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 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | Canada United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Ted Szabo |
| Designed | 1980s |
| Manufacturer | Para 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) |
| Produced | 1990-present |
| Variants | Expert 14.45 Expert 14.45 Stainless Black Ops 14.45 Pro Custom 14.45 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 2.42 lb (1.1 kg) |
| Length | 8.5 in (216 mm) |
| Barrel length | 5 in (127 mm) |
| Cartridge | .45 ACP |
| Action | Short recoil operation |
| Feed system | 14-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
- "Para-Ordnance P14-45 - Modern Firearms". Modern Firearms. 2010-10-22. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
- "Para USA P14-45 | Gun Review". Personal Defense World. 2013-12-24. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
- "PARA: Expert 14.45". para-usa.com. Archived from the original on 2018-08-11. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
- "PARA: Expert 14.45 Stainless". para-usa.com. Archived from the original on 2018-08-12. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
- "PARA: Black Ops 14.45". para-usa.com. Archived from the original on 2018-08-04. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
- "PARA: Custom 14.45". para-usa.com. Archived from the original on 2016-07-19. Retrieved 2018-08-09.