Para Ordnance
- Thread starter RAF-Mover
- Start date
trubluscrew
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
There's really not too much on this board about Para's. (I've looked). I have a Para 14-45 Limited (pre-power extractor).Bought new in '98? (I can't really remember the exact date). But I love the thing. The only complaint that I have is it's a double stack and I had to modify my grip to compensate. This is not relevent if you get a single stack.
As to shooting .45's, I find the recoil is like a .357, but not as powerful. It tends to arc up and left.
Hopefully, someone will chime in and shed some more light about the costs.
ps. mine is all factory and has not seen a smith for any work, except for a thinner front blade.
As to shooting .45's, I find the recoil is like a .357, but not as powerful. It tends to arc up and left.
Hopefully, someone will chime in and shed some more light about the costs.
ps. mine is all factory and has not seen a smith for any work, except for a thinner front blade.
I've got a couple of Para-Ord .45s. I like them a lot! Mine are all pre Power Extractor days though! I've been tempted to pick up a new LTC (Commander length) in their Royal Para finish. Very nice looking pistol and I like the cocobolo factory grips, look sharp compared to the old plastic ones!
You should check the for sale exchange forums. There are a number of Paras for sale right now at decent prices and with a little negotiation, you can probably do better than that!
As for the .45ACP round, the 1911 pistol was designed to shoot this round. I love my .45s, but they're a little expensive to feed unless you handload. I've got my own reloading set up and I also cast my own bullets, so that brings the cost way down. If you're concerned about recoil, its easy to download the .45ACP and create your own target loads. I've found that Bullseye is probably the best, most economical powder for use in the .45. Even with full house factory loads, most full size and commander size 1911s are quite managebale in terms of recoil. Proper stance and two hands on the pistol and recoil isn't a problem for the most part.
Good luck! Hoped this helped!
You should check the for sale exchange forums. There are a number of Paras for sale right now at decent prices and with a little negotiation, you can probably do better than that!
As for the .45ACP round, the 1911 pistol was designed to shoot this round. I love my .45s, but they're a little expensive to feed unless you handload. I've got my own reloading set up and I also cast my own bullets, so that brings the cost way down. If you're concerned about recoil, its easy to download the .45ACP and create your own target loads. I've found that Bullseye is probably the best, most economical powder for use in the .45. Even with full house factory loads, most full size and commander size 1911s are quite managebale in terms of recoil. Proper stance and two hands on the pistol and recoil isn't a problem for the most part.
Good luck! Hoped this helped!
if your looking for single stack, then go for Kimber, much better quality than Paras, slide/frame/and bbl.fit, almost same price . unless you want the best 1911 single stack, go for Les Baer, try checking STI Trojan too, maybe a 100-$150 more than Para but way much better
I shot my first two years of IPSC with a Para P-14 Limited and found it to be much easier to shoot than a single stack 1911 (I shot a Gold Cup for a few years and did my Black Badge with a Norinco Commander in .45 acp).
The felt recoil with the Para was noticably lower than what you'll feel from a single-stack (due to its wider grip) and the 10-shot mags were a godsend for IPSC. My hands aren't huge and I find the grip very comfortable.
As far as I'm concerned, the Para P-14 Ltd is a very accurate pistol. Mine gave me no trouble with either accuracy or function.
For the last three years I've shot an STI Edge in .40 and would have to say that it is the easiest and most pleasant of the bunch to shoot (not without its own minor function issues). But that's what you get for spending double the price.
The felt recoil with the Para was noticably lower than what you'll feel from a single-stack (due to its wider grip) and the 10-shot mags were a godsend for IPSC. My hands aren't huge and I find the grip very comfortable.
As far as I'm concerned, the Para P-14 Ltd is a very accurate pistol. Mine gave me no trouble with either accuracy or function.
For the last three years I've shot an STI Edge in .40 and would have to say that it is the easiest and most pleasant of the bunch to shoot (not without its own minor function issues). But that's what you get for spending double the price.
