My new Para PX745S SSP-SS

[Guest Moody]

Well, after carrying my Springfield XD45 for a couple of years, I thought that I'd want to get something that's going to be a little easier to carry, and keep on my person. I had my mind set on a 9mm of sorts, and shopped around several times to pick up a decent carry weapon that would be fine to leave in the car, etc... in case I could not bring it into an establishment. Glock... another Springfield... S&W M&P (which I would still like to own), and a few others crossed my mind, even a little Makarov (which I'd still like to own, as well, for cheap fun), until I started thinking about what I do when I carry, and where I go, and WHY I carry in the first place - to protect myself and family, as well as possibly save my life in a situation that required (above all) the drawing of a firearm in order to do so.

I went back to thinking that I should get a 40 of some sort, and shopped around... not much difference, size-wise, etc... from the Springfield that I already had, as well as the 9mm shooters that I was looking at in the first place.

This then lead to a trip up to Guns and Leather, and after shopping around, comparing internet prices (don't we all), and then the self-reservations and reasonings of, "Do I need this?" and "What is the wife going to say?" I then decided to do the exact opposite of what I was thinking in the first place. After some more thought, comparing size, and capability, I decided to stick with my trusty Springfield as a carry weapon, get a better holster (Galco leather), and then get something that I've always wanted, but had convinced myself for various reasons not to buy - another 5" 1911.

Para was a brand that I'd been able to play around with firsthand, and that had made an impression on me from the beginning. Comparisons to my 1911 Colt (which I do not carry, nor leave lying around, due to sentimental value) were abundant - better feel, better assembly (quality control), and overall a total package (not to discredit the old Colt, which is an awesome handgun with which I am still in love).

Deciding that I did not want to spend "Kimber" money (even though I'd like to have a 1911 of that caliber (no pun, ha ha), I looked at Springfield, again, and Colt (of course), and then back to Para. A tried a GI, and immediately liked it. I then tried the SSP (didn't shoot, just held and played around with), and was thinking that this was the one.

I must say, that the minute I helf the SSP, and was able to give a closer inspection, I was sure that this was going to be my choice. The slide is TIGHT on this gun - it's toleranced very tightly, and it is hard to engage the slide lock, which made me laugh as I was thinking about accidentally letting it slip and slam forward, as I had a mental image of it grabbing a fingertip or something of the such resulting in a torrent of cursing and then spraying blood.

I will say that I've been super-impressed with this gun - and I'm glad that I bought it. I've never had a "new" firearm before - they've always been used (but in great shape), but I will say - the fact that I got to purchase this brand new, in-box, was a great feeling. There's something about a new gun that makes everyone smile, it seems, and I'm no different.

So, on to the pictures. I don't have that many, only two, as I was busy playing around, but here they are. Sorry for the quality - camera phone, you know?

Here's a better reference picture, just from searching, in order to show more detail of this beautiful gun.

Edited July 10, 2009 by Moody

[Guest redbarron06]

Good buy. I owned a Para 14-45 LDA a few years ago and traded it for an H&K when I came off of the armored car. I wish I had not done so. It was super reliable, acurite nd I never had problem 1 with it. When I decided to get another 1911 I went and got a springfield. A couple of months later I went to G&L and they had a Para LTC in desert tan for a stupid low price. It was a new gun and after talking to Dennis I found out that it seemed nobody wanted tht color so he had been marking it down. I walked out with it and have nothing but good things to say about it. It has become my daily carry gun. I keep the springer at home with a TLR2 on it but when I leave the house the Para goes with me. Right now I have the slide back in Seiveriville TN getting night sights put on it. That is the only option I wish it had come with. Cant wait to get it back.

[Guest Moody]

^ Same here, with the night sights. I will be sending mine off in order to have them installed (per the helpful Para coupon, ha ha). I can't wait to get some more use out of this... Thanks for the compliment.

[Wrangler]

looks great! I should maybe look at that next. Who says you can only have one gun....

[Magiccarpetrides]

Nice gun, but that has to be quite possibly the longest model # ever lol.

[Motasyco]

Very nice!

[Guest redbarron06]

^ Same here, with the night sights. I will be sending mine off in order to have them installed (per the helpful Para coupon, ha ha). I can't wait to get some more use out of this... Thanks for the compliment.

I called yesterday to check on the satus of mine. Right now they are actually out of the sights and they are waiting on a shipment to come in. As of yesterday they did not know when the sights would arrive.

[Guest Moody]

^ Thanks for the heads up.

[Guest redbarron06]

^ Thanks for the heads up.

No problem

[LagerHead]

Nice gun Moody. The 1911's you guys are posting here are making me rethink my position on the gun.

[Guest Moody]

Robert - to be honest, I delight in carrying this gun, and even though it's not a daily, it easily could be. If you don't own or have a 1911 to play with, I highly recommend trying one out from a friend. I think that you'll find that they are quite pleasurable to shoot, and easy to deal with, on a general-basis.