Para the red headed stepchild?

[Guest supergus]

I just came from Gunslinger's and they were telling me that they can't get rid of any Para's. They won't even take any on partial trades 'cause ther's no market for them. While I was there someone called who bought a Wart Hog (or maybe Slim Hog- I can't recall) never fired it, and wanted to trade it. They said no. What's with Para? Why aren't they selling? Is it QC? I'm really considering a Stainless CCW .45ACP. I felt really comfortable about having it on my short list but now I'm uneasy. Any thoughts, especially from you gunshop owners?

[molonlabetn]

People that have them generally love them... I haven't heard of any recent issues with any of their products, they just have sucky marketing, in my opinion. Plus, anytime I've ever considered one of their products, I quickly find another brand or model which offers the same features for a better price. They aren't a bad product... they are simply not extraordinary enough to stand out in a competitive market.

[VERO1]

I just bought a Para CCO. I haven't had time to make any noise with it yet, so I'll have to report back later.

[Im Neero]

I think when they made a double action 1911 it turned a lot of people off on principle, or at least it did me. I've never handled one though, so they could be great pistols for all I know.

[Guest Boomhower]

While I was there someone called who bought a Wart Hog (or maybe Slim Hog- I can't recall) never fired it, and wanted to trade it. They said no..............I'm really considering a Stainless CCW .45ACP. I felt really comfortable about having it on my short list but now I'm uneasy. Any thoughts, especially from you gunshop owners?

Should've gotten the guys number.

[Guest ETS_Inc]

I own, and carry daily, a Para-Ordnance C-7/45 LDA. I've been wearing it on my side for almost 4 years now. You couldn't convince me to carry anything else at this moment. (Not even my new Glock 19.)

I've also owned two other Para's, a Stealth Hi-Cap, and a Colonel. I loved both of them. The only reason I don't still own them is I needed to raise money to buy ETS.

I wish Para had a bigger following. I agree that a lot of their problem is price point. There are so many other 1911 makers out there that are selling for less, or that have a more respected name, that it's a bit tough for Para to compete. But, if you want a double-stack 1911, chambered in .45 ACP, there is none better than Para-Ordnance; especially if you like a double-action trigger.

For those who haven't felt the LDA trigger, consider this an open invitation to try out my LDA anytime we're at a range together.

[et45]

The mags are on the pricey side,that maybe one reason.I had a P14 Limited that was the most reliable 1911 ever owned,It and a Beretta 92F are the only autos I have owned that never malfuntioned.Wish I still had it.

[jughead]

love my p-12 45 been carrying it for about 2 years.

[Rightwinger]

To add to all above, my little bro has a P 14 and it runs great! I love it when he hands it over. I love it so much that last year I decided I would buy a Para for CCW. I got the Light Hawg, the subcompact Hawg with a light rail. Well, to keep a long story short. It didn't like any of the ammo I fed it, FTFs and FTEs in between general spraying when it did shoot. I tried to get the guy on m1911.org from Para to help me but the company president died that week (Szabo) and I ended up trading it in PLUS cash for a Kimber compact stainless II. Never looked back. If I ever do get another Para it will be the double stack 45 P14 or its comprable cousin. YMMV

[Guest supergus]

Thanks guys. Frank, I agree. To many it seems like Para is priced too high, but from what I've heard, their quality and reliability sems to be on par with Colt and Kimber, which seem to have a much larger following. The CCW is on my list along with a Colt LTW Commander, Kimber Compact Stainless, Sig revolution Compact, and STI Guardian. Although I hear STI makes it hard for some smaller shops to carry them because they want you to buy several at once, and the smaller shops can't move 'em.

[dralarms]

I have a 14.45LDA and love it. Got 4 mags for it and it's my HD gun,.

[Guest flyfishtn]

I want one, I have been reading and perusing and even found a few around town. They have a great reputation and I really want to have one as my carry piece.

[Marswolf]

I've never had one, but the LDA seems to be a very good handgun. Price is the sticking point.

[Guest supergus]

I don't know why the price seems to be an issue. I just came from Mike's Gun Shop in Tazewell and the Colt LTW Commander, the Para CCW, The Kimber Compact and the Sig Revolution Compact (all in stainless) are between $971 and $983 o.t.d. . It's clear that to get an excellent stainless compact for carry, you'll pay $900- $1,000 o.t.d. I am choosing stainless because I feel that for IWB carry, the finish will hold up better being close to the skin.

[dralarms]

Supergus, if you were close to me I'd let you shoot my LDA, it would make a believer out of you.

[Guest supergus]

Dralarms,

I appreciate the offer. 2.5 hrs is alittle farther than I'd like. Thanks though.

[Marswolf]

For some reason, Kimbers have a mystique that Paras don't have. I'd say they were overpriced, but since I own a Wilson Combat, I can't say much.