Anyone have personal experience with Para Ordnance 1911's?

I've got a P12-45 bought new in '93. Just a casual shooter, probably 2000 rounds total in the 20 years I've owned it and never an issue. It's more accurate then my Colt Gov't Model of the same vintage. Obviously there are horror stories regarding Para, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. On the other hand, I have 2 1911s in the safe so I'm not looking for another one at the moment.
 
I've been thinking about getting a basic, stock Combat Commander or clone for a while now. My only remaining 1911 (an SA) is my old IPSC gun and I've been told that carrying a tricked-out, trigger-jobbed piece for CCW is not a good idea. Too bad as it functions flawlessly with any ammo and a great piece all-around. Kind of big though.
I was checking out a PARA aluminum framed Commander today at an LGS. Went home, checked PARA's site and see they have an all-steel Commander too. Does S&W have an equivalent all-steel 4" or 4.25" model? Any comments about comparisons?
 
Para-USA

My Paras are all fine, the 16-40 is great.
The Expert/45ACP functions fine, but is not as smooth as my other (more expensive ) 1911s.
Side note:
My Rock Island 1911s are as nice ( maybe not as pretty) as the cheaper Paras - YMMV
tb
 
Had a single stack LDA and a C7.45. Don't any more. Don't miss 'em and don't regret sellin' 'em. If you want a lightweight commander,buy a Smith Scandium Commander. JMO.
f.t.
 
I have four .45ACPs, one .40SW, and one 9mm, all LDAs. I have never had any trouble with any of them. The ambi-safety on my TAC S broke once but it was after market. I sent it to Para and they repaired it post haste. No more problems. My 7.45 LDA Limited has several thousand rounds through it to include over 1000 Wolf rounds, never a hiccup. I like 'em. The finish is not S&W quality and wears, especially the olive drab green on the TAC S.
 
It's your opinion and I appreciate it. I'd go for the S&W in a flash but I'm looking for an all-steel frame & slide. Couldn't find one on the S&W site.
fat tom said:
Had a single stack LDA and a C7.45. Don't any more. Don't miss 'em and don't regret sellin' 'em. If you want a lightweight commander,buy a Smith Scandium Commander. JMO.
f.t.
Click to expand...
 
I have full size stainless steel Paras in 45 acp: P13, P14 LDA, Super Hawg 6" and P18 9mm, P16 40 S&W. Also have P12 compact steel 40 S&W and P10 compact 45 ACP .

All the guns are reliable if ammo and springs are matched. Hot, mild or target loads work in all calibers if the spring is correct. I got one double stack mag with the Super Hawg that is a mystery. I've changed followers, mag spring, and bottom plate but it's not 100% reliable.

The original 40 S&W barrel looked like the rifling was cut with a dull rock. Fouling and leading was an impossible issue. Gunsmith installed a bull barrel, no bushing, and added a mag well. That gun shoots gang busters now with stout loads, no leading, and great accuracy.
 
Bought a Para LDA years back when it was the hot cover gun with all the rags. Worst firearm I've ever owned. First and only Para product I wasted money on. I'd sooner buy a Glock than a Para, and I won't ever buy a Glock.
 
Para LDA's are great guns. Para cco and c7.45 are real nice

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
 
A shooting buddy had an LDA, he couldn't hit anything with it, so he had me drive it.

On of the most accurate 1911's I've fired.

He sold it a few days later.
 
I am the user of one, this P16-40 I bought as shown at a pawn shop. It has shot beautifully since the first day I took it out and shoots the same with the 10mm BarSto barrel and bushing that I later added. A switch barrel piece that just shoots and shoots well. This is an earlier Canadian made one. I had the 10mm addition done when I was living in Alberta. Seventeen rounds of 10's...

 
I'm one of the folks that have had too many issues with Para's to ever want another.

I don't despise them, I'd take one as a gift. Kimber holds this distinction for me.
 
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