floorplates which are hard to replace)

Curious about your opinions, experiences, or recommendations on a good smith near San Diego/SoCal. (willing to pay and or wait for good work, just not $1000s or years )

Thanks for any advice!

[Raider888]

I don't think you are going to add too much value to a Para Ordnance.
Why not use the money on a better custom 1911.
I have a P14 45 Limited, it shoots great too, but nothing like a Les Baer.

[wweigle]

I have the same gun from the same era, with many thousands of rounds through it. Your gun is definitely worthy of some improvements if you like the gun as is. When I originally got mine I installed a stainless beaver tail safety, Wilson combat trigger, skeleton hammer, updated sear, titanium firing pin, night sights, two piece guild rod, new barrel bushing, a slight beveling of the mag well, and steel mag release. I did all of the work myself. Most of the improvements are drop in pieces. I used Wilson combat, and Les Bare parts. My guess is it did add some value, how much who knows, but it did improve the gun, a nice shooter, and I'm glad I did it. Back then Para's only had a basic model, and did not sell the customized limited model, and there were limited manufactures of double stack 1911s compared to today. Mine is very reliable. Its been a great gun. It will never be a fully custom gun, but its plenty accurate for its intended purpose. I have no regrets. I think I would probably only do a few of the upgrades today, including the beaver tail, trigger, sear, barrel bushing, and definitely the steel mag release. I also have a box stock p-10 from the first few years of production. The only thing I changed was the mag release, and the sights to nite sights. My daily CCW gun. I'm fine with the stock configuration. Surprisingly, it is totally reliable, I guess I got lucky, as many p-10s had problems. There is nothing wrong with your p-14, and a worthy piece for reasonable upgrades. Have fun.

[DBADRAT]

Keep it stock and use the $$ for a new weapon.

[SB1964]

I have a pre-ban P-14 LTD. I had a 3.5 lb. trigger job, titanium/magnesium trigger pad/bow installed & wolff springs. It's heavy, but very accurate & reliable.

Mine came with the beavertail & skeleton hammer, I like it, it's just heavy.

I think the trigger part was about 60$ 20$ for springs & 60 for trigger work, disassembly/cleaning & springs installed. I say go for it.

[mase1b]

Thanks for the thoughts! I think that I'll probably do something along the lines of what wweigle suggests...swap out some parts to improve handling/function.
I'm not under the delusion that it would/or could ever be equivalent to a Baer, Wilson or Night Hawk. Also not really trying to upgrade it to give it more value, I don't want to sell it, just enjoy it more!

And yeah it's really heavy!...but then 15 rounds of 45ACP cocked and locked is pretty comforting, too

[DT556]

Keep it, and buy a new gun.

[rman]

got one from my dad - before it was a p14 it was just doublestack frame. Everything else was custom, kart barrel, unmarked slide, beavertail, match trigger, etc. It weighs just under a metric ton, though. Shoots great and looks nice.

Here it is on the right, with a p12 in the middle.


I've heard of some people using colt slides on para frames

[chuckdc]

Go ahead and customize. It's not going to be a collectible any time soon.