Para-Ordnance P14-45
{{Infobox weapon
| name = Para-Ordnance P14-45
| type = Semi-automatic pistol
| image = Para-Ordnance P16-40.JPG
| designer = Ted Szabo
| length = 8.5 in (216 mm)
| action = Short recoil operation
| origin = {{Plain list|
}}
| manufacturer = Para-Ordnance
| design_date = 1980s
| production_date = 1990s–present
| is_ranged = Yes
| part_length = 5 in (127 mm)
| cartridge = .45 ACP
.40 S&W (P16-40)
9×19mm Parabellum (P18-9)
| feed = 14-round detachable box magazine
16-round detachable box magazine (P16-40)
18-round detachable box magazine (P18-9)
| variants = {{Plain list|
- P16-40
- P18-9
- Expert 14.45
- Expert 14.45 Stainless
- Black Ops 14.45
- Pro Custom 14.45
}}
| unit_cost = {{Plain list|
- $884 (Expert 14.45)
- $919 (Expert 14.45 Stainless)
- $1,299 (Black Ops 14.45)
- $1,449 (Pro Custom 14.45)
}}
}}
The Para-Ordnance P14-45 (14.45) is an improved derivative of the successful United States Armed Forces' M1911 pistol. Created by Para-Ordnance (later Para USA) in the 1980s, it was the first ever M1911 derivative to feature a high-capacity double-stack 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.{{Cite news|url=http://modernfirearms.net/en/handguns/handguns-en/canada-semi-automatic-pistols/para-ordnance-p14-45-eng/|title=Para-Ordnance P14-45 - Modern Firearms|date=2010-10-22 |publisher=Modern Firearms |access-date=2018-08-09|language=en-GB}}
In 1999, the double-action-only LDA modification, was introduced.
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.{{Cite web|url=http://para-usa.com/2013/firearms/expert/expert1445.php|title=PARA: Expert 14.45 |publisher=para-usa.com|language=en|access-date=2018-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811020030/http://www.para-usa.com/2013/firearms/expert/expert1445.php|archive-date=2018-08-11|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://para-usa.com/2013/firearms/expert/expert1445ss.php|title=PARA: Expert 14.45 Stainless |publisher=para-usa.com|language=en|access-date=2018-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812043641/http://para-usa.com/2013/firearms/expert/expert1445ss.php|archive-date=2018-08-12|url-status=dead}}
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.{{Cite web|url=http://para-usa.com/2013/firearms/tactical/blackOps1445.php|title=PARA: Black Ops 14.45 |publisher=para-usa.com|language=en|access-date=2018-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804063003/http://para-usa.com/2013/firearms/tactical/blackOps1445.php|archive-date=2018-08-04|url-status=dead}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://para-usa.com/2013/firearms/competition/custom1445.php|title=PARA: Custom 14.45 |publisher=para-usa.com|language=en|access-date=2018-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719193602/http://para-usa.com/2013/firearms/competition/custom1445.php|archive-date=2016-07-19|url-status=dead}}