Check out the Details–https://para-usa.com/blackOps1911.php
Buy a Para Black Ops–/para black ops
The Para Black Ops has a nice, clean look.
I’ve got mixed emotions about the way corporate conglomerates gobble up smaller companies. While I understand (and will defend) American capitalism, growth almost always comes with sacrifices of some sort.
In the gun industry, what’s sacrificed is the human touch. I was visiting a high-end 1911 maker last week, for example, that still has one smith make one gun, start to finish. The smith stamps his initials in the steel, and if it ever comes back with problems that same smith is held accountable. It is brilliant. It is also not sustainable on any scale.
Para, by all accounts, is a kick-ass brand. I’ve known several professional shooters who run Paras. These are people with skills and means, who could carry any 1911 on the market, and they carry Paras.
This might explain why I was surprised to see the gun I’m going to chronicle below, a 1911 with some distinct personality issues. It is a Para—and I can find the bones here that would make for a rock solid 1911—but you have to have faith to find them.
Rather than appealing to law enforcement, some of the new Para iconography seems to aim for gamers.
Para
Let’s go back a bit. Para Ordnance was founded 30 years ago, in Canada of all places, by Ted Szabo (a Hungarian expat) and Thanos Polyzos (who had immigrated from Greece). The company grew slowly and specialized in 1911s. In 2009, Para USA began domestic production in North Carolina. The Freedom Group bought them in 2012.
The company built its reputation on rock solid, no-frills 1911s. The guns sometimes strayed into more radical designs. Para pioneered double stack single actions, and developed a double action for the 1911 that gained favor with law enforcement. In fact, if you look at the history of the company and the design innovations they developed, you’ll see evidence of a true dedication to the 1911. Think about the time frame we’re talking about here. In the mid-1980s, the American military kicked the old Browning design to the curb. The era of polymer framed double-actions was just ramping up.
Instead of jumping on that band wagon, Para answered the 1911’s critics. You want more capacity? Try the double-stack. You don’t trust single action? They can fix that, too. You want a 1911 that runs reliably, every single time? Pick up a Para. These aren’t titanium framed guns, they don’t have Damascus slides, and they’ve never worn unicorn horn grips.
SEE ALSO: Improve Your Glock 22’s Accuracy: Ops Armory — Captain America
Para today
This is a review, after all, so let’s review a gun already. This pistol here is a Para Black Ops. When I went looking for a Para to review, I wanted something that would be ideal for everyday carry. The Black Ops is exactly that. The gun integrates a lot of features I consider mandatory for a defensive carry gun. Let’s break them out.
SEE ALSO: Improve Your Glock 22’s Accuracy: Ops Armory — Captain America
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- MSRP: $1257.00
- .45 ACP
- 5” Ramped Barrel
- Trijicon® Tritium Night Sights
- Stainless Steel Frame & Slide
- EGW® HD Extractor
- Integral Accessory Rail
- Beaver Tail Grip & Ambidextrous Thumb Safety
- Skeletonized Match Grade Trigger
- IonBond© PVD Finish
- VZ® Operator™ Machined G10 Grips
- Two 8-Round Standard Magazines
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The Para has a nice ramped barrel with a full profile.
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Guns are nothing more than the sum of their parts. And 1911s more so, as most companies pick up a lot of parts from a wide variety of manufacturers and cobble them together into something that works. This requires some skill—you can’t just stick good parts together and expect them to work.
VZ Grips makes the best G10 1911 grips on the market.
I’m going to begin where my interaction with the gun begins-the grip. These black G10 grips are superb. If you’re going to carry a 1911, I’d suggest heavily textured G10. These are VZ Operators.
The other textures on the Black Ops are sufficient. The front strap isn’t checkered, but the mainspring housing is. The slide is serrated both front and rear.
The gun also has an integrated rail, ideal for mounting lights or lasers.
The frame and slide are both stainless steel. The ambidextrous thumb safety and fat beaver-tail safety are both common features on these types of guns. And the whole package is finished in Para’s IonBond PVD finish. It is durable, and slick.
These are the things you can see and feel. First impressions. There’s more to the Para that we need to discuss, both good and bad. The barrel is ramped, which is supposed to help with feeding hollow points. The gun also has a full-length steel guide rod. And, like it or not, it is a series 80 style gun, which means it has a firing pin block to prevent accidental discharge.
But circumstances necessitate a deeper dive into the Black Ops, one that will questions the construction of some of these component parts. When you are making guns out of metal, there are several ways to arrive at finished parts. Parts milled from forgings are almost always the strongest—even when that strength is overkill. But these are also the most expensive to produce.
You want to know why some 1911s are twice (or three times) as expensive as a visually identical gun? Ask some questions. How many of the parts are milled? How many are MIM (metal injection molded—not made in Mexico). How many are cast?
The first gun sent by Para had a flaw in the safety, which broke off. This one is holding nicely.
Milled parts have sharp edges. Look at the slide serrations on this dude, and you’ll see what I mean. The wide grooves between the lands allow for a lot of your finger to seat in those grooves, and the sharp milled edges bite like they’re supposed to.
MIM parts are also capable of high definition, but lack the strength of a forging. The actual act of forging aligns the crystalline structure of the metal, making it more resilient to stress and less brittle. A MIM part has a loose crystalline structure, as liquid metal is forced into tight molds. As a process, it produces consistent results and many parts on guns that don’t typically require a lot of strength are produced this way: beaver-tails, back straps, some internal parts.
The problem, though, is that pockets of air can make it into the metal. It is rare. When Para sent us this gun, I did my usual pre-flight on the pistol. Before I’d even gotten a chance to take it apart, I had a couple of hiccups. The first was with the trigger. On the first dry-fire, I pulled the trigger back and it did not return. That doesn’t inspire confidence. After monkeying with it for a while, I couldn’t solve the problem, so I sent it off to my smith (one of those I mentioned earlier who carries a Para). He stripped it down and found a burr on the trigger that had wedged it in place.
He fixed the trigger, but came away with a bigger problem. After he’d gotten the gun back into working order, he hit the ambidextrous safety from the ambidextrous side and it sheered off. Snap. Done.
The trigger on the Para is solid. Very little creep, a good reset, and a 4.5 pound break.
Back to the drawing board
Nothing will delay a review like a gun that won’t work. Remember when I said that the Para had good bones? This isn’t rocket science. The frame is solid, and the fit is perfect. The parts aren’t so precious that they can’t be replaced, individually, by anyone with a modicum of common sense. And there’s more than a century of documentation on how to fix these beasts.
Still, when I asked for a new safety so I could continue the review, I had to wait a while. When the new safety arrived, it was attached to a whole new pistol. When I began the second half of this review, I had a full 1911, and 99% of a second.
This is what’s wrong with corporate culture. I didn’t begin this review with the intention of shitting on out-of-control growth, but that’s where I’ve ended up. You need a new safety—they send it on another gun.
So the review begins again
Gun #2 works great. I don’t want that message to get lost in my philosophical ramblings. The gun shoots incredibly well. Recoil is typical for the 1911 platform. As the frame is steel (and even a bit heavier with the rail), muzzle flip is easy to hold down. But accuracy is superb. Once all of the parts are working harmoniously, this is a nice tight gun that functions as it should–for the most part.
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That’s a full mag in one ugly hole from 25 yards.
