I almost never see these pistols in any gun shops anymore. The shop I frequent most the guy told me that they just didn't carry them much because they couldn't seem to move them. I always thought Para ordinance p-13s were good guns. I have thought many times on getting one since this one seems to have the best as far as size and feel. Dies anyone know how these pistols function? Anyone have a p-13 here?
Where have all the Para P-13's gone?
- Thread starter swatman
- Start date
My steel P-13 was the first "serious" pistol I bought. It's my favorite shooter. I've tried repeatedly to carry it comfortably, but for me it's too heavy & chunky. In retrospect, a lightweight frame would've helped.
I think a lightweight P-13 LDA with the backstrap blended to the mainspring housing (to apply grip tape comfortably and reduce frame bulk) would be my ultimate carry pistol. Too bad Para doesn't offer such an animal, or just the frame.
As for availability, I think Para has spread themselves thin with the LTDs, LDAs and single-stack offerings. The P-13's Commander frame fills a niche many people aren't interested in. The racegun crowd want a 5" barrel, and many prefer the P-12 for concealment.
You and I just happen to be in the minority.
SA Scott
I think a lightweight P-13 LDA with the backstrap blended to the mainspring housing (to apply grip tape comfortably and reduce frame bulk) would be my ultimate carry pistol. Too bad Para doesn't offer such an animal, or just the frame.
As for availability, I think Para has spread themselves thin with the LTDs, LDAs and single-stack offerings. The P-13's Commander frame fills a niche many people aren't interested in. The racegun crowd want a 5" barrel, and many prefer the P-12 for concealment.
You and I just happen to be in the minority.
SA Scott
P13-45
I read the first reviews of the P13 in Handguns, then I had to wait a year to see one in a store. Bought it then and there, take that Visa balance! This is the 'alloy' model (aluminum frame).
Wanted extra magazines - but they were like hen's teeth, took another year to find some at a gunshow. Paid $65 apiece (after the hi-cap ban, of course). Didn't care for the as-issued grips, abraded my palm at the lower outside corner, uncomfortable becomes painful after a while. Tried some wooden Ajax replacements, but they are fit-them-yourself, and never were just right. Finally, Pearce came out with rubber grips that fit right (for me), and now Hogue makes some real nice (not cheap) aftermarket grips.
I like the gun, accurate and not too big for CCW. But, 12-13 rnds of .45 adds to the weight, and it takes a good IWB holster to stabilize it (Milt Sparks Summer Special is real nice) since it's butt-heavy. In cold weather, under heavier shirts / jackets, concealment is no problem. In summer, that double-wide butt is harder to hide (especially since it's the second double-wide butt in my jeans
).
Overall, it's a good pistol, but accessories and such are harder to locate, and without hi-cap mags, there's little to gain over a compact Kimber or SA. Mine spends a lot of time in my desk drawer right here next to me, which is not a bad thing to have nearby.
I read the first reviews of the P13 in Handguns, then I had to wait a year to see one in a store. Bought it then and there, take that Visa balance! This is the 'alloy' model (aluminum frame).
Wanted extra magazines - but they were like hen's teeth, took another year to find some at a gunshow. Paid $65 apiece (after the hi-cap ban, of course). Didn't care for the as-issued grips, abraded my palm at the lower outside corner, uncomfortable becomes painful after a while. Tried some wooden Ajax replacements, but they are fit-them-yourself, and never were just right. Finally, Pearce came out with rubber grips that fit right (for me), and now Hogue makes some real nice (not cheap) aftermarket grips.
I like the gun, accurate and not too big for CCW. But, 12-13 rnds of .45 adds to the weight, and it takes a good IWB holster to stabilize it (Milt Sparks Summer Special is real nice) since it's butt-heavy. In cold weather, under heavier shirts / jackets, concealment is no problem. In summer, that double-wide butt is harder to hide (especially since it's the second double-wide butt in my jeans
).Overall, it's a good pistol, but accessories and such are harder to locate, and without hi-cap mags, there's little to gain over a compact Kimber or SA. Mine spends a lot of time in my desk drawer right here next to me, which is not a bad thing to have nearby.
love mine
I've had my P-13 for a few months now and love it check their web site for info on where to get one. They have a wide variety of guns and add ons the only thing I have had problems with is finding a good holster and clips. Hope your able to find one they are good guns.
good shootin
I've had my P-13 for a few months now and love it check their web site for info on where to get one. They have a wide variety of guns and add ons the only thing I have had problems with is finding a good holster and clips. Hope your able to find one they are good guns.good shootin
I have a stainless P13.45. Love it. Had a few minor problems with the sights (rear one came loose and had to be threadlocked, and the dots are losing some of the white paint), but nothing major. Great shooter, accurate, doesn't jam, etc. I think the size is perfect, as it is about the same size as a Colt Commander (obviously), Glock 19, Walther P99, etc.
Drawbacks are the thick grip (which I don't really mind), weight (mine's stainless), and the trouble with finding hi-caps (I have 6, but paid plenty for them).
While I don't carry it much due to the weight, the best way I've found to carry it is in a Galco Concealable holster. Trust me on this one, it's a great holster, and Galco is high quality and reasonably priced.
Drawbacks are the thick grip (which I don't really mind), weight (mine's stainless), and the trouble with finding hi-caps (I have 6, but paid plenty for them).
While I don't carry it much due to the weight, the best way I've found to carry it is in a Galco Concealable holster. Trust me on this one, it's a great holster, and Galco is high quality and reasonably priced.
One more thing, and in answer to your question:
I usually see them at gun shows, but even easier is to look at www.auctionarms.com and www.gunbroker.com. Both excellent sites.
I usually see them at gun shows, but even easier is to look at www.auctionarms.com and www.gunbroker.com. Both excellent sites.