Para Ordnance Questions

[deker]

So, I ran into a guy at the range the other day shooting a Para LDA who let me fire a mag downrange and I discovered that I really like the LDA trigger. Since I'm moving to a shall issue state soon, I'm beginning the process of deciding what I'd like to carry. Since it'll be my first CCW, I kind of like the idea of a DA handgun and the LDA seems to be a nice compromise for me (my first handgun was a 1911, I got spoiled by the trigger on that ).

What I'm trying to find out is what the difference in grip width between their single and double stack pistols is. It seems to be the one measurement that Para leaves out on their website.

The other thing I'm wondering is if either (or both) use 1911-style mainspring housings as I'm thinking that a bobtailled LDA would be nice. If not I suppose just rounding the butt would do as well.

Also, I'm just interested in any thoughts/experiences with LDA pistols from the peanut gallery.

Thanks for any info,

-d

 

[Zach S]

MSH is interchangable, however on LDA models you'd better put zip-tie around the grip to keep the grip safety in place.

IIRC the grip isnt much wider, from one panel to the other, but the wide frontstrap takes a little getting used to. I can't CC one most of the time, but then again I'm 6ft tall and weigh 160lbs. Your best bet is to try one on.

My LDA has been pretty reliable, I had extractor issues and replaced it with a Wilson part. The magazine didnt like to slide-lock either, so I got wilson magazines and that hast been a problem either. One complaint is the fact that it rusts so easily, some people dont have problems with Para's stainless, some do. Mine is currently in a heavy zip-lock bag sprayed down with a healthy dose of break-free until I can send it to Tripp's. Mine is a C7.45 LDA, AKA the Companion.

 

[OEF_VET]

I have three Para LDA's: a C7/45 LDA Companion, a Stealth Hi-Cap 45 (14/45 LDA), and The Colonel (commander sized 14/45LDA in SpecOps OD green finish).

I routinely CCW either the C7/45 or the Colonel, depending on my mood. In fact, I'm wearing the Colonel as I type this. Due the way Para builds the grip frame, the grips don't seem to stick out much further than they do on a single stack. The front grip strap is a little bigger, but if you have sizable hands, it shouldn't be an issue. I'm 5'8", 175#, and have no problems concealing either pistol. The Stealth Hi-Cap can be difficult to effectively conceal, but it is a full-sized, 5" barelled pistol.

With regard to the hi-capacity magazines, the factory Para mags are the best functioning. However, they are nearly $50 each. Mec-Gar makes some cheaper, 10-round alternatives, which are great for routine range work. The Mec-Gars don't have a last-round, slide lock though, which is one reason I wouldn't want to use them as CCW back-up mags; that and the fact they're 10 rounders, while the factory mags are 14.

If you opt for a single-stack, you can use any 1911 mags. Personally, I prefer either Wilson, CMC, or Kimber.

HTH,
Frank

 

[Aguila Blanca]

I've measured, although it was so long ago that I don't remember the exact numbers. Para's LDA series and P series double stacks use the same frames. Overall, the maximum thickness of the grip is only a very tiny bit wider than that of a single stack 1911 because the double stack Para grip panels are so thin. As the gentleman above noted, the real difference is that the grip toward the forward end is wider and more squared off than a single stack, which has more of an oval shape.

My hands aren't especially large -- I can't palm a basketball, and I can usually wear size Medium gloves -- and I find the Para double stacks to be comfortable to hold and easy to shoot. I have a P12.45, an LDA12.45, and a P13.45.

 

[wally]

I've had good luck getting the 13-round (~$20) Mec-Gar Para P14 mags to lock the slide back simply by "thinning" the sides of the follower. Seems they are a bit too wide to come up enough in an empty mag to lock the slide back. I just put a large flat file on the table and ran each side of the follower along the file for a few strokes with a bit more pressure towards the top of the follower.

IMHO Para widebody mags are no great shakes and just barley a notch above Pro Mag in terms of quality and reliable function out of the box despite their high price. I've a P14, P13, P12, & P10. Only the P10 has given me no mag related problems (even ProMag P10 mags have worked for me out of the box with it), P12 was the worst, P14 second best.

--wally.

 

[deker]

Thanks for the info!

Thanks for all the great info! Keep it coming!

I'm trying to decide what I'll be doing and since I can't afford one of C.T. Brian's Sidewinders I'm currently considering a Para Carry 12 (sent off to Virgil Tripp for a bobtail conversion and hard chroming) or a CZ/Dan Wesson Bobtailled Commander sent off to Dave Severns for a check-up and Virgil For hard chrome.

Right now I'm kind of leaning towards the Para due to cost as well as concealment, but I REALLY like my current Dan Wesson, and wouldn't hesitate at all to get another one.

One other thing I'm wondering about is the felt recoil and controllabillity compared between the fullsize Para and the Carry 12. I'm not too concerned about it (I've managed to do pretty well at the range with a S&W 640PD which is only 12oz), but I would like to have whatever I carry also be something I'd be comfortable training with a lot at the range. Anybody with experience shooting both want to weigh in on the difference in shooting experience?

thanks again folks,

-d

 

[OEF_VET]

I can't say as I've experienced enough of a difference in notice to even notice.

Of course, felt recoil is dependant on a number of things, such as body size, upper body strength, proper grip, and experience, to name a few. Some folks can handle a snubnosed .500 S&W Mag, while others can't handle a light loaded .38 SPL.

The best thing to do would be to fire one of each and see which you like more.

 

[Jehzsa]

FWIW, and even though it will not answer your specific question, my P10-45 with Fiocchi kicks like my PP Super .380 with Hirtenberger. The P10 is similar to the Warthog.

 

[deker]

I can't say as I've experienced enough of a difference in notice to even notice.

Of course, felt recoil is dependant on a number of things, such as body size, upper body strength, proper grip, and experience, to name a few. Some folks can handle a snubnosed .500 S&W Mag, while others can't handle a light loaded .38 SPL.

True, but I figure that "felt recoil" on two similar guns with the same shooter should at least give me a range from "not much difference" to "two totally different guns!". What is for you may not be for me, but at least I can get some comparative measurement with you as the control

The best thing to do would be to fire one of each and see which you like more.

If only it were that easy...I'd probably have to buy both for that...not that that's a bad idea mind you, just can't justify it right now

Thanks,

-d

 

[kirkcdl]

If you're looking for a CCW gun,don't overlook the C6.45 Para Carry.Smallest of the bunch,good shooter,too...

 

[Aguila Blanca]

I can't say that I notice any difference in perceived recoil between (among) the P12/LDA12, the P13, and a full-size Government 1911. I can also report that my P12, at least in my hands, is actually more accurate than the P13, but both are more than adequate for concealed carry and self-defense.

 

[Krag]

I have had two LDAs. I use an 18.9 for USPSA Production division matches and had a CCW for carry. Both have proven 110% reliable. I no longer have the CCW as I found it a too heavy for everyday carry and replaced it with a Kahr PM9.