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Almost one hole. This gun shoots nicely. Yes, I spilled coffee on the targets on the way to the range.
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The Black Ops ships with two 8 round mags—something that should be standard on any 1911 meant for carry. I love that about Para.
Sloped sights? What’s the point? Are they designed to be easier to put back in the holster?
What would I change about the gun?
Lets pretend for a moment that this was not simply a review gun, but one I’d intent to carry every day. I’d immediately change out the safety. I don’t care how many of them are out there, working fine and dandy—I won’t trust my life to a part that I know may break this easily. What happens when I grab this gun when I’m pumped up on adrenaline? Or when I drop it? Will that part sheer off again? I’m not going to test it. There are stronger safeties available. Or I’d beat the hell out of it and make sure there were no unseen structural flaws.
I’d also switch out the rear sight. While I like the sight picture, I prefer a squared-off sight, or one with a slight hook to it that I can use for one-handed operation of the slide. After that, I’m open to suggestions. I’d probably want to incorporate a beveled mag well extension.
And I’d also have someone address the problem this particular Black Ops has with feeding the first round. Even with the ramped barrel, it won’t feed when the slide is dropped with the slide stop. The rounds nose-dive into that feed ramp and the pressure from the slide holds them in place. If you slingshot the slide (pulling it back just as you would a slingshot), the round will chamber. During normal operation, the slide’s return has enough force to drive in subsequent rounds. Just don’t hit that slide stop during a mag change. And if you do, don’t try to strip the mag.
Could it be a mag issue? Yes. But I’ve got more 1911 mags than California has idiot politicians, and it does it with most of them.
I’d prefer a bit more bevel to the mag-well, too. Why didn’t Browning think of that?
So what’s going to happen to Para?
We know where the brand is going. The Para name will disappear. Maybe forever. It will go away for a while, at least. The companies that own them often resurrect brands in the name of nostalgia. Or ambitious entrepreneurs bring them back from the grave. Either way, I doubt we’ve seen the last of Para.
And the guns are not going away. The Blackops and other Para guns will be made under the Remington name. For those that want more from the platform, at least in the current configurations, the Black Ops come with some classic Para twists. 14 round double-stacks. 10 round double stacks. Threaded barrels and suppressor height sights. Commander length, and a Commander length 9mm. Options. Lots of options. Looks like Remington will need some more pages in their catalog.
Check out the Details–https://para-usa.com/blackOps1911.php
Buy a Para Black Ops–/para black ops
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Front serrations make for easy manipulation.
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Even the stainless barrel is black.
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The winged skull is a nice logo.
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I see these sights more than any others on stock guns these days. And they’re excellent.
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Even though it is ramped, the rear sight combines nice anti-glare serrations and tritium inserts.
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The checkering is clean and sufficient.
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From the holster, the Para still performs well.
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It does its job well, when everything is humming along.
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I purchased an untouched, unfired Black-Ops 14rd Para from a good friend. The pistol has been flawless. I have put over 1000 rounds through it without a single PISTOL malfunction. I did have issues with non-Factory PARA magazines. I love my PARA Black-Ops specially the 14 round capacity. I wish they were still making them because I would sure buy a second one without hesitation.
I own two Par Ord 1911. I had serious problems with both. The Expert commander (.45 ) worked fine for about 900 rounds. One day at the range with a loaded gun I pushed down on the slide release and the gun discharged. At home I tested the gun with dummy ammo and found the problem would occur every time. This gun has a firing pin safety. The problem was corrected by installing a heavy-duty firing pin spring.
The second .45 is a 5″ barrel and really looks good. the problem with it is it jammed too much to even bother to shoot. reworking the feed ramp corrected the problem. I’m sorry to say, but this is a common problem with many 1911’s. I know the 1911 was designed for ball ammo, but you would think the design would have changed by now to accommodate the different bullet ‘s.
After reading a lot of the comments (and no gun maker is perfect) even s&w,Remington,Ruger,ect… Have had problems with a few firearms but what I am getting at is it seems like most problems with the para ordinance black ops is either mags but that’s most 1911’s stock mags or just out right lack of proper maintenance/cleaning
I own the para ordinance black ops 8rd single stack and the only time it hangs up is when it needs cleaning but when properly clean it will cycle anything even dummy training rounds. All 1911’s like oil it is a tight system and is designed that way a few drops every now and then will save your life
I have bought a 38 super ssp stainless with pearl grips this was limited, and was made in Canada near Toronto Ont. I have had mine for the last 10 or 12 years now not one problem!!! Now after i bought my para they moved to the usa because of law problems here in Canada . The only thing i had to do was take out the 16 lbs recoil spring and put in 20 lbs !!! thats it, and also reload and when i do i get the most accuracy right in the middle of suggestion load and max load like win 231 powder 5.0 grains then max 6.2 then i use 5.5 grains with 124 g bullet and that is the best i ever had but thats for 38 supper ssp great!!! I did here soon as Para moved to Canada to USA the para has not been the same and having problems! so i will keep my para if Made in Canada it will be marked under frame front of triger guard and i will say thats were the collecting ones will be MADE IN CANADA proud to be Canadian .
I picked up a S/S P14/45 Limited about 10-12 yrs ago for $700 w/1 mag. It was completely stock, but what I noticed, and everyone around me noticed immediately was its accuracy was crazy good. I’ve never shot anything but 1911/45’s with the only two exceptions being my Belgium BHP and a S&W 945. I’ve been shooting for a good 30yrs, but my Para took accuracy to a whole new level. I regularly shot golf balls on top of IBC root beer bottles ever 5-6 weeks, and I always did 3 rds out per ball & bottle, mag change, and repeat. I used 4-5 different kinds from 4-5 different makers. I even used a few hundred of my brothers Mickey Mouse hand loads; (the same ones that turned my Browning into a brick until I could get to my Gunsmith and have him pound the 9mm round out of the barrel.) Talk about a freakin “Jam”. My Para could eat rocks and still kill ya. I may have had a few abnormalities at some time I purchased 5/SS mags w/mag bumpers. I had Lasik eye surgery around the same time and at first I thought that could explain the increased accuracy; but then I dropped in a S/S full length guide rod and a Wilson Combat compensator, and then there was an accuracy drop. I am into it $1000 probably with all the additional parts and magazines, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend one.
I have a P14 and have been shooting it in IPSC for about 20 years. I have absolutely no idea of how many rounds I out through it. Runs very well.
I recently purchased a used P10 Warthog. It came with one 10 round mag. Took possession 2/25/2018 NY state purchase. I would like to get a couple more mags. Anybody out there know where I can pick up a couple?
I purchased my Black Ops 14-45 over two years ago and have put over 1000 rounds down range with zero malfunctions. Maybe I got lucky when I purchased it but it is perfect. When purchased Para was running a special that with every Para purchased you would receive 2 additional magazines along with a caring case and cleaning kit. The MSRP was $1295 at the time but I purchased it from my FFL friend for $900 out the door. To me my Black Ops is like my wife of 46 years, I love it and will never let it go.
I’ve got extra P-10 mags
The main and significant beef with Para is their customer service and poor attitude.
I have a P-14 signature series and a customized P-13, both double stack.
When I needed assistance Para customer service were arrogant assholes, not even mentioning that it took nearly a week for them to return my call. If I had know they would treat a customer that way, I wouldn’t have called. Pricks.