I have a number of 1911's and have to say I love my Para SSP. It is the single stack as you likly know. Gun has about 700 rounds through it and it is a real shooter. I have yet to have a FTF problem. Para's biggest features are the ramped barrel and the new power extractor which is awsome. Out of the box accuracy was awsome. I sold my son my P 14 and it was just as good and is still running strong. No FTF at all, just a grea gun, and Canadian made.
Kimber has had a ton of problems with their new external extractor and I hear they maybe going back to their older internal extractor. I think they are over priced for what you get. The following is from 15 yards from a rest. There is eight in there.
Stay Safe
Kimber has had a ton of problems with their new external extractor and I hear they maybe going back to their older internal extractor. I think they are over priced for what you get. The following is from 15 yards from a rest. There is eight in there.
Stay Safe
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I have a pre-power extractor single stack "7.45 LDA" Para-Ordnance pistol and it is a real beauty to look at and, more importantly, to shoot. The "Light Double Action" has to be experienced to be really appreciated - once you try it, you won't want anything else. As noted above by other GunNutz, .45 ACP is not difficult to shoot and, in fact, I and many others, prefer it to 9mm.
Mine is stainless and the only mods. I have done are replacing the gorgeous rosewood grip panels with rubber ( Pachmayr which wrap around the front of the grip) and blacking out the white dots on the REAR sight. The Novak style fixed rear sight is excellent, but I find it easier to pick up the white dot on the front sight when it is the only white dot to look at. Mine hits point of aim without ever touching the rear sight. It is a very accurate .45, a joy to shoot and the best feature of all - PARAS ARE MADE IN CANADA!
Mine is stainless and the only mods. I have done are replacing the gorgeous rosewood grip panels with rubber ( Pachmayr which wrap around the front of the grip) and blacking out the white dots on the REAR sight. The Novak style fixed rear sight is excellent, but I find it easier to pick up the white dot on the front sight when it is the only white dot to look at. Mine hits point of aim without ever touching the rear sight. It is a very accurate .45, a joy to shoot and the best feature of all - PARAS ARE MADE IN CANADA!
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I have owned a Para single stack with the Power Extractor. Now that I have the bugs worked out of it, it works great! If there is a criticism, it would be that it launches the brass too far. We measured 35 feet as the furthest toss! The ejector on mine had to be replaced after about 400 rounds because it was peened to the point that it was dragging in the slide. Expect to be frustrated if you send your Para back to the factory for warranty repairs. It took 2 and a half months to get the ejector changed!
I have a Para LTC stainless, it's the best 45 i've ever shot. IMHO it's better than the kimber. (Step father had one) It has the shorter barrel, power extractor and is MADE IN CANADA! Of course it doesnt match the really high end 45s but it's up there.
- Location
- North of Toronto and South Carolina
Para SSP.
Accurate and pretty.
On "buying day", I compared Para, Kimber, Springer, Colt, S&W, 'rinco.
Without getting totally anal about it, I'll say that all guns within the same price range were comparable. For example, the cheapest Springer and the Norinco out of the box had the least satisfying trigger feel. The most expensive guns had the best trigger feel.
However, in its price range, the Para had the best, smoothest, glass-rod trigger feel.
I certainly don't regret buying it, and it was manufactured a short drive from my house, which give me some pleasure, too.
Accurate and pretty.
On "buying day", I compared Para, Kimber, Springer, Colt, S&W, 'rinco.
Without getting totally anal about it, I'll say that all guns within the same price range were comparable. For example, the cheapest Springer and the Norinco out of the box had the least satisfying trigger feel. The most expensive guns had the best trigger feel.
However, in its price range, the Para had the best, smoothest, glass-rod trigger feel.
I certainly don't regret buying it, and it was manufactured a short drive from my house, which give me some pleasure, too.
I have a Para SSP that I bought in late 2005. IMHO, it offers a lot for the money. I've shot almost 4000 rounds through it and there has never been a failure of any sort. It just keeps going. No regrets on my part. And, yes, I did consider a Kimber before buying the Para.
At the risk of getting tarred and feathered by Kimber owners, many people (who know more than me) believe that they are simply overrated and over priced. I will now retire to the safety of the fallout shelter and don my flame retardent boxer shorts. 
