Need advice customizing .45

A

armedbutnotdangerous

New member
Okay everybody, I've got a Para-Ordnance P-12 that I've decided to have customized.

I'm planning on getting stuff like trigger job, night sights, maybe comped.

What else can you do to a compact .45 to make it more reliable, useable and carry-able?

Also, who is an excellent smith who works on Para-Ord?

I have a decent budget, probably up to $1000, so let's hear some ideas.

Thanks.
Steve.
 
If you're going to carry it, don't comp it. As to a 'smith, look in to Cylinder & Slide, Wilson, Baer, Rock River Arms and about a hundred other guys.
 
The two most important modifications for any defense pistol are:

1. Good sights. Night sights? If you must. I'm not sure they really matter.

2. Good trigger. Needn't be real light, but must be livable.

Other modifications? What do they accomplish? If you have a problem with a component, then address the problem. I get hammer bit like mad, so a beavertail grip safety is a requirement. Or a discrete box of band aids in a pocket. On the other hand, an extended slide stop is a waste of metal to me.

What do you want it to do? Modifications on a carry gun should be function driven.

If you just want to impress the gunshop crowd, don't forget the lensatic compass in the grips and the NCO whistle in the hammer. And chrome, lots and lots of chrome!

I have to agree with blades, stay away from compensators.
 
Compact 1911's, especially Para's, are well known to be finicky. The design wasn't made to be chopped up for short frames and slides. However, they are sweet for carrying :)

With that in mind, I wouldn't do anything other then adding:

1. Good sights
2. Crisp Trigger
3. Polish some internal parts
4. Possibly crown the barrel
5. Gun Finish

You can spend the entire $1000 if you wish but it's not needed and almost pointless for a compact 1911. The above shouldn't cost you anymore then $300-350 max. Any smith that tells you otherwise is trying to jack ya.

Now applying that $1000 to a full size 1911, well... that's a totally different ball game :)
 
P12? Hmmm
Trigger job, nice combat style sights, mag extensions for your pinky and forget the compensator. That shouldn't cost you anywhere near $1k...use what you have left over on rounds and range time.
 
5 Things I consider a "must have" or minimum for a carry 1911:

1.) Reliable -- A minimum of 500 rds of hardball goes through it first then I shoot my prefered carry rounds to ensure it will feed them reliably. If it does, nothing needs to be done in the reliability department except periodic maintenance and parts inspection to guard against breakage.(don't fix what's not broke)


2.) Well regulated sights that are relatively snag free -- if the stock sights are properly regulated to POA/POI why change them unless for night sights if you prefer them. Snag resistance can be obtained by #4 below if needed.

3.) Durable finish -- To guard agains rust as a carry gun will be subjected to a harsh environment just being holstered and carried.

4.) Dehorned -- If the 1911 you choose has a lot of sharp edges this will make the weapon easier on your clothes and more comfortable to carry and help prevent snags while drawing.

5.) 4-5# Trigger pull -- This is mostly personal preference for me. Most current 1911's will already have it and unless the trigger is extremely gritty or inconsistant I'ld leave it alone..


Anything other than that is just personal preference IMO..

Rick
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top