Instead of purchasing another Para I bought a stainless Loaded Springfield 1911. It was a good move on my part.
Para is their worst enemy.
Agreed. My Black-ops single stack 45 1911 has mag seat issues with THEIR stock mags. Not Kimbers or Colts, just the factory ones. I called, they shrugged and said “huh, weird” That was it. This is a $1200 weapon and the mags are shit! Nice job Para!
I purchased a slide from Numrich made by Para in ss. It was with the LPA cut rear sight. I wanted to have a 1911 with adjustable sight . I have the slide mate with my ss remington frame. The Para slide turned out to have relatively more slop than the remy slide that it rattles when you shake the pistol. The combo is still accurate though capable of one ragged hole less than 2 inches at 7 yds.
After reading these comments, it’s like I’m on another planet! I purchased a used P14-45 Limited from Pineville, NC in perfect condition. The fit/finish is flawless and I have put over 2000 rounds through it with 0 failures. I absolutely love this handgun and I will NEVER give it up for another 1911. I purchased it because I wanted high capacity in a 1911 platform and IMO makes the 7 shot ones obsolete. It fits my average sized hands perfect and the accuracy can not be better. Maybe I just got lucky but I’m glad I did because nothing out there can replace what I have with this handgun from Para Ordinance. Goodbye Para and sorry to see you go!
Just purchased a p14 used was skeptical after mixed reviews, I am glade I made the purchase gun runs like a sewing machine, hollow point round nose not a single issue running factory USA made mags.Love my new gun, I am now a proud owner of a Para like yourself I will continue to pass the word and range reviews.
My P14 40 Para Ordinance would give me nightmares about defending my house until I got a reliable pistol (revolver & glock). Not kidding, nightmares about the gun jamming. I Recently took the pistol from behind the old cook books and cleaned it to qualify for a CCW because it’s my only gun with a good holster. I remember the gun being very accurate when it would cycle but alas, a jam packed embarrassment at the range. I passed nervously and got an ecersise in clearing my weapon. Para is pretty, accurate and unreliable. No the gun was not recently over oiled. Years ago My pistol went back to the factory and came back with a polished ramp and two test shots in the center saying no problems buddy! Mine, a Lemmon, but I sleep well not relying on it.
Para black ops Recon Review coming soon.
MY PENIS IS ROCK HARD WAITING FOR YOU REVIEW – I\’LL EDGE UNTIL YOU GIVE US YOUR REVIEW, YOU SWEET CHEEKED MINCING FAIRY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
I have many mixed feelings about PARA. Im probably more of an unwilling fan/participant in the gun than I should be. Also, know a little dirt on the company that must remain silent. I had a chance , with others, to buy PARA…. the company several years ago. YES Im serious… the whole company. I thought about it and declined. After finding out the true intentions of the deal maker… maybe i should have. Well, now it is in the hands of a big company, who from my vantage point is very mismanaged to survive in these modern times with cut throat liability lawyers, and bought and paid for government officials looking to disarm Americans. On a simple level. I love innovation. I was a PARA “fan from the early 1990s for their courage to innovate design. I prayed that some how, some where their quality would get better. Imagine an ED Brown in charge of PARA. Can you imagine the quality of workmanship and materials coupled with Sabo’s innovation , design and vision? I have had 5 PARAs in my life. I still have 2. The first i grew out of for better things. Two of the 4 were total garbage. The two that i kept are tack driving, innovators of design. essentially an Officers Model….with a 13 shot capacity. and a DAO 15 shot fill size 1911… with target sights. Its like shooting a revolver and a 1911 at the same time. I wouldn’t sell it for anything.
I was under the impression that Para was making the Remington 1911’s.
I have had extensive experience with a Para in 40 S&W;a P16 that I bought new. To make a long story short, it functioned flawlessly after I replaced every part except the barrel. slide and frame. One annoying problem that remained was the breaking of barrel links every three thousand rounds or so. When I was in the process of converting this pistol to a 6 in slide and barrel I had a conversation with Irv Stone of Barsto while ordering the new barrel and mentioned the link problem, hoping for a solution. Mr. Stone replied that Para had a habit of drilling the slide stop hole in the frame in the wrong location. He then had me take a few measurements of my frame and custom fitted the new barrel at no extra charge. That’s customer service! A consistent failure to maintain a critical spec like the location of the slide stop hole is a glaring sign of poor QC. The only reason Para stayed in business for so long is that most customers don’t put a lot of rounds through their guns.
Purchased a new Black Ops 14.45 in June, 2016. Cleaned and lubed it as soon as I got it home. Initially had feed issues with fmj ammo in a full mag at first range trip. No issues with jhp ammo. Feed ramp was rough finished. Second range trip-same story. 12 or fewer rounds in 14 rd mags worked fine. Remembered the warning that a new 1911 needs about 500 rounds to break in. At work bench, manually cycled the mechanism with full mags to break in the mechanism many, many times. Too many to count. Noticed the ammo polished the feed ramp. Also noticed that sometimes the full mags with fmj were not fully seated even after pushing them in pretty hard. Now no feed issues at all–fmj or jhp, and the mags fully seat every time I put them in. This is a straight shooter with little recoil. It appears now the only Black Ops 14.45s are made of unobtanium. Happy I bought when I did. Love the wings and skull engraving on the slide.
I purchased a new Black Ops in 2013 and had the exact same first round feeding issue as well. I replaced the mags with McCormick and Wilson 8 rounders and have had zero issues with the gun in over 2000 rounds so far. Para mags are junk but the gun is solid.
Why would Remington spend millions to acquire Para and all of their unique (vastly popular) design and utility patents only to kill the line? Remington is already re-releasing Para products under the Remington name. An inside source told me to expect the entire Black Ops line (including the Recon) with the same design, price range, etc.. only difference is it will say “Remington” – keep an eye out for Remington announcements in Q1/Q2 2017. Fingers crossed!
Had nothing but problems wth my nite hawg. Had to send it in three times. Had to pay for the shipping. Constant jams. Finally had my own gunsmith work on it and got it right. Try and buy extra mags for your Para. I’ve been asking for four years and they keep saying they will have them in 3 months and never produce. The ones that came with it, are falling apart and you can’t get new ones. The company absolutely sucks…
I am getting on the bandwagon a little late I guess. I bought a Para 1911 Expert 14.45 after the companies move to Para-USA. I LOVE this pistol. What a shooter! To be sure it has had a few glitches and feed problems were at the top of the list. I spent over a hundred bucks on different magazines, but they only gave marginal improvement. Then I polished the barrel ramp and again no noticeable improvement. Still on the first round and the last round in a magazine there was a pattern of occasional feed failure. A quick pull back on the slide and it goes right in and that is my habit (a quick slap on the bottom of the magazine or push forward on the slide also usually works). I purchased additional double stack magazines and started loading only 8 rounds in the mags designed for 13 rounds; this seemed to perform well with less feed problems.
Finally, I polished the disconnector and changed my lube habits and the problem has all but disappeared; by the time I did this I have put about 1500 rounds through the gun. I have settled on Wilson Combat match grade rounds as the best performance in my Para.
The only other problem was rear sight worked loose after about 700 rounds (as in I could slide it back and forth a little with thumb and index finger). I used loctite blue, centered the rear sight on the firing pin and dried for 24 hours. Just for the record, I only use the rear sight during target sight acquisition and after that I focus mostly on the front sight so this might be a bigger problem for some people than it is for me.
