Need Help Choosing P14 vs Colt1991A1

[Carmine1911]

Hello Everybody,

I'm relatively new to the forum and have posted a couple times regarding some FTE/FTF problems I have with my Armscor. Anyway, i've decided that it's time to get a new 1911 and I've been breaking my head lately about which 1911 to get.

Basically, I've narrowed it down to a Para Ord P1445 single-action SS or a Colt 1991A1 NRM Blued. (No DAO or LDA triggers for me, just single action.) I really like the Para, I have to admit. I understand it's a fine hi-cap 1911 with the Power Extractor and the modernized Guide Rod System. I'm not really concerned about its weight for carry because it will probably be in the car beside me or in a bag of sorts. The large grip is not a concern either because I'm a big person. 253 Lbs, 6'3". It's a great, beefy-looking 1911 in stainless finish, which I really like. Fits me great, looks great and probably shoots great. I really like it.

The Colt 1991A1, on the other hand, has an allure that I cannot explain. Ever since I was a kid I've always wanted a real COLT, not a knock off. I keep hearing Hunter's words, "If its not a Colt, its only a copy..." I don't mind the single-stack configuration compared to the P14. The only drawback is that it's only available in Blued finish where I live. I like the Colt too!

Obviously, I can CC the Colt on my person easily but that's not really a necessity. I will be using the gun at the range mostly and as a HD weapon in conjunction with my Benelli Tactical. And I guess as a Barbecue gun when friends come over and put their pieces on the table.
I may get into competition but IDPA hasn't really caught on in the Philippines yet. Its mostly IPSC with no single stack division. Having said that, I do have a Glock 21 which I can use for competition.
Geez, dunno which one to get...

What would you guys get?

PS I'm not really interested in Springers because they're not really available in the PI nor am I interested in Kimbers because they're just too expensive. Sorry, don't mean to offend anyone.

[MR. Gray]

go with the colt. I had a friend who had a P14 single action. mags are always to high are hard to get. the same reason i got rid of my HKUSP. anywho my friend now carrys a springer loaded with a few mods. To me having a great selection of single stack mags/parts eveywere out weighs any .45 double stack gun.

[harleydog]

I vote for the para. I have 3 of them and all I can is they have been great. 14 rounds of 45's can be fun.

[Hunter]

I would got with the Colt no question. I have a Springfield high cap that is about the same dimensions as the Para. I have larger hands and can shoot the high cap 1911s no problem but there is no comparison to the Colt. The Springfield with 14 rounds can get heavy in a hurry ( I carried mine for a short period then went with the Colt Compact and an extra magazine) and does not conceal as easily. I have not heard any bad things about the Para but it is not a Colt and when it comes down to it that is the only real 1911. Colt quality is second to none and I feel sure it is a better pistol than the Para. I think you are on the right track by going with a single action 1911 but why not go all the way with the Colt. I don't want to preach (yea I know too late) but there are other factors to consider as well such as value, history, and reputation when purchasing a firearm. I hate to ramble on but one last thought (as you already pointed out) if it is not a Colt it is a copy. :D Please let us know what you decide and good luck.

[OD*]

I would got with the Colt no question.
You're kidding, right?



;)

[Hunter]

I thought you were not home? :confused: No sir I am serious as hard as it is to believe I consider the Colt the better option. :D

[OD*]

I thought you were not home?
I did say "might not be home." ;)

Call iffin' you want too.

[CleanSeries80]

i'd get the colt. i bought a colt for my 1st 1911 and i'm very happy with it.

[Rio Vista Slim]

Carmine1911,
I will not speak out against the Para-Ordnance P-14 because I have never owned, much less fired, one. I do know (from personal experiences) that if you get the Para, you will still want the Colt. You might as well get what you "really" want first, then get the P-14 later, if it still appeals to you. ;)

[Hawkmoon]

I knew, of course, that Hunter would recommend the Colt. The Earth is still spinning on its axis, and Hades hasn't frozen over yet.

It's difficult to argue against the "I've always wanted a Colt" syndrome, and I understand it all too well. It is an extremely powerful argument, and in the end may be the primary deciding factor for you.

The only counter-advice I would offer is to think hard about the additional capacity of the Para. The early P14s didn't have full-length guide rods, so you can go back to a "standard" configuarion if you prefer that. I keep remembering the chap who came on here from the Phillippines awhile back asking how to make a 1911 run full auto because where ever he was in the Phillippines was SO dangerous he wanted that option.

I think that's a dumb option in a pistol that holds seven rounds, but ... what do I know? The serious side is, though, that if your area is indeed dangerous, carrying 14+1 rounds in the same size package has to be prefereble to carrying 7+1 rounds.

