Para Ordnance?

[Nyles]

Anyone heard anything bad about Para Ordnance pistols? Been thinking about getting one through their appreciation for service program, but I've heard they've had some QC issues. Any thoughts?

 

[CobraGT]

I've had a customized nickel-plated P14/45 for years, with a Colt slide - good gun No problems with it at all. I'm thinking of setting it up to shoot .45Super. Also had a 16-40 Limited for a few months now, and it's also functioned flawlessly.

 

[locgo]

Finish on the guns were poor, at least on the blued models that I encountered. Stainless, may be another story, though.

 

[remington700]

Nice looking gun, but they use a cast slide instead of a forged one. Makes me nervous to spend that kind of money

 

[R1-Dave]

Mine is great ( 1911 Limited .45 ), build quality is nice. I really like the finish on mine as well. Shoots perfectly, not a single problem. Maybe a little high priced but most decent 1911's are.

 

[darko]

Not very smooth and the finish on the ones I handled was lacking, big time. Mags come out hard, the slide seems rough on the rails.

Just not worth the money IMO. My STI and Dan Wesson (sold now) are miles ahead.

Check STI.

 

[misfire]

The first few months I owned my SSP I was pretty cheesed with Para's 'talking head' in customer service because I got nothing but "Wedgies" from him. It really turned me off Para Ordnance. It shot low out of the box and required new rear sights to correct it. The slide stop starting peening after 200 rounds but seems to have slowed. I've got over 5000 rounds through my SSP and, realistically, it has been reliable and accurate but I won't buy another Para. YMMV.

 

[v65magnafan]

They're no more or less reliable than any other mid-priced 1911. Just read the two major 1911 forums. All brands have their horror stories.

I bought a Para SSP because it had the best trigger feel for the price. I found out that its service was excellent because of the efforts of one employee. But likely not any more. Paraordnance, in the process of moving to The States, will probably join the ranks of gun companies with poor service for Canadians.

 

[dannyair]

I'd never buy one again. Maybe not what you wanted to hear but that's the truth. Broken extractor after 100 rounds, frame front strap serrations look like a 2 year old did them and a few other problems. It went back to Para and after almost 2 months it came back to me. What bothers me more is they don't seem to be a proud Canadian company. It seems they are trying to be American hence the Para USA. They don't support any local or Canadian shooting events that I'm aware of. Nor are they a CGN sponsor. But hey, whatever floats your boat. As pointed out above, every manufacturer has its lemons and maybe I was unlucky enough to get one. For the money see if Walter can get you a Dan Wesson - then you've got a nice pistola.

 

[gallen270]

Finish on the guns were poor, at least on the blued models that I encountered. Stainless, may be another story, though.

x2, ive been thinking of having my 14-45 reblued

 

[JB]

I have a P-13 45cal and i love mine

 

[Canuck44]

FYI Para supported the BC IDPA Provincial Championships last year and has committed to support 2009 event.

Take Care

Bob

 

[Longshot]

Para also supported CFSAC over the last few years.They gave away guns and helped pay for prizes and medals.

 

[Shelldrake]

Para also supported CFSAC over the last few years.They gave away guns and helped pay for prizes and medals.

And, they have a special "appreciation for service" program that offers their pistols to the military and law enforcement community. The first of the CF run should be delivered to the lucky recipients sometime before Christmas.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249614

So,, I have a tough time knocking PARA Ordnance. They seem to be pretty up front with us.

 

[NAA]

Never could get excited about Para pistols. Handled lots. Even considered buying one now & again but always passed. Closest was recently when a NIB Para SSP came in on consignment at the local gunshop. Another customer picked it up then immediately had issues with it. Turned out the Series 80 firing pin safety system screwed up on it. Had a couple visits to the 'smith before it could get running again. Kinda glad I passed on that one, too.

 

[bjhill]

Don,t

 

[calgaryshooter]

I've got an SSP and haven't had any issues with it yet (500 rounds through). Shoots great.

 

[raks]

FYI Para supported the BC IDPA Provincial Championships last year and has committed to support 2009 event.

Para has also donated guns to support CSSA fundraising.

FWIW I got a used Para on the exchange here a few years ago. 1/2 the price of a comparable STI and 20,000 rounds later it still works great for me.

 

[Longshot]

I just got notice that mine will be arriving sometime in the new year.Seems the is quite a lot of pistols to be engraved.

 

[capp325]

You asked about the negatives, so here's a few:

1. Each of the three that I've shot was a jamomatic
2. Cheap metallurgy (frame AND slide are cast rather than forged)
3. Known slide peening and cracking issues (do a search on this boars or on 1911forum.com)