I acquired Wilson Combat recoil springs in 10lb, 12lb, 14lb and 18lb and installed a full length guide rod. I switch the springs according to the powder loads and bullet shapes. I can’t positively say that this would work for someone else, but it has helped me.
From the moment I picked up this Para it seemed to mold to my hand. It shoots very, very well for me so I overlook the occasional feed problem the same way I would an occasional misfire. It only takes a spit second to pull the slide back.
Good bye Para. Perhaps I have been more than a little blessed to stumble across this basic 1911 (except for the double stack) and fare so well. At any rate I will not be selling this pistol. I expect I will buy a Wilson Combat Classic Supergrade or an Ed Brown Executive Elite for my next 1911. This is a step up but I will always have a fond spot in my heart for this Para. So long friends.
Not too surprised here. I’ve always heard good things about Para but my own experience with them fell short of the mark. Bought a Nite Hawg for my CCW. Took it to the range to run some rounds through it and began having issues. The weapon was cycling properly but it wouldn’t always fire when I pressed the trigger. I was using all new factory ammo. I tried to troubleshoot it, tried several different types of ammo, even passed it to a buddy then eventually my department range master. As much as we wanted to blame the malfunction on human error it was obviously a defect. Tried to send the gun back for a refund, felt I couldnt trust my life to it, and was denied. Instead Para took several months to fix the issue and returned the gun to me which was worth significantly less because it had already been sent away for repairs. Sold the gun, took a loss of almost 50% and swore off the brand forever.
I own an LDA P14.45 since 2002, I have NEVER experienced any type of failures with it and I have put thousands of rounds through it. I carry it everyday using an in-waist holster made by Parker. Really comfortable and you won`t notice that I am carrying it. I don`t know if I am one of the lucky few or QC was much better back then. I will NEVER get rid of My Para !! Sad to see them go…
If I understand the authors point with regards to the Thumb Safety issue IMHO he is absolutely right for all 1911s.. Weakening the Thumb safety for the sake of an ambidextrous function does not make sense to me either.
I have carried and used the 1911 both as a Line GI (now retired) and in lawful self defense as a citizen for more than 40 years.. I started leaving my thumb on the safety long ago because it seemed I had a more solid grip on the gun.. for me it is now a habit (There are some schools of thought that encourage this I am not sure either way it is just the way I started doing it long ago.) What I have discovered is the thumb safety itself actually torqued, bent several times requiring replacement.
Less likely from banging around hard (although that has certainly happened a number of times but more likely as a result of stress coupled with my habit of holding my thumb on top of the safety while firing. Maybe I am making a mistake in my handling or not I do not know. What I do know is people under stress could easily replicate the pressure I place upon my thumb safety even briefly as they wipe the safety off.. and if they are using an ambidextrous safety which is invariably weaker and it fails. That could not be a good thing.
“The only thing I can do to somewhat mitigate this issue is not use a over wide safety (although I do like the lower sitting after market safety s). A more traditional safety does result in a reduction in purchase (Place to put pressure) placing less stress on the safety however then I lose some measure of downward pressure which I have come to value.
I appreciate anyone’s thoughts on this issue..
Old Bill
Re: Para- I really wanted my P13/45 to work- I liked the size, the capacity, finish, appearance, pretty much everything except the poor reliability- with all 5 magazines… Still, sorry to see them go- I was checking out one of their single stacks a while back- but with no more ‘parent’ company- will go with Remington, Kimber, Springfield, Smith, or ???
I love my Springfield, twenty years and counting. It sleeps next to my bed.
I am surprised by the super positive review/article on Para. I have only seen problems with friends who have ditched Para for other 1911s. Para was a good idea but lacked in execution. Same with Kimber. Too bad. Para are good looking pistols, as well as Kimber, but just not reliable from what I have seen and heard. I know I will get the Para and Kimber apologists ranting and raving but these are overpriced and unreliable 1911s. There are a lot of options out there today and you are better off exploring those options. Para to Remington? Poetic justice.
Gus, I have a old Kimber Stainless custom that over the years shot flawlessly and accurately. The only thing I had done is swap out the cheesy plastic mainspring housing with a Wilson Combat stainless version. That said, I hear a lot of others complain about Kimber, did they take a turn for the worse at some point or did I just get lucky?
The most accurate handgun I own. One big hole every time I go to the range . Mine is the Para p 14 in stainless with three dot sights. Carried the 1911a1 in the army for three yrs primary weapon of dog handlers,then carried one 1911a1 Remington as a Chicago Police Officer for about five yrs. but the Para is unreal. Great weapon.
I am saddened by there demise, my P14.45 is a great gun. I have yet to have any of these problems in the thousands of rounds i have put through it. It is sad to hear about ever one elses issues and can see why then they’re going away. Pray for new owners to start them up again right in the future.
I have 2 of the new P-14 Black OPS 5.5″ threaded match bbl with high sights for a suppressor and I must say they run and run and run with anything I feed them! I own 2 (a stainless and a blue) Colt Gold Cup Nation Match 1911’s as well as 7 other 1911’s from 4 different manufactures (all high dollar guns) and I must say in all seriousness, the 2 Black OPS I own are the most accurate 1911’s I own I kid you not! I shoot the heck out of one of them and it has had only one malfunction to feed in all the hours I’ve shot this handgun and it was an ammo problem not the handgun. From 185gr SWC’s to 230gr HP and everything in between this gun runs and runs well! (one of the best out of the box slide to frame fit 1911’s I’ve seen!) Maybe I just got extremely lucky but I wouldn’t hesitate for a blink of an eye to buy a third Black OPS P-14 5.5″ match barrel take driver! LOVE THEM!
I have a Black ops 1911 .45 with about 6 origianl double stack 14 magazines that I have never fired. Are you interested?
What is the price? I want it!
Tom
Do you still have the Para ORD 1911 45 + clips?
I bought my Expert two years ago. It was a piece of pretty junk as far as a competition (“Expert” get it?) gun went. Had a good contact at the company who shipped me parts to replace to try to find some accuracy. But those didn’t help. (Then he got promoted to another department and his replacement was a total jerk). Shipped the gun back to them so they could fiddle with it. Came back “fixed” meaning they could hit a target at 12 yards, which was the max distance of their range. So off to the local $mith for correction.
Bottom line, their ads about being a group of caring professionals made me laugh. They were selling sizzle, not steak. And sizzle makes a pretty poor meal. Good bye, Para. You coulda been a contender.
I’ve had my Para P13 since ’96. I have countless rounds through it. It fed everything I fed it (Talon, Golden Saber, Hydrashok, etc JHP’s) with zero malfunctions or feed issues save one magazine with a weak spring. Was thinking about selling it but now, with the brand going away, I might just hold on to it.
Whoa! You have Capitalism mixed up with Imperialism, Capitalism is economic competitiveness based on basic laws like
supply and demand. When a big conglomerate “gobbles” up a weaker company That’s imperialism! “I got more money so
I got you”, There is NO economic competitiveness there. The British did it to the world for hundreds of years until we
revolted against their tyranny. Why do you think we have the right to bare arms! it all extends from their imperialistic tyranny.
