Trouble With Para Ordnance!?!?

Hangfire · 09-23-2003, 02:05 AM

I had the chance to visit the great neighboring state of Arizona last week and visited a few gun shops in Prescott and Flagstaff. I was surprised when three of the four gun shops told me that they no longer carried Para Ordnance 1911's anymore. When I asked if there were any problems I got the short answer of "quality". What gives? Anybody hear of any troubles with Para Ordnance lately???

Thanks for any input!

Xracer · 09-23-2003, 08:03 AM

I haven't heard of any problems with that particular brand.....but it's not suprising. It seems like everybody and his brother are making copies/clones of the M1911 nowadays.

Some like Kimber/Wilson/Springfield are quality guns, but some are cheaply made junk.

It's not enough to copy the Colt/Browning design. The execution (materials, machining, fit, and finish) have to match the original to get the reliability, durability, and function of this fine firearm.

The moral? You get what you pay for!

Hydra Shok · 09-23-2003, 09:10 PM

I can't get Para's website to come up. Just thought I'd add my $.02

09-24-2003, 07:26 PM

The reason those shops won't carry para's anymore is they probably got caught selling the hi cap mags out of the boxes. Para Quality and service is top notch. I have two paras and would owm more if I had the money. One thing I have learned in the gun industry, form your own opinions.

VIPERGTSR01 · 10-28-2003, 05:31 AM

oh good finally ive herd someone with some positive opinion on para's

im about to buy one (it on order), other than this forum ive herd no major problems about para's

djohns6 · 10-28-2003, 05:28 PM

Just bought one for my wife . We both love it ! I think you will be pleased . Which model did you get ?

VIPERGTSR01 · 10-29-2003, 06:10 AM

its a new model made for aus (due to the new aussie laws)

its a P18 Limited in .38 Super, previously they didnt make a .38 super model and they still dont have it listed on there website or catalog

45Smashemflat · 10-29-2003, 07:24 AM

Only issue I had with a Para was with the recoil spring plug. Had two fail and launch the plug scraps downrange. This was on an older, call it 8 years ago, 1911 style, not a LDA. This was a new pistol, went back to the factory each time for this. Other than that, other function was fine - this issue was a disapointment given the price of the gun.

Besides that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?

djohns6 · 10-29-2003, 06:17 PM

I'm curious , What is different about the Aussie model ?

VIPERGTSR01 · 11-03-2003, 04:05 AM

its calibered in .38 super, they dont usually make a 1911 in .38 super

LIKTOSHOOT · 11-03-2003, 06:54 AM

While some may not remember, the FBI was using Para`s a few years back. They dropped them and the Springfield 1911 FBI Model was born. They were dropped (Para`s) for, failure to feed, stove-piping, and parts breakage and considered unreliable, it was the shortest lived pistol-----next to the 10mm, that the FBI was ever issued. But what does the FBI know.

LTS

CountryGunsmith · 11-03-2003, 08:30 AM

The current LDA series guns are the only Para's I'd take on trade in the shop. The single action guns have suffered from QC problems over the years and have a very minimal resale value.

Better just to state that we dont accept those Para's than having to lowball somebody on a gun he paid $600 for.

VIPERGTSR01 · 01-19-2004, 09:28 AM

just got my para ordnance P18.38S limited (.38 super) today, fired 45 shots through it and functioned flawless so far. i might go to the range tommorrow and fire some more handloaded rounds through it.

very happy so far, havent checked its accuracy yet but had no trouble getting them on the black from 25metres. too bad im stuck with these damn 10 round magazines when i could have 18

bompa · 01-19-2004, 09:53 PM

I recall reading somewhere ,Brian's forum maybe,that there was a possibility that SVI or STI high cap mags would work in or could be made to work in the Para.. Don't know if these mags are available to you or not but it is something to check out..
Guess you could get a 9mm barrel for that para also if you were so inclined..

VIPERGTSR01 · 01-19-2004, 11:36 PM

high cap mags have been recently banned in AUS, they are all being bought back by the government. if i was caught with one i will be in a fair bit of trouble.

not a bad idea on the 9mm barrel thing (never though of that)

bompa · 01-20-2004, 12:08 AM

If ten rounds is all that is allowed a single stack 1911 would make a lot of sense.. Only if there are any available for legal sales.. Are there any other options on brand or model ?? Believe Norinco makes a single stack in 9mm that is sold everywhere in the world but the USA..

