Para-Ordnance P14-45

The Para-Ordnance P14-45 (14.45) is an improved derivative of the successful United States Armed Forces' M1911 pistol. Created by Para-Ordnance (now Para USA) in the 1980s, it was the first ever M1911 derivative to feature a high-capacity double-stack magazine.

Para-Ordnance P14-45
TypeSemi-automatic pistol
Place of originCanada
United States
Production history
DesignerTed Szabo
Designed1980s
ManufacturerPara USA (originally Para-Ordnance)
Unit cost$884 (Expert 14.45)
$919 (Expert 14.45 Stainless)
$1,299 (Black Ops 14.45)
$1,449 (Pro Custom 14.45)
Produced1990-present
VariantsExpert 14.45
Expert 14.45 Stainless
Black Ops 14.45
Pro Custom 14.45
Specifications
Mass2.42 lb (1.1 kg)
Length8.5 in (216 mm)
Barrel length5 in (127 mm)

Cartridge.45 ACP
ActionShort recoil operation
Feed system14-round detachable box magazine

In the late 1980s, Toronto-based Para-Ordnance started selling "high capacity conversion kits" for M1911A1 pistols, consisting of an updated frame with a thicker grip to accommodate a double-stack magazine that was supplied with the kit, which doubled M1911's 7-round magazine capacity to 14; and a new trigger assembly with suitable dimensional changes to fit into the widened grip frame. With the success of the kits, Para-Ordnance began manufacturing complete M1911 pistols of its own in 1990.[1]

It was a M1911 variant that could do everything at a reasonable price.[2]

In 1999, the double-action-only LDA modification, was introduced.[1]

The P14-45 (later 14.45) is the standard model, and as its name hints, it is chambered in .45 ACP and has a magazine capacity of 14. Other versions include P16-40 (16.40) chambered .40 S&W and features a 16-round magazine, and P18-9 (18.9) which is chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum and features an 18-round magazine.

The Expert is the basic model of 14.45, it features a 5" match-grade barrel, beavertail grip safety, polymer grips and is available in black nitride or stainless finish.[3][4]

The Black Ops is the tactical model, differing from the Expert by having a ramped barrel, integral accessory rail, Trijicon Tritium night sights, ambidextrous thumb safety, VZ Operator Machined G10 grips and is coated in IonBond PVD.[5] The Black Ops model is also available in "Recon" variant with a 4.25" barrel, and Combat variant with high-profile sights and a 5.5" barrel.

The Pro Custom is the competition model. It features a match-grade ramped barrel, adjustable sights, ambidextrous thumb safety, and like Black Ops, has G10 grips and coated in IonBond PVD.[6]

References

  1. "Para-Ordnance P14-45 - Modern Firearms". Modern Firearms. 2010-10-22. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
  2. "Para USA P14-45 | Gun Review". Personal Defense World. 2013-12-24. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
  3. "PARA: Expert 14.45". para-usa.com. Archived from the original on 2018-08-11. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
  4. "PARA: Expert 14.45 Stainless". para-usa.com. Archived from the original on 2018-08-12. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
  5. "PARA: Black Ops 14.45". para-usa.com. Archived from the original on 2018-08-04. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
  6. "PARA: Custom 14.45". para-usa.com. Archived from the original on 2016-07-19. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
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