Now your supporting this by causally saying “you defend ” this. You may know your guns, But, the man is got you fooled.
Capitalism is an American way, based on free enterprise and competition in the market place. Imperialism is when you take what you want with disregard of who you destroying like the Kings and Dictators of the past. The concept of freedom to bare
arms come from the idea to protect yourself and your community from the tyranny. We will never be able to use our “guns” to
protect our freedom like it was done hundreds of years ago, but we have to be diligent in what we say and how we say say it.
Take this as a preverbal shot over your bow.
If you think today’s US government is Amy different from the British monarch 300 yrs ago then you sir are the biggest fool out there. Rich people are still the same they are starting to realize some of the public is waking up so they to use the government and its officials as shields. Don’t ever ever ever make the mistake of thinking you matter. You don’t. Only they do. Your just a pig on a farm a peasant in a field or a slave on a wall. You just get a small check to do it so you tell yourself I’m free. Try doing want you want for a week straight. See what happens.
I dont know about the review but I have a Para 14-45 stainless and its been a great performer. Not one single issue in about 2000 rounds. The only issue I had was with faulty ammo or a lack of correctly holding the gun and producing a fte, but that is my fault not the gun’s. It is a very well built and balanced gun. Recoil is less than my xd 40 sc. Really a great gun and will be missed if the company dont produce it anymore.
The Freedom Group is owned by a group that is totally out control. They are tied to some very rich and powerful men that would love to see all guns disappear. Considering how big this organization is and how many gun mfg’s. they own, I hate to see a company go down to them.
I have a collection of paras from the p12 to the p14 all limited editions. I have never had an issue with any of them. I only have two of the new US made 1911 paras, which I have not had any issues. They all are extremely accurate.
Now for those who do not like Paras here is my thoughts. I own over twenty different 1911 style guns which out of the box are good shooters, but to be excellent shooters require some work and some new parts, or reworked parts. A 300.00 1911 with a couple of hundred will make an excellent shooter. I really hate to say good bye to another good company.
I own three Canadian Para’s. P-12, p-13, and P-14. All three are in 45acp, and are the LTD, or “Custom Shop” models. All three have experienced the thumb safety failure described in the review, where the actuator sheared from the pin. All three were MIM. In fairness this failure occurred after 2-3000 rounds had been cycled through them. I agree that the thumb safety is a poor choice of a part to cut corners on. This is the only issue I’ve experienced in all the time I’ve owned and used them. These are very low S/N, so I attributed the problem to early corporate teething issues, but apparently even later guns had same issue. The P-13 is my EDC and I trust it 110% after removing the MIM parts (barrel bushing, slide release, thumbsafety, and grip safety) with high quality man Hines billet parts.
I’m sorry to here this news. I have a 3 inch LDA and I bought my son a 14-45. The handguns are excellent and accurate. With the manufacturing being halted will the value of the Paras increase? Should I increase my insurance coverage on them?
My second hand Springfield Arms 1911 A 1 suits me fine after over twenty years it’s still dependable and I only spent four hundred bucks on her.
Sorry to see competition diminished. Big company Versamax had flaw out of the box, still haven’t received rebates for two guns. I was going to buy a Para (on my email wish list) but probably avoid now for lack of confidence. Thankfully still lots of 1911 choices.
I have never thought their guns were anywhere near the price they were asking for them. There are better options out there for far less money. I am one consumer that will not miss them. R.I.P.
Have owned so many different 1911 “platforms” over the years that I’ve lost count. Lived my Spanish Star PD’s, but for a crappy surface finish which caused the feed ramps to develop grooves in them, so after shooting out a couple of Star PD’s, I switched to Colts years ago. My first Colt 1911 (made in late 1911 or early 1912, and frame-stamped “United States Property”) I still have, but replaced the slide years ago with a brand-new “series 70” slide along with a custom bushing and S&W “K-frame” revolver sights low-mounted on the rear of the slide. I also now own 2 P-14’s, 2 P-12’s, and 4 P-10’s. One of the 3 P-10’s is a made in USA stainless gun, one is an (aluminum) alloy gun; the other two are carbon-steel P-10 “Limiteds” worked over by the now-defunct Para Custom Shop. Love ’em all!! The stainless gun has had some peeing problems – going to a softer recoil spring assembly cured that. Peeing took place at the frame’s slide-stop locking notch. The rear of the notch oeened out to where the slide would no longer lock open after the last round was fired. Replaced the frame as re-cutting the notch & switching to an oversized slide stop lever wouldn’t work, either. But, with another frame, my gun works well now & no more peening. My minor problems have been with magazines – finding them, that is. No one has or carries 10-round, P-10 mags anymore – J bought the last 8 P-10 mags that SARCO in Pennsylvania had a week ago. Good mags, but approx. 3/16ths of an inch longer than the Canadian factory (“OEM”) mags were. They stick out the bottom of the grip’s mag well a tiny bit, but function flawlessly. Teflon finished, and with “witness holes” on the back side of the mag bodies. No idea where these mags were made – they’re not stamped with any “made in …” anywhere on the mag bodies. Para logo is on the floor plate bottoms, but no other markings of any kind on the magsothet than “.45 Auto” stamped near the bottom of the mag body. Weird…!! Anyway, my Para’s are great – they shoot well, are accurate as any 1911 (except for my old original 1911) I’ve ever owned, and since I hate polymer guns, I’ll stick with them…!! Cheers, JY
So from what I’m hearing, in quality aspects, Para is close to Taurus. If Taurus goes belly up will they be collector guns? LMAO
Not at all, in many ways the Para is exceptional especially in the double action trigger, and accuracy, carry comfort on my ccw lda ie very nice. That being said they do have issues, their service department had my pistol for two months it had a casting defect that was not repairable, eventually the frame was replaced. Having every confidence in them despite the fact that they completely ignored my request that their night sight option be installed, I went to range and here is where I drew the line, after inserting fully loaded mag hit slide release pistol jammed mag fell out. Upon further inspection none of the mags I owned including the Wilson mags would lock in. Fixed the problem my self by filing mag well length allowing mag to reach catch. Pistol still won’t function with slide release but does with slingshot method. It’s a shame it one of my most accurate best shooting good looking gun that will always live in the safe.
I guess I’ve been unreasonably lucky with both brands. Both of my Para’s (
Pro-Customs, in 9mm – converted to .38 Super- and .45) run perfectly with whatever I feed them, and are VERY accurate.
As for Taurus, again, maybe I bought the only good one they made. A stainless .38 Super, with more than 4K rounds through it, exactly zero malfunctions of any kind, and it’ll shoot 1.5 inches at 25 yards. That’s way better than I can say for either of the Colt “Tin Cups” I’ve owned.
I was a gun dealer for years in Alaska and my best friend is still a dealer. He bought 2 Para’s for himself when the hi-cap 45 was the rage. I warned him every Para I had sold came back with problems…and the company never sent us a new gun, just excuses. Neither of his pistols ever functioned properly, even after several trips back to the factory.
It is way past time for Para to swirl down the drain. Glad to hear it.
Mr. Higginbotham, in reference to the caption above, “Sloped sights? What’s the point? Are they designed to be easier to put back in the holster?”, I prefer the sloped sights on my PARA 1911 Black Ops over squared off sights because the sloped sights don’t get hung up on clothing as much as squared sights or sights with corners on them. And as for everyone else that reads this review, this is only one persons point of view on only one handgun. The only way to see if this is the handgun for you is to try one for yourself.
