Para Ordinance P12-45

BC38

BC38

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Anybody have or had one?
Looks like a pretty neat commander-sized 45acp.
I've got a chance to get one in nice, but not new shape, from a local guy for under $400. Probably in 90% condition.
 
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BC38 said:
Anybody have or had one?
Looks like a pretty neat commander-sized 45acp.
I've got a chance to get one in nice, but not new shape, from a local guy for under $400. Probably in 90% condition.
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How old is it? My experience with Para 10 years ago was terrible. Their quality was hit and miss back then. Not sure about them these days.

I put about 50 rounds through one of those and it was okay. Short stubby grip was awkward but felt decent. Recoil wasn't bad either which was surprising.

I think $400 would be a good price.
 
Kanewpadle said:
How old is it? My experience with Para 10 years ago was terrible. Their quality was hit and miss back then. Not sure about them these days.

I put about 50 rounds through one of those and it was okay. Short stubby grip was awkward but felt decent. Recoil wasn't bad either which was surprising.

I think $400 would be a good price.
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I don't know its age. The guy who's selling probably it doesn't either since he took it in trade.

I don't own any 1911s - or even any 45s - so I'm a little unsure about this one. A 12 shot 45acp in a compact package sure is intriguing though...
 
Yes,that is a very good buy, the P-12's that I have seen at gun shows and on gun broker usually asking $500 dollars and up.
 
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Well, I went and actually looked at it and discovered that the grip safety doesn't work the way it should. With the muzzle pointing level it works, but with the muzzle pointed down (like it would be in a holster - when you need it the most) it didn't work.
I'm sure it is just the spring that has gotten weak and would need replacing, but how hard and expensive is it to get parts for one of these?
 
My P12 was all stainless. Great gun but it shot low. All the time regardless of ammo. Weighed like a brick too. I could be wrong but I thought my buddies P12 had an alloy frame. ( My current P14 is all steel .) Para had some issues with Alloy frames in earlier years so check the frame carefully. Passing that, I think $400 is a great deal on a unique gun. Your not married to it so you can always get your $ back if you don't love it.

It's been a while since I had one apart but I'm thinking it takes a standard $5 1911 Main spring. Check with Brownells to be sure. Meanwhile, offer $375
 
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Wee Hooker said:
My P12 was all stainless. Great gun but it shot low. All the time regardless of ammo. Weighed like a brick too. I could be wrong but I thought my buddies P12 had an alloy frame. ( My current P14 is all steel .) Para had some issues with Alloy frames in earlier years so check the frame carefully. Passing that, I think $400 is a great deal on a unique gun. Your not married to it so you can always get your $ back if you don't love it.

It's been a while since I had one apart but I'm thinking it takes a standard $5 1911 Main spring. Check with Brownells to be sure. Meanwhile, offer $375
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Yeah, this one is the blued steel slide with the anodized matte alloy frame. Felt pretty good in hand. The fat size & shape of the grip reminded me a lot of my model 59. Weight was similar too - 30 oz for the M59 vs 34 oz for the P12-45. Of course fully loaded the difference would be a couple of ounces more due to the weight of those twelve 45 cal slugs ;)
 
I have a Para SF-45-A that my son got for me. Its a good gun, but I don't shoot it much. First off, its a special edition made in limited numbers. But I'm also not a huge fan of the wide grip. Its also noticeably heavier than a standard 1911 when the mag is full. Another thing I've noticed is that the "feel" of the gun changes as the magazine empties. You can tell a difference in the weight as you're shooting.
I also had to buy a mag loading tool as there ain't no way I can put 13 rounds in those tight magazines with just hand pressure.
Paras are also noted for needing and extended break in period. Some may need as many as 500-600 rounds before they'll run reliably.

Its a good gun and that's a good price for that one. Just be aware that there are some trade offs.
 
While I'd be wary of any gun that comes pre-loaded with a mechanical issue, the P 12-45 as such is, as far as I'm concerned, the perfect CCW 1911-style gun if you're comfortable with cocked-and-locked. I carried one for several years. The fat rounded grip shape fit my hand perfectly, but was long enough (I shot the P 10 once and hated it, too short). Very reliable with HP ammo; I carried Black Talon in it and later switched to Federal Personal Defense HydraShoks. I did have a full length guide rod installed on the advice of a gunsmith specializing in 1911's, but I honestly couldn't tell you how necessary that was.

Overall, a great package for carry.
 
Para P12

I have a Para P14, with alloy frame, that is my edc. I have not had any issues with it, after carrying and shooting it for approx. 2 yrs. On the other side I carry a second mag and light. It may help that I am 6'3 200 lbs, but it carry's fine for me.
 
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