imjin138
US Veteran
I looked at a Para Ord 1911 I don't know much about them are they any good? This was the Expert Commander light weigth model
Para-Ordnance
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Don't know about their current offerings. I have a Canadian made P13 and I love it.
Someone asked about Para a while back and the replies were both positive and negative. I've heard nothing but bad about late model Para guns but have no personal experience with them. I won't buy one because better options are there IMO.
When I worked part time at a LGS we had them for rent on our range as part of Para's rental program. There were several different brands of 1911 too. The Para's broke constantly. We sent them back and two broke the next time they were rented. I realize that rental guns are sometimes abused and not taken care of, but they still shouldn't break as often.
In comparison there is still a Kimber series one 1911 in the rental case that's been there for just over 10 years. We estimate well over 200,000 rounds through the gun. The finish is well worn. The gun rattles terribly. But it still runs good and is accurate.
This isn't a plug for Kimber. Just a comparison. Think I would find a Ruger, Smith, or Springfield first.
When I worked part time at a LGS we had them for rent on our range as part of Para's rental program. There were several different brands of 1911 too. The Para's broke constantly. We sent them back and two broke the next time they were rented. I realize that rental guns are sometimes abused and not taken care of, but they still shouldn't break as often.
In comparison there is still a Kimber series one 1911 in the rental case that's been there for just over 10 years. We estimate well over 200,000 rounds through the gun. The finish is well worn. The gun rattles terribly. But it still runs good and is accurate.
This isn't a plug for Kimber. Just a comparison. Think I would find a Ruger, Smith, or Springfield first.
Arik
Member
I had a few, none functioned properly
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Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2
Grayfox
US Veteran
Para-Ordinance makes a good pistol, but they are noted for requiring an extended break in time. Often needing 300 rounds or more before they become reliable.
Some have been known to have very tight chambers that are finicky about what ammo will fit.
I have one of the SF-45-As that nearly drove me nuts until it finally settled down. Now its a good shooter.
Some have been known to have very tight chambers that are finicky about what ammo will fit.
I have one of the SF-45-As that nearly drove me nuts until it finally settled down. Now its a good shooter.
OP
imjin138
US Veteran
That's what I needed to know thanks, I don't need any problem guns.
I have 3 P-13s with upgrade trigger assy parts and all very reliable - BUT all are from 1975-95 era.
amazingflapjack
US Veteran
Gray fox hit it as far as I am concerned- My Super Hawg is now one of my favorites, but it took apx 500 rounds to get it that way. In fairness-the manual calls for that many rounds. Mine is loaded, with power extractor and match everything with 14 round mags and FO sight. Deadly accurate, and dependable, but there was a time I was ready to dump it. I don't shoot anything but my own hand loads with lead bullets, and have had no probs since the break in was finished.
mc5aw
Member
I've mention my Para experience in the past, but will revisit it here once again for info purposes ...
I picked up one of the rubber trigger LDAs years back (when Para was in Canada, with an affiliate in FLA), when that model was the featured cover gun on every publication. The 1911 arrived with a cracked trigger, and immediately sent back for repair/replacement. Customer Service was rude and unhelpful, and did not initially believe what I explained to them about the cracked trigger. The gun was eventually repaired, and I found it to be dreadful to shoot. My $200 RIA was far smoother, and the LDA soon went on the sales block with sufficient buyer's remorse.
Some people love Paras; my single experience is that Paras are garbage, and I would NEVER own another. Fool me once, shame on you ...
There are too many other offerings that are far better. I would look at any/all of those non-Para offerings.
I picked up one of the rubber trigger LDAs years back (when Para was in Canada, with an affiliate in FLA), when that model was the featured cover gun on every publication. The 1911 arrived with a cracked trigger, and immediately sent back for repair/replacement. Customer Service was rude and unhelpful, and did not initially believe what I explained to them about the cracked trigger. The gun was eventually repaired, and I found it to be dreadful to shoot. My $200 RIA was far smoother, and the LDA soon went on the sales block with sufficient buyer's remorse.
Some people love Paras; my single experience is that Paras are garbage, and I would NEVER own another. Fool me once, shame on you ...
There are too many other offerings that are far better. I would look at any/all of those non-Para offerings.
S&WIowegan
US Veteran
Para was the first to market with a wide-body 1911. I bought several of their grip frame kits and had guns built on them. Wilson Combat made me a Stealth Combat on a Para frame. A local gunsmith built me a 40 S&W on another.
The frames are castings that too often have flaws/bubbles/voids which can cause cracks.
The entrepreneurs who founded the company were troubled by poor manufacturing and have sold the company.
The frames are castings that too often have flaws/bubbles/voids which can cause cracks.
The entrepreneurs who founded the company were troubled by poor manufacturing and have sold the company.
mstuhr
Member
Crapshoot
Howdy,
I agree with most posters. There are good and bad ones.
I have one with the two piece extractor in 45 and it is as accurate as a custom, works all the time and is all around impressive. It is one of my favorite pistols.
That influenced me to buy one like it in 9mm. It was so out of spec replacement spring would not fit. It was unreliable and it took a ton of work to get it to a usable condition.
I have had others in years gone by that were built into IPSC guns, limited and open class and found the same thing. Some were a lot better than others as they came from the factory.
I have the one I'll keep and really like but I'd have a hard time recommending them to a friend.
Good luck
Mike
Howdy,
I agree with most posters. There are good and bad ones.
I have one with the two piece extractor in 45 and it is as accurate as a custom, works all the time and is all around impressive. It is one of my favorite pistols.
That influenced me to buy one like it in 9mm. It was so out of spec replacement spring would not fit. It was unreliable and it took a ton of work to get it to a usable condition.
I have had others in years gone by that were built into IPSC guns, limited and open class and found the same thing. Some were a lot better than others as they came from the factory.
I have the one I'll keep and really like but I'd have a hard time recommending them to a friend.
Good luck
Mike
I have an LTC9 that I bought used (appeared to be almost new condition) and it has been a very good little pistol. It is accurate, has an acceptable trigger, and feeds everything I have tried in it without issues. I would like to have a similar one in .45 Auto, but I gather the model has been discontinued.
I would look it over closely before buying, but if I saw another Para that appealed to me, I suppose I might give it a whirl. My 1911 tastes are pretty traditional and honestly, most of their models I have seen don't really appeal.
I would look it over closely before buying, but if I saw another Para that appealed to me, I suppose I might give it a whirl. My 1911 tastes are pretty traditional and honestly, most of their models I have seen don't really appeal.