Para might have once been great, but they’ve been garbage for years. I ignored the complaints and bought one a couple of years ago – two extractors broke < 200 rounds. No thanks.
I assumed this was the reason their prices plummeted over the last 2-3 years – the el cheapo foreign import 1911s were kicking their ass in quality.
Of all the 45’s I’ve owned I am most impressed by my Para 14. It has a silky trigger, and prints great with the best of them. I had a single stack Para which I was not impress with, but the Para 14 is hard to beat, I guess I got lucky
Para from Canada were the best out of the box 1911’s .
The bighawg 14+1 alloy is my favorite , I bought and sold them 3 at a time for years never had a complaint .
Para a few years ago got attitude problems and wen’t down hill fast , came to US but like all of the indevers of Freedon Group’s bottom line thinking has made me not do bussness with any of there company’s . Remington , DPMS , Bushmaster , AR’s one mag cardboard boxes no cleaning kit . I don’t need company’s like this .
What they did to a fine company like Bushmaster of Maine was pathetic . Bushmaster is now Windam weaponry run by the same fine people making the same high quality product they made before Freedom Group will get my trade . I will not part with any of my 3 old Canadian made Para Ord. Pistols . I am how ever done with Remington and Freedom Group . If you own a company that is doing well please don’t sell it to these guys .
I’ve owned 8 Paras over the years and unfortunately the problems described in this review are typical. They could be such good guns but quality control is not something the Para was big on. I guess they assume that its cheaper to honor a lifetime warranty than make making them right the first time.
I have a few Para’s – love ’em all. My favorite by far, is a P.12 that I have carried for 20+ years. All I chanegd on it was the magazine release – the plastic part failed early so I replaced it with a steel one – and put on a rubber grip. It digests all types of ammo and even at its advanced age is as accurate as the new Kimber carry models that my friends are buying now. I would (and do) trust my life to it. I will truly miss the Para brand… R.I.P.
I came to buy my SS Expert after looking for a reasonably priced 1911 that wouldn’t bother me too much if I holstered it so that I could shoot steel matches at the range, up till this point the only 1911 I had shot was a mint condition series 70 Colt Gold Cup Trophy, which is 40 years old this year…….I got a great deal on my Brand New Para, cost $449.00 [no tax, gun broker purchase], $25.00 shipping, $15 FFL fee….total $489.00. I just received my $100.00 rebate for a final cost of $389.00, well worth it to me. So far the pistol has shot as I would expect, eating up all the various reloads that I have tried with it from 230 gr RN to 185 gr SWC. Might be I just got a good one, lord knows that happens, It’s for range use so I’ll shoot it till it wants me to spend too much $$ to keep it working, then it’s So long Para / RIP
While I do recognize Para for being one of the biggest “bang for your buck” 1911’s out there, I will not mourn their passing. Their customer service was horrible, and on the 2 occasions I have had to deal with them on behalf of a client (with 2 different representatives), they were rude, arrogant, uncompromising and disrespectful. The 3rd time I had to call them, they were not rude and arrogant, but every bit as much not helpful. And the purpose of the calls were fairly minor, it wasn’t like I was being unreasonable and demanding things. It tells me there is a corporate mentality that allows this to happen. Because of this fact alone, I have been steering away my clients from purchasing Para, no matter the bargain for features vs. cost. Quality wise, they are no more special than Taurus and Remington, and personally aside from the double stack, I prefer Remington. With a company that sells medium quality 1911’s in a market saturated with them at better than average pricing, they should be killing it. They should be dominating the market at this price point. One has to question why they are not, and I can sum it all up. Poor customer Service. Too bad, cause I really wanted to get behind them, but could not overlook their attitude and uncompromising disservice.
Wow,
I had no idea there was so much bad feelings towards Para. I own currently 5 Paras and have over the years owned a total of 12. The ones I have have never given me any trouble. I guess I have been very lucky. The reason I love Para is the LDA trigger. It is the smoothest double action I have experienced, short of a custom trigger job on a revolver. I realize 1911’s can have their challenges. I have had a few other brands that needed gun-smithing. I just want to say I hate to see them go. They were innovators and the guns I bought are great. Unfortunately I have not purchased a new one for some years, and if quality has gone downhill, it is too bad. Quite frankly, if I would send a gun to a writer for review, I would make sure it functions as advertised. Mechanical defects should not pop up. Quality control, if there is any, should catch such things before they go out of the building.
I bought a Para P-12 Canadian made. Before the first 100 rounds when through, it went full auto on me at the range! That was fun for about two mags full. I sent it back to Para and the fixed the problem plus did a bit of custom work for free. At that time customer service was very good and fast turn around. I”m a lefty so I had a ambidextrous safety installed plus a beaver tail grip safety. The gun works flawlessly. Eats any ammo I run, has never jammed, and is very very accurate. Any one that has shot it has been impressed with how accurate they are, and with how well it shoots for them.
I guess I got a good one, except for the first hiccup I should say.
There are hundreds of 1911’s out there why try with one that has strayed so far from the original design ? I once had a Colt Truck 1911 a gun that had once been carried under some farmers truck seat that I bought for $150. It was a a WW2 US issue stamped on the receiver and in rough shape, but it shot good, real good.
I wanted the Colt National Match at $900 that was steep back then. How much could it cost to take this old clunker and put new in parts & barrel custom fitted and some machine work…not $900 and I’d have a Match Quality 1911. So I went to work on this relic of the 2nd World Wsr.
Finally, after sparing no expense I had a Match Grade 1911 pistol that in every way even “out shot” the Colt National Match after two years of meticulous care and hand finishing. The result one hole at 25 feet. The cost to build this still ugly beast… $2500.00. More than DOUBLE the price of the Colt National Match. Old, ugly due to hardness differences in the slide that cause pauperized color changes. Appearance still “Ugly”. Shooting ability Pure Match quality that will hold its place among far more expensive guns. Was it worth it ? NO, I should have gone with the National Match and had a beautiful 1911 and shot as good as it looked. However its now a precious family heirloom that will be in my family for generations, and prized.
Hopefully time will tell if I bought a decent .45 or as one person called it, “a nice paperweight”. Regardless, I feel that I got a great deal for what I paid. I found a Para Ordnance14.45 Expert 45ACP at a web gun store for $499 (included shipping and taxes), then I just got $100 back through a rebate from Para; total price $399. The way I see it, even if I have to put some money into it, I will have a nice .45 for a cheap price. The quality of the gun is impressive out of the box; so I may just keep it brand new in the case as a collector piece. My feelings are obviously very mixed and I’m not sure I want my life or my family’s well being jeopardized by a potentially defective firearm, but I’m going to stay hopeful it’s not a “paperweight”. Thanks to all of the previous posts for the heads up on potential problems, I appreciate your thoughts.