I own both Paras and Colts, and I rate them about equal in "real" value and reliability. However, there is no way to rate the feeling that comes from owning a true Colt.

[pa_guns]

Hi

I can't suggest any other brands because I really don't know what the market is like over by you. Here in the US I might bring up Smith and Wesson.

If you are looking at the pistol because it's a "real Colt" then I would go for it. There is nothing else that has the same pony on it ...

Bob

[Carmine1911]

Hi Everybody,

Thank you all for your responses and opinions...really appreciate each and every one of them. I've decided to go with the Pony. I imagined myself holding the P14 and being happy with it. But when I imagined myself holding a new Colt I felt happy, satisfied and fulfilled. I can always get the Para next time.

It is indeed plenty dangerous in some parts of the Philippines, especially so out in some countryside areas and locales. Regardless, hi-cap guns, whether in 9mm of .45, are very popular in the Philippines. Guess people just feel safer knowing there's 14-15+ rounds in the mag. I know one guy with a 30 rd. clip for his Glock 19. I'm happy with two clips of 7. But that's just me.

Thanks again for all your help!

Carmine1911

[OD*]

You chose wisely. ;)

[Hunter]

You did good with the Colt and if you carry a few spare magazines you will be better off anyway. Extra magazines are not only a good idea for the extra rounds but magazine failure is always a possibility. Let us know when you get your Colt.

[Carmine1911]

Thank you, Hunter. What brand of mags would you suggest for the 91A1? I can get pretty much any mag in the Philippines. (Actually, as an aside, this is my second Colt. My first Colt was an early 91A1 with the ORM. It kept FTGTB/FTF/FTE all the time so I just let it go. But since COLT is really in my blood, I'm going for it again.) Thanks again.

Carmine1911

[Hunter]

I like the Shooting Star magazines, I do believe they are made by Chip McCormick (and I think they were factory Colt for a while). I have used Metalform as well and they seem to work well. I have 1 Wilson magazine for my Compact and so far I have had no trouble with it either.

[pa_guns]

Hi

What ever you get and what ever you carry - Practice !!!

I don't care what books you read or who you talk to. Staying safe is 90% mental. Part of that is being aware and the rest of it is the speed of learned responses. A straight stack single action 1911 is arguably the greatest pistol ever made for a "close encounter". That said they work a lot better if you practice with them. It's not how many you fire, it's how many connect that makes all the difference.

Bob

[OD*]

Well said Bob. http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon14.gif

[Rio Vista Slim]

I like the Shooting Star magazines, I do believe they are made by Chip McCormick (and I think they were factory Colt for a while). I have used Metalform as well and they seem to work well. I have 1 Wilson magazine for my Compact and so far I have had no trouble with it either.
I've read a lot about magazines since I joined this forum. Many of the ones that I own were bought previous to joining. I have never had a problem with Chip McCormick magazines, either. Some folks love 'em, some folks hate 'em. As for me (and Hunter ), they work fine!

I, too, own several Wilson mags, and (other than the one I "tore up" trying to clean it) they have worked fine in all my Colts.
By the way, I must add that I always load 7 rounds, even in the 8 round magazines.

[Rio Vista Slim]

(Actually, as an aside, this is my second Colt. My first Colt was an early 91A1 with the ORM. It kept FTGTB/FTF/FTE all the time so I just let it go. But since COLT is really in my blood, I'm going for it again.)
Carmine1911

Carmine1911,
Out of all the 1911-type handguns that I've owned since 1972 (and that is a BUNCH), I've only had one that malfunctioned as a result of manufacturing difficulties. That one was not a Colt!

I've found that out-of-spec ammunition, magazine issues, or slight extractor problems have accounted for any of the malfunction issues that I've experienced. Of these, the ammunition problem has been the biggest antagonist. I now check all factory ammunition before firing; that single habit has saved me a lot of grief on the range.

[Carmine1911]

Thank you for the advice.

Carmine1911

[MLee]

Staying safe is 90% mental. Part of that is being aware and the rest of it is the speed of learned responses. A straight stack single action 1911 is arguably the greatest pistol ever made for a "close encounter".

Truer words were never spoken. I have recently come full circle, from years ago feeling there was only one 1911, Colt, to becoming disheartened with Colt's quality vs price, etc. to becoming a true believer again. I now own two commanders, and counting. Great choice Carmine!!

Mike

[pa_guns]

Hi

I started out with a "nothing but Colts" rule. That was back a long time ago. I now have a collection of stuff from a lot of vendors, but I'm probably headed back to at least a couple Colts as finances allow.

Bob