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 (later 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
Production history
Designer	Ted Szabo
Designed	1980s
Manufacturer	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	1990s–present
Variants	P16-40 P18-9 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 .40 S&W (P16-40) 9×19mm Parabellum (P18-9)
Action	Short recoil operation
Feed system	14-round detachable box magazine (P14-45) 16-round detachable box magazine (P16-40) 18-round detachable box magazine (P18-9)

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 a 14-round magazine; 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, starting in 1990.^[1]

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

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

The Expert is the basic model of 14.45, it features a 5 in (130 mm) match-grade barrel, beavertail grip safety, polymer grips and is available in black nitride or stainless finish.^[2][3]

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.^[4] The Black Ops model is also available in "Recon" variant with a 4.25 in (108 mm) barrel, and a Combat variant with high-profile sights with a 5.5 in (140 mm) 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.^[5]