I have a Para Carry I purchased after waiting to get a “little” Kimber in full stainless. The Kimber, after a few months carry duty, looked like it had been drug behind a truck! Upon observation, this “full stainless” carry gun had a stainless finish applied overall and this scratched off with abandon. Refinished the gun for the guy I sold it to and bought the first Para Carry I LOVE! The LDA trigger is superb and I have experienced NO FAILURES in a couple years of carry service. My customized LTC was stolen in Fife, Washington by the Gun Show Bandit, but you can read about this weasel on your own. I’ve always felt a little guilt carrying a “Canadian” 1911, glad to see Para “become” AMERICAN 🙂
Interesting article, and a good antidote to those who might rush out to buy one before they’re gone. With respect to parts and their manner of construction, it’s important to remember that even the high-end custom makers can use parts that are MIM. My Wilson Stainless Protector came with a MIM mag release, which was just fine for three years until it inexplicably sheared in two during a range session. The difference is that when I called Wilson on my cell from the range, I had a mag release in the mail that day. I ended up ordering and fitting an Ed Brown mag release which was milled from bar stock instead, but I can’t fault Wilson’s customer service as they did everything to make it right.
In 2010, a group of us purchased a USMC Para SF-45-A commemorating our deployment in AFG. My slide was stuck, literally, and the ambidextrous safety didn’t move with the primary side. I own a handful of 1911s and this is the first I’ve ever had like this. Called several of my friends who also purchased these and all of them had the same problem with the ambi safety. One fell out while being fired. Sent mine back to the factory for repairs and it came back fixed with a test target. The slide is still not as smooth as any of my other 1911s, the slide stop now sticks out and is not flush with the frame (?), and the ambi safety seems to be connected to the primary with a plastic shaft that torques before moving it. Guys who own other Paras said they’re surprised at the poor quality. It’ll take a lot for me to look at one of their products again.
Trijicon sight? What a POS. Yes, it does a great job of gathering light for the bad guys to aim at, but it’s like a Snell # 2 fish hook hanging out there on the end of your barrel. Snags on any and every thing…the edge of a holster, your belt, a door frame, your shirt-tail. S&W did it right on the old 645 DA.
Accessory rail on a pistol? Prosecuting attorneys say if you hang a light/laser on your pistol and go wandering around in the dark it is no longer self defense, or the castle doctrine…you’ve become an aggressor…a hunter. Sounds cool to do it, but you’re gonna’ spend the rest of your natural life being bent over in the shower of cell block # 5. It’s called murder.
Stay in the house…call the cops…don’t brag to the 911 operator that you are armed. When the boys-in-blue finally show up, put the pistol in a drawer and keep your big mouth shut. They find out you had/have a gun, they will spend more time grilling you than looking for your intruder. BTDT!
P.S.: If you have a backhoe…you don’t need to call the cops.
Really? You must be living in Kommifornia or Chicago. Stay in the house and call the cops? So you dont believe people should have the right to carry, or we all should just stop going out in fear of criminals robbing us?? You sound kind of hysterical and a troll to say the least. If you think everything would turn ugly for you always you should not even handle a gun. You may shoot yourself or someone else.
Remington is honoring the Para warranty, but they are not doing the work in house. They have you send it to a smith in Michigan. I was a first time 1911 buyer with my Para Pro Comp 9mm. It had several problems right out of the box. The quality, fit and finish definitely did not match the price tag.
Well isn’t this a nice kettle of fish. The history of Para has been checkered with ups and downs in availability, quality and concerns over the company’s life. Opening in the states with a smaller, but seemed like solid line up lead me to buy in with the Black Ops P14 and so far has not broken and shoots like it should. Being bought by Remington who’s 1911’s are known for being among the cheaper line guns is no plus. Another example of the times we live in with big business going after unrealistic profits at the expense of quality and social responsibility. Kind of like Studebaker at the end going hell bent for election in many directions, some great and some just stupid trying to avoid the end ( big “O” ?). Well I like mine.
I am sorry but I can not join in singing the glory of Para!!
I bought a brand new Para P14 custom pro 45. Right out
the box the slide safety when engaged would let the gun discharge
a round, It left the factory this way. I was shocked that Q.C. would
allow a weapon to leave the factory with such a safety defect.
I live one state away and it took them 5 weeks to fix it. When I
called to check on the progress, it took hours to get through I shoot
competition weekly. Guys running Paras constantly have problems
with them to the extent they need serious repairs continually. Its no
accident they are “No More”
I’m not here to smash and bash any MFGR but I can tell you that I’ve had brand new pistols come in from the distributer/factory that were junk out of the box. R***r was one of them, I refuse that particular piece. Finding a decient pistol out of the box is difficult at the very least. My advice is to buy from a dealer that has a facility to TEST it before you walk out with it, you’ll be a lot happier in the end. Stupid me…I expect a pistol to function without fail and hit where I aim it if I pay hundreds of dollars for it. What am I thinking?
Everything old is new again! I have an old MegaStar that has everything you need on a firearm and is reliable. Why try the new plastics when a nice stainless piece feels great and its weight eats up part of the recoil.
I have a 2004 Canadian-made Hi-cap Warthog that I love. Sad that Freedom Group, yet another megacorp, has to mess with success, blinded solely by bottom line-only thinking. I’ve seen it too many times. My Para runs flawlessly, has never failed to feed or eject. The only alterations I have made are deep blueing the original what looked like a powder coated slide and adding a Hogue wraparound finger grooved grip.
Last(?) alteration will be anodizing the frame a deep red. I’ll be passing this gem down when I go.
Oh, so that’s why I got such a great deal on the Para USA Elite I bought in December. MSRP was $999.00, I think. Purchase price of $549.00. Plus a $100.00 rebate, to boot. It’s a beautiful gun, with great features, and nice fit and finish. But I have only run 3 mags through it at this point, without a problem.. I hope I don’t experience the problems Mr. Higginbotham did. Time will tell, I guess. I can only hope that if Para is absorbed by Remington, that they will honor the warranty. Hopefully, that “deal” I got will prove to be a good one.
If it’s as good as my eleven year old Para, YankeeBill, you will never let it go.
I had not realized that Para was bought out a few years ago. That sort of explains the reason the lineup got smaller or more limited. I used to have a Light Double Action (LDA) Tac-Four (.45) with double stack magazine. It was the one of the smoothest double actions that I’ve ever shot, high capacity and very accurate but it did have a problem. The LDA bar that connected the trigger to the hammer would come off. There didn’t seem to be reason for it to. I sent the pistol back to Para who adjusted it and returned it to me. Unfortunately it started again after a short while. Since this was my carry weapon I felt that was entirely unacceptable and sold it. I still have a Para Limited in .40 and while it’s too big for me to carry concealed it is an excellent shooter. It’s sad that Para is going away. I hope it will come back with a new investor.
I am totally surprised that the brand Para lasted this long.
I purchased a double stack 1911 pistol from them in the late 80’s and it was the best jam-o-matic I have ever had the privilege to own or shoot of the numerous pistols that have graced my hands. Nose ins, failure to extract, This was with several different magazines. I sent it back to the factory at least twice and finally just sold it!
As far as this review is concerned. First I never buy ANYTHING on it let alone a firearm with a Taticool winged skulled & scary name and this pistol is a prime example of why ! They, Para, are too busy with scary logo’s and Black on Black color schemes to make a functional pistol out of the box after 30 years of MFG.
Don’t let the door hit you in the A$%S on the way out PARA!
About ten tears ago was at Ace Sporting Goods, went to check out a Para-1911 , it seemed ok, went and dropped the magazine, it took me , te clerk and finally the gun smith to get the magazine back up the well and locked into place. We all agreed makes a niece paper weight.
