[Ringer]

Been trying to select a new carry gun. I rented a Para CCW today and really liked the LDA trigger. It was very accurate for me right off the bat. I'm considering buying the Para Companion Carry gun but would appreciate any feedback. It's a fairly pricey gun and a little heavy at 32 oz. Size wise it seems very easy to carry. The gun fit me well and I shot it well.

http://www.paraord.com/products/CC745SNphoto.jpg

Is this a reliable carry gun? Would I have to have any mods done to make it so? The price is at my local shop is just under $800 with night sights. The LDA trigger on this thing is sweet.

Comments?
Thanks

[Alan Fud]

Are they reliable? Not fresh out of the box but after a trip or two back to the factory and 200-300 rounds with no stoppage, I now feel comfortable in carrying one ...
http://fud-files.netfirms.com/image/private/guns/f107.jpg

[jercamp45]

I do not have the 'carry' version, but I have had the original Companion for 2 years...and carry it every day in my curent employ as a security officer.
Guess I put about 2000 rounds through it....
Shot two qualifications in Missouri(where it was mandated that I have a DAO or DA w/decocker...elsewise, I would have packed one of my Colts!)..shot 94 the first time(sights were hitting to the left) and 100 the 2nd.
The quals here in Vegas were different...but they all went into the boiler room. Think 349 and 355 out of 360, if I recall.
It is a very nice piece..and I like the fact it is the same 'feel' and basic operation as my trusted 12 year old Officer's model. Uses the same ammo outta the same mags. Same holsters and mag pouches.
The ONLY problem I had with it, was some funky jams that started during my second qual in MO...had shot about 1000 rounds at the point. Basically it needed a new recoil spring! They are, as the Para Rep told me, a consumable item!!!
Um, and though he went to great length to explain the refinements of Para's mag...because I had thrown the first one in the garbage...the second one he sent me free was not much better.
All my carry mags are Wilson's.
A NY friend who loves pistol shooting, but never shot the LDA went to a range recently....I/We rented the LDA version of the P14 and shot 500 rounds through both of them, and another 200 outta the two Colts I took also. He really liked the Para LDA...and now all I hear outta him is TAC4!!!!
I have a new Milt Sparks VM2H that fits either the Para or the Colt. And hides them very nicely with great comfort.
I am sure the CCW and Companion Carry will do OK, I prefer the beavertail and extended thumb safety personally. Even though of ordering a CCW(commander) slide barrel/bushing w nitesites and have it fitted to the Companion frame. But have not done so yet....
All in all, I like it alot....and though I can carry my Colt's in Vegas...I pack the Para.....I got it for work, so if I scratch it up.......no biggie.
Jercamp45

[Ringer]

Thanks for the feedback. I really like the LDA trigger and overall feel of the gun, and it seems quite accurate for me. Replacing the mags doesn't bother me, although it seems it shouldn't be necessary as does a couple trips back to the factory on an almost $800 gun.

Hmmm, guess I have to think on it some more.

[casual]

Ringer

i also liked the Para-carry the last time i looked at carry guns

as you commented the price, while high, was not an issue for me as long as i knew i was getting a quality gun

the gun was definitely on the heavy side for such a small package

i loved the trigger for a double action

in the end i had too many concerns about para quality control to pull the trigger for such a steep price

in the end, i purchased a Kimber CDP pro carry which has been perfect

i still think about what a great little gun that para carry seemed like and wish that different manufacturers offered a similar pistol


casual

[jercamp45]

Mine never had to go to the factory...........Just ordered replacement springs from Para.
And, if you have a FFL that'll order at cost...I have seen them here in Vegas for $710.....
That said......the Kimber CDP Compact isalso very sweet. And a friend has CDP Ultra Carry he absolutely LOVES!!
I was also looking at the Wilson KZ45 Compact.....and If I was not pretty committed to Officer's(and Government) mags, pouches, a mech tech carbine conversion as a patrol carbine(on the way) etc...I might get one of those! Nine plus one, fit's the hand very nicely, on board night sights, armor tough finish....right around 1000 here!
Oh, by all means, get a quality holster(I strongly suggest IWB) and belt/mag pouch...makes ALL the difference in carrying concealed!!
Rafter's leather(.com) has some good designs pretty in expensively. But I do like my Milt Sparks!!
Food for thought!
Jercamp45

[Ringer]

I was referring to Alan's comment about his gun going back to the factory.

While I don't want to overspend, price is not a huge factor for me. I need something reliable that I am comfortable shooting and carrying. I may rent a Kimber to give them a try. I'm really not a 1911 person, not that I have anything against them. It was the LDA trigger that drew me to the Para.

Gonna keep shopping.

[jercamp45]

Make sure to check out the Sig 245 in your shopping quest!
I dang near bought one of those instead of the Para Companion. It was the mags, pouches and years of 'feeling' the Officer's has instilled that made me gravitate towards it!
Can't go wrong with a SIG!
Jercamp45

[Denny Hansen]

My wife has close to 3,000 rounds through her original Companion with nary a malfunction. I had one of the Carry Options in for T&E that must have been made late on a Friday--darn thing just wouldn't run. After coming back from the factory, it was better, but would not run 100% with seven rounds. Loading the magazine with just six rounds it ran fine.

Any of the sub-Commander size guns may be hit and miss due to the velocity the slide cycles at with the shortys.

[XavierBreath]

I carry a Para C6.45 LDA. It has close to 2000 rounds through it, no problems. I'm as accurate with it as a 5 inch 1911, at least out to 10 yards.

[Zach S]

I've had a Para Companion for about a year, maybe longer. I had a few problems with the extractor (wouldnt hold tension), and the factory mag (didnt slide lock), and the checkering on the grips was a bit too sharp for my taste. I replaced the extractor with a Wilson BP, went with Wilson mags (the day I got it), and Kimber rubber grips. Now it goes bang every time, even with a limp wrist. If it chokes with a limp wrist, time to change the spring.

Personally, I dont like the carry models with the bobbed hammer, grip and thumb safeties, which is why I got the companion rather than the CCW. I've been thinking of getting a CCW slide and barrel for mine after I get it hardchromed.

[Ringer]

Would the grip for a Colt Defender or the one in this post/picture (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=544265#post544265) fit the Para Companion Carry?

Zach
What type of Kimber grips did you put on yours?

If I go with the Para I think I'd likely change the grip.

[James Bondrock]

These latest P-Os look very attractive, but in 1999 I bought a P12-45 that was, to put it mildly, a lemon. It would not get through a single magazine without failing to feed; I could literally see the slide stop in mid-travel. Its grip safety also abraded and BURNED a hole in the web of my hand. It was a "display" model and was sold at a discounted price, but even a few dozen people fondling it should not have harmed it. I was so disgusted that I traded it in on a Glock 30, which, although ugly and excessively bulky, at least worked. Perhaps I am being a little unfair ...

[Zach S]

Zach
What type of Kimber grips did you put on yours?
Just the regular rubber grips for an officers model out of the slightly used box at the range. Paid seven or eight bucks for them.

If you get one, and decide to change grips, go ahead and get another set of grip bushings and screws, since theyre different for the thin stock grips, and the bushings are held in with red locktight:banghead: