WTK-- Para ordnance vs kimber or springfield

M

Mac 5

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I am thinking of getting a pistol for target shooting and home protection. i've always wanted a 1911 style pistol and i narrowed it down to Para-ordnance limited-14-45 or polytech high capacity kimber 1911-45. or a loaded high capacity springfield 1911-45. can any of you guys who have used any of these guns give me the pros and cons of these guns.also which gun you would pick as the all around best gun. i would appreciate your input. thanks in advance, John
 
Mac5 i have a Para P14 "limited" and carry it for ccw. It's extremely accurate, great balance, reliable, etc.. etc.. i had some trouble with the followers in the mags when i first got it but other than that no problems period. Never have shot a

Springfield Armory model but have heard nothing but good things about thier pistols.


Can't say that about Kimber products, read several threads on this site and others about thier quaility. Never shot one of these pistols either, you may very well find one to suit your needs.

i would look at Para & Springfield first, finding ones to shoot and go from there.
 
Mac, I just bought a Para-Ordnance P14-45. Works great. I was deciding between a Para-Ordnance and a Springfield Armory 1911-A1. After holding them in my hands, I actually found the higher capacity P14-45 more comfortable to hold, fire (dry in the shop of course) and reach the magazine release. Took it to the range last week and it worked beautifully.. This is my first pistol so while the groupings weren't great, it was not the gun but rather my own lack of skill in shooting. I did much better with this pistol than with the .45 caliber glock I rented while I was deciding on pistols.
I have no experience with Kimbers. Both Para-Ordnance and Springfield Armory have good reputations. The only downside on my P14-45 is that the ten round mag I bought as an extra just barely locked the slide back. It may have been a follower problem, but it was a generic brand so the gun shop took it back and is ordering me a 10 rounder from Para-Ordnance. On the plus side, you'll get a voucher good for two high cap magazines from the factory when you buy your para-ordnance.


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The first step is registration, the second step is confiscation, the final step is subjugation.
 
I'm not a big fan of high capacity 1911s- there isn't much you cannot do with 8 rounds and a reload.

That said I prefer the all steel SA 1911s.

Erik
 
My fingers are just too short to comfortably shoot the Paras...otherwise, I'd look at them. I owned a Kimber, and had nothing but problems, but there are lots of guys here that love Kimbers. I have two Springfields and like both of them a lot!
 
I have two Paras, P13-45 & a P13 frame that I bought and built in 89, I love them both. The slightly wider frame fits my hand much better than a standard Colt variant. (The extra six rounds aren't bad either.)
 
I own a Para P-14 and couldn't be happier. The problem with the Para is purchasing hi-cap mags. They're drying up quick. Can't comment on the Kimber, but the Springfield is a fine 1911.
 
I own a Para P-13 and a Springfield Ultra Compact V-10 (no money yet for a Kimber :D).

That said, all these makes have pluses and minuses, and most 1911's appreciate some tinkering. I had problems out of the box with both pistols. For accuracy, reliability, and shooting comfort I prefer my Para, but I think the Springfield is more durable (despite sharp edges all over). The Kimbers I've handled had excellent fit & finish, but various minor mechanical problems.

In terms of cost, here in S. Texas, Para/Springfield run $200-300 cheaper than Kimber.

Handle them, fire them if you can, and, if necessary, a little extra on gunsmithing/mods on what you do buy will make any of them an excellent choice.

SA Scott
 
I own the Para 13-45 and have shot the 14-45. When I bought it, I had both the Kimber and the Para in my hands. I decided on the Para due to the fit and finish. My Para is the one with the alloy receiver and is an outstanding weapon which shoots better than I can. I had the trigger done on it and now it is virtually perfect with a 4 lb pull. Everything works just perfectly. There is no slop anywhere and it loves semiwadcutters. I opt for the Para if your hand can hold it. I even went as far as putting Pierce grips on mine. I have a big hand and the gun fits it perfectly. The Kimber just didn't have a good "feel" to me although that's my subjective opinion. For accuracy out of the box, precision, and good looks, go with the Para Ordnance.
Rome
 
Mac,

I am new to handguns but have purchased two Kimbers and a Colt.

I have 500 rounds plus in the two Kimbers. Both have proven accurate an reliable. My only concern has been that the mags don't lock the slide on the last round. I have found the Wilson mags are 100 percent reliable.

Good luck in your choice.

Vee

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I own both and my Para P-13 is a POS jamamatic. My Kimber Custom Combat Carry is a piece of work, its a quality handgun that reeks of quality and workmanship...7th

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Hi guys, thank you for all the info and help. i will be getting a para 14-45 signature on friday.i have one more question. where do i get hi-capacity mags for it and how much should i be paying for them. thanks again, John
 
Hey Mac5,

I have a P14-45 that I just got and it shoots great.. I love the way it feels and shoots. If you're buying this new, you should get a certificate with it that entitles you to 1 or 2 high capacity magazines from the factory. (You actually mail it to Ft. Lauderdale.. Not sure if it's a factory or just distributor) Anyway it should be 52 dollars for one or 99 dollars for two. Shipping and handling included. I plan on buying some ten round magazines to beat up at the range and save my high cap for carry/protection and occassional use. Hopefully the capacity limit will be repealed. Oh yeah my certificate had to be used within 90 days of purchase.

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The first step is registration, the second step is confiscation, the final step is subjugation.
 
Handled and fired SA and Kimber, both good, prefer the Kimber myself.

Handled Paras, just don't care for them, decent gun if you like it.

Don't own any of the three.

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"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Rome: ... I decided on the Para due to the fit and finish ...[/quote]I bought a brand new P14-45 and put it in my safe right next to my brand new S&W4006 -- both of them were made out of stainless steel. Less than two months later, the P14-45 was beginning to show early sign of redish/brownish rust on the slide and the internal parts. This made me come to the conclusion that the finish on the Para-Ordnance was somewhat lacking. Granted, I live deep in the hot & humid Florida swamps but the Smith & Wesson pistol, which was right next to the P14-45, was perfectly fine without the slightest bit of rust on it anywhere.

Other than that, I think that the P14-45 is a good gun, especially when you consider that you have 15 (14+1) rounds of .45ACP!

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Of your choices I would go with the Springfield "Loaded" Model. The original tried and true 1911 Gov't Model made by a company that stands behind their product. Spare parts are easy to get. Quality mags are readily available and not expensive. Very concealable yet will give you a full firing grip.......
 
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