Woodman · 01-20-2004, 03:56 AM

After a year of wanton lust, I finally sold a nice piece and bought the Para CCW745. Slim, 7+1, 4.25" barrel, bobbed safety grip, concealed hammer. It is one smooth machine. I pick it up in two days.

VIPERGTSR01 · 01-20-2004, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bompa
If ten rounds is all that is allowed a single stack 1911 would make a lot of sense.. Only if there are any available for legal sales.. Are there any other options on brand or model ?? Believe Norinco makes a single stack in 9mm that is sold everywhere in the world but the USA..

its all about availability, its hard to be choosy in australia. i wanted a 1911 in 38 super and this is the best i could get.

BTW i fired another 150 rounds through it today and had NO malfunctions what so ever, i am very very happy with it. it fires nice groups at 25 metres ( i didnt measure it) was easily under 2inches.

i will get some pics taken soon and post them

01-20-2004, 10:50 AM

VIPERGTSR01, always look forward to pics.

Woodman · 01-21-2004, 11:41 PM

I've heard the same thing about Kimbers from several W. coast area stores, but other people will swear by kimber.

Then you have a few people knocking Colts.. I LOVE my Colt. The machining on my new 01091 was not as nice (and heavy duty) as my Double Eagle; I sent it back and they made it MORE than right.

Like I posted above, I've wanted a Para Ordance for ages, and I finally pick mine up tomorrow!

09-23-2003, 02:05 AM	#1
Hangfire V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 65	Trouble With Para Ordnance!?!? I had the chance to visit the great neighboring state of Arizona last week and visited a few gun shops in Prescott and Flagstaff. I was surprised when three of the four gun shops told me that they no longer carried Para Ordnance 1911's anymore. When I asked if there were any problems I got the short answer of "quality". What gives? Anybody hear of any troubles with Para Ordnance lately??? Thanks for any input! __________________ HF -->

09-23-2003, 09:10 PM	#3
Hydra Shok Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Chasing my Seven Year Old Posts: 724	I can't get Para's website to come up. Just thought I'd add my $.02 __________________ If you can't impress them with intelligence, baffle them with BS American by birth, Southern by the grace of God Do unto others before they do unto you "Most importantly, when the time comes to pull the trigger, shoot to kill." ~ Robert H. Boatman Glock 17, 19, 26 Kel Tec 3AT

10-28-2003, 05:28 PM	#6
djohns6 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Louisiana Posts: 194	Para Just bought one for my wife . We both love it ! I think you will be pleased . Which model did you get ?

10-29-2003, 06:10 AM	#7
VIPERGTSR01 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Australia Posts: 65	its a new model made for aus (due to the new aussie laws) its a P18 Limited in .38 Super, previously they didnt make a .38 super model and they still dont have it listed on there website or catalog Last edited by VIPERGTSR01; 10-29-2003 at 06:11 AM..

10-29-2003, 06:17 PM	#9
djohns6 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Louisiana Posts: 194	Aussie Para I'm curious , What is different about the Aussie model ?

09-23-2003, 08:03 AM	#2
Xracer TFF Admin Staff Mediator Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Minn-eeee-sota, ya, sure, you bet! Posts: 9,144	I haven't heard of any problems with that particular brand.....but it's not suprising. It seems like everybody and his brother are making copies/clones of the M1911 nowadays. Some like Kimber/Wilson/Springfield are quality guns, but some are cheaply made junk. It's not enough to copy the Colt/Browning design. The execution (materials, machining, fit, and finish) have to match the original to get the reliability, durability, and function of this fine firearm. The moral? You get what you pay for!

09-24-2003, 07:26 PM	#4
shooter22 Adnanced Senior Member Posts: n/a	The reason those shops won't carry para's anymore is they probably got caught selling the hi cap mags out of the boxes. Para Quality and service is top notch. I have two paras and would owm more if I had the money. One thing I have learned in the gun industry, form your own opinions.

