Para Ordnance 1911 .45 ACP

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

I got a chance to examine a Para Ordnance 1911 style .45 caliber
SSP this morning at my local gunshop. I noticed that this is a new
design with the power extractor; and that this 1911 model
was introduced in Feburary of 2004. My question is, does anyone
own one of these; and if so, how do you like it? My dealer has 'em
for $599*, which seems like an attractive price. Fit and finish seem
to be absolutely marvelous; and the gun has many features only
found on custom .45's. As always, all thoughts and opinions are
welcome.

FootNote: Retail List = $749

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

The http://forum.m1911.org/ had a few reports of peoples extractor assemblies breaking (manufacturing problems or let's see what is in there and then not put it back together correctly problems?) but I handled the same model (it was $617 or so here) and it does feel well done.

Considering my Para Carry has given me no problems, I can recommend getting one if you feel like, though many people will disagree.

 

[Billy Sparks]

Dan I know what you mean. My shop has one in stick and it looks good. The only problem is that I bought a Para LDA (Tac 4) and the slide stop fractured in the first 50 rounds. Now I know any pistol can have a problem but until I run more rounds through it I am very leary about Para stuff. I just cannot trust my life to them...yet.

 

[1911Tuner]

Para Power Extractor

I'm a little leery of the "Super-Duper, Double-Throwdown" extractor that para has touted as the answer to the "weak link" in the 1911 design.
I haven't seen one in the flesh yet, but from the desctiptions of the thing,
it just seems to be a little too "Murphy" to be comfortable with. Sorta like the AFTEK that roared onto the scene a few years ago. Seen'em give a lotta trouble...They're much too busy. The extractor shouldn't need a parts schematic. It doesn't need separate springs. Properly made, it IS a spring.

Besides which, it's an answer in search of a question. The original extractor, made of the proper materials and correctly heat-treated and drawn is likely going to outlast the gun. The >proper< extractor isn't the weak link in the 1911 anyway...Like any other self-shucker, it's the magazine. Good magazines...A proper extractor...And good ammo is the key to reliability with the 1911.

Just my 2% of a buck...

Tuner

 

[ruger357]

Don't know if this matters but I heard the frame and the slide is cast.

 

[Jim Watson]

That is not a problem; how often do you hear of a cracked slide or frame? Not never, but not often. It is the little parts of ersatz materials, gimmick designs, and low workmanship that give trouble.

Reports of broken POXTs led to a claim of "100% inspection" by the company; that the pieces were already cracked upon installation.

The separate hook is a rather complex shape, I'd be surprised if they weren't MIM.

The only AFTEC I know of in use works fine, but it sure took a lot of cussing and tweaking to get it in right.

 

[Ala Dan]

Thanks Fell'as

for the updated information on the Para Ordnance SSP. I
was wondering, cuz I had a customer that is really into
the IDPA thing, and he was inquiring about the new SSP
1911 model from Para. Seems as though he uses one of
the wide body Para's for the matches?

*FootNote- the ole' saying "if looks could kill, then I would
be dead" is probably true of this weapon. This is definitely
one handsome devil; but I will be sure to pass along the
info that you guy's so kindly shared with us.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[silent one]

Say Dan,

I guess I wasn't too far off base, huh ?

good luck, and be safe.


SILENT ONE

 

[Ric]

I've got one and had the extractor break after a hundred rounds or so. Para made it right and it has been running like a champ since.

As for me, I highly recommend it. Very accurate