I have some older Paras that have performed very well (P-13, P-14). In addition, I was impressed by their LDA trigger and bought a Carry 9 for the trigger alone. Guess I’ll be keeping these as future collectibles as well.
I wasnt impressed with PARA. My personnel experience with two of them made me never want to buy another one. Sent back twice for warranty work and neither one were ever repaired to remedy the problem so had to be tackled locally then sold them! The article proves out they were a hit and miss anyway!
Don\’t get your knickers in a bunch over the apparent demise of Para-Ordnance. I have owned 2; the first is a P-14 built from one of the early kits, which, after another $1,500 worth of gun smithing, now works fine. The second was a P-10 small .45, which never, ever got through a full box of ammunition without at least two malfunctions. Para could never make it work and I tried every brand of factory ammo I could lay my hands on. It was a POS from the get go. I say \”Adios, Para,\”. I for one will not miss this company. It would take an Act of Congress for me to buy another, new or used.
BS
Who would spend 1500 bucks gunsmithing on a weapon that they could sell and buy another brand for the same 1500. I don’t believe that for a minute. Plus Para has a lifetime warranty. Sounds like a Kimber owner who only has 7 shots…..
100 % agreed. That’s a line of bullshit if I’ve ever heard one!
I have a Para LTC Commander and I experienced the same first round feed issue discribed in the artical. It consistantly nose dives into the face of the feed ramp. I’ve spoke to Para about the problem and, at their suggestion, tried numerous magazines in the pistol witout much success. I didn’t send it to the factory because I don’t believe the I should have to forego having the pistol for a period of time because the manufacturer didn’t make sure the gun ran correctly to begin with. I no longer own the gun and I wouldn’t buy another. I was forthright with the purchaser as to my issue with the piece and don’t know if he sent it into Para to correct the gripe. Me, I’ll carry my S&W 1911PD or my Kimber. Both have run like clockwork since I fired the first round though them.
No real surprise here. Para has always seemed to be hit and miss on quality little parts and your review confirmed that.
Maybe Remington can turn them around but they should concentrate on producing a good rifle first.
I have carried my Para 13 for about twenty years. I had Jim Clark dehorn it and install adjustable sights… It will way out shoot me. From a ransom rest, it shoots two inches at fifty yards. I also have the double action companion. I love my Para’s. I am sorry to hear they are going away. They shoot very well out of the box, take a lot of uses. Very fine carry pieces.
Tom
Well, guess I will have a collector gun now. Bought a stainless Expert a couple of years ago, been satisfied with it. Did some upgrades but it is still a Para at heart. Sorry to see a brand go, not happy with the big fish gobbling up the little one, nothing good ever came from that. I see fewer choices and hum drum response to consumer needs in the future, sort of like MicroSoft and it’s questionable goods. So long Para, been nice while you were here.
I don’t feel the world is losing to much with the lose of para. As there QC has been shotty at best over the years the gun market is flooding with substandard 1911 at a premium price. Cough cough Kimber for the same money usually can buy a quality product by Dan Wesson who doesn’t use the substandard MiM parts and are hand fitted and known for reliability and suburb accuracy just my 2 Cents.
I have to agree 100% with this comment 🙂 Para and kimber are both over priced MIM filled Junkers for the money
My EGW HD extractor broke after 100 rounds. Para sent me a replacement, but I installed a Wilson Combat extractor instead.
Maybe I should get a Wilson safety too?
Can’t go wrong with any wilson combat parts that’s for sure
Hi, could you post a picture of that broken “EGW HD” extractor? I’m curious if it actually was an EGW HD unit because I just took apart a brand new Para Elite and found it had a standard series 80 extractor.
I got mixed signals on the review. If a Factory loaner, why have your local Smith fix the first problem? At second problem, you contact Factory and they send a replacement pistol instead of the part that you or the Smith would need to install. I would think you mentioned problem one while addressing problem two and Para wanted to correct everything by sending another sample. Problem three is not a operator work around issue, Factory fix needs to be done. Thats three strikes on two (possibly hand selected) review guns.
My position is that once you purchase a fiearm, put 100 rounds through it. If it still has function issues or breakage: it go back to the factory. The failures you had would have taken several trips and several weeks to resolve (hopefully). If this happened to a first time buyer, what would he/she fill the mission requirement with during that time? Black Ops and the skull/wings logo didn’t help function: Tacticool.
When a review says XXXXXX is a good platform to build a great XXXXXX, they should just say its status as is. Who buys a “new parts gun”? Remington needs to overhaul old Para production and quality control before they put their name on it.
I got mixed signals on the review. If a Factory loaner, why have your local Smith fix the first problem? At second problem, you contact Factory and they send a replacement pistol instead of the part that you or the Smith would need to install. I would think you mentioned problem one while addressing problem two and Para wanted to correct everything by sending another sample. Problem three is not a operator work around issue, Factory fix needs to be done. Thats three strikes on two (possibly hand selected) review guns.
My position is that once you purchase a fiearm, put 100 rounds through it. If it still has function issues or breakage: it go back to the factory. The failures you had would have taken several trips and several weeks to resolve (hopefully). If this happened to a first time buyer, what would he/she fill the mission requirement with during that time? Black Ops and the skull/wings logo didn’t help function: Tacticool.
When a review says XXXXXX is a good platform to build a great XXXXXX, they should just say its status as is. Who buys a “new parts gun”? Remington needs to overhaul old Para production and quality control before they put their name on it.
Remington is a large part of the problem. Fixing quality problems is not their forte, neither is owning up to mistakes and design flaws. (R51 anyone?)
As far as not owning a problem. Try their 700 model trigger that was know for firing when taken off SAFE, for years. Even Mr. Midway USA Larry Poterfield who has several custom rifles on the 700 platform knew of the problem and in one of his videos about building an Africa Rifle said just buy a replacement trigger and problem solved. A rifle trigger, even an out sourced replacement would not cost more than $20-30 in volume. There is even a video I watched with one of the original engineers reported the problem to Remington with a fix for it that cost $5 and this was in the 700’s second or third year in production. According to him the Company changed the manual and added a line that said, to point the firearm in a safe direction when taking it off SAFE. If these video’s are correct about the flaw and the injuries with the number of rifles built one has to wonder why it was not addressed?
It is corporate thinking and relying on risk management for decision making. Non Remington example Ford could of fixed an electrical problem on the Mustang II and Pinto at cost of 50 cents a car. But no instead they fixed the problem from production forward. The electrical problem could of caused fire. But the researchers figured out it was better to be sued by the few cases that could materialize. GM did the same thing before they moved their gs tanks to inside the frame rails
Wow ! , Don’t know how to respond to this review, or do I. I’ll wait a few days, I think and re-read the article. Kind of how I respond to every thing these days, give it some doubtful digestion, don’t jump in ,don’t jump the shark. See how the ice cream melts. Then probably ignore it cause that’s our culture.
I’ve owned four Paras and am lucky as I’ve never had a problem with any of them; single-stack, double-stacks, straight 1911s, P10, commander style, etc. All have very good to outstanding accuracy. Yes, they are a bit heavy but recoil management as a result is a breeze. Next to EEA, you can’t beat the price. And yes, I also own a Kimber Pro-Carry II (another superb shooter) but my Para Expert Carry .45 is just as good with its shorter slide. Go Para!