10-28-2003, 05:31 AM	#5
VIPERGTSR01 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Australia Posts: 65	oh good finally ive herd someone with some positive opinion on para's im about to buy one (it on order), other than this forum ive herd no major problems about para's

10-29-2003, 07:24 AM	#8
45Smashemflat Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,494	Only issue I had with a Para was with the recoil spring plug. Had two fail and launch the plug scraps downrange. This was on an older, call it 8 years ago, 1911 style, not a LDA. This was a new pistol, went back to the factory each time for this. Other than that, other function was fine - this issue was a disapointment given the price of the gun. Besides that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?

11-03-2003, 04:05 AM	#10
VIPERGTSR01 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Australia Posts: 65	its calibered in .38 super, they dont usually make a 1911 in .38 super

11-03-2003, 06:54 AM	#11
LIKTOSHOOT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,367	While some may not remember, the FBI was using Para`s a few years back. They dropped them and the Springfield 1911 FBI Model was born. They were dropped (Para`s) for, failure to feed, stove-piping, and parts breakage and considered unreliable, it was the shortest lived pistol-----next to the 10mm, that the FBI was ever issued. But what does the FBI know. LTS

11-03-2003, 08:30 AM	#12
CountryGunsmith Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Deep Piney Woods of East Texas Posts: 5,116	The current LDA series guns are the only Para's I'd take on trade in the shop. The single action guns have suffered from QC problems over the years and have a very minimal resale value. Better just to state that we dont accept those Para's than having to lowball somebody on a gun he paid $600 for. __________________ The autonomic nervous system provides for involuntary muscle function - the work of breathing, digestion, and so forth. On some folks, that's a pure waste of ingenuity.

01-19-2004, 09:28 AM	#13
VIPERGTSR01 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Australia Posts: 65	just got my para ordnance P18.38S limited (.38 super) today, fired 45 shots through it and functioned flawless so far. i might go to the range tommorrow and fire some more handloaded rounds through it. very happy so far, havent checked its accuracy yet but had no trouble getting them on the black from 25metres. too bad im stuck with these damn 10 round magazines when i could have 18

01-19-2004, 09:53 PM	#14
bompa V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Western Mass. Posts: 118	I recall reading somewhere ,Brian's forum maybe,that there was a possibility that SVI or STI high cap mags would work in or could be made to work in the Para.. Don't know if these mags are available to you or not but it is something to check out.. Guess you could get a 9mm barrel for that para also if you were so inclined..

01-19-2004, 11:36 PM	#15
VIPERGTSR01 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Australia Posts: 65	high cap mags have been recently banned in AUS, they are all being bought back by the government. if i was caught with one i will be in a fair bit of trouble. not a bad idea on the 9mm barrel thing (never though of that)

01-20-2004, 12:08 AM	#16
bompa V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Western Mass. Posts: 118	If ten rounds is all that is allowed a single stack 1911 would make a lot of sense.. Only if there are any available for legal sales.. Are there any other options on brand or model ?? Believe Norinco makes a single stack in 9mm that is sold everywhere in the world but the USA..

01-20-2004, 03:56 AM	#17
Woodman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Da' Keystone State Posts: 270	After a year of wanton lust, I finally sold a nice piece and bought the Para CCW745. Slim, 7+1, 4.25" barrel, bobbed safety grip, concealed hammer. It is one smooth machine. I pick it up in two days. __________________ www.fiftycal.org http://www.ccrkba.org/

01-20-2004, 10:50 AM	#19
Zigzag2 Adnanced Senior Member Posts: n/a	VIPERGTSR01, always look forward to pics.

01-21-2004, 11:41 PM	#20
Woodman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Da' Keystone State Posts: 270	I've heard the same thing about Kimbers from several W. coast area stores, but other people will swear by kimber. Then you have a few people knocking Colts.. I LOVE my Colt. The machining on my new 01091 was not as nice (and heavy duty) as my Double Eagle; I sent it back and they made it MORE than right. Like I posted above, I've wanted a Para Ordance for ages, and I finally pick mine up tomorrow! __________________ www.fiftycal.org http://www.ccrkba.org/