Para Ordnancei LDA

[mr surveyor]

O.K.

Tell me about the 3 inch Para Ordinance LDA .45 acp.

Like all "foreign made" firearms, I've shuned Para for many years, and have only handled one model several years ago. It had a good feel, shot well, but my buddy was into steel match at the time and the Para didn't fit his "need".

I probably don't need to mention my love for "steel firearms" again, and I do love the 1911 fit and feel .... just wanting to try to keep my carries all DA, somewhat compact (single stack only), and a trigger my stinking short stubs can properly reach.

so .... what's the scoop (hopefully not a kitty litter scoop needed)

JD

[Bawanna]

I like them myself. Its all the good things of a 1911 without the c0cked and locked thing.

Its a long but effortless trigger pull, most of the take up is ounces not pounds and then you hit resistance and its just like a single action 1911. Very easy to stage yet very forgiving.

The reset is a deal breaker for some competition shooters as you have to let it all the way out like a kahr.

Takes the same mags as any 1911, officer size for the small version.

I think they are made here now too. Florida I think, but I don't remember for sure.

[mr surveyor]

I would really like to give the 3" model a test drive. Don't want to spend a thousand bucks on one .... especially not just to "try". I'm guessing NIB can be had in the $800 range, but I really don't know. Don't see many around here, but don't see a lot of Kahr pistols around here either .... although more so in the last 2-3 years.

I am particularly interested in knowing about their bugs .... they have to have bugs. All semi-autos have 'em - some just worse than others.

[b4uqzme]

I believe Para moved from Canada to North Carolina in 2009.

I have heard horror stories about 3 inch 1911s but my Para 6.45 has been fine. No bugs. Then again it's not a 1911. I've also heard rumors about quality issues when they first moved to the states but that's unconfirmed.

Para quit making the larger LDAs somewhere around 2011. At some point I think they halted the 3 inch models too but I am not sure when. Per the website they are to resume offering the Carry and Officers LDA models "soon".

When I was shopping for one, I ran across a few stainless examples and most were pushing your $800 mark and most were older Canadian pistols. Very good looking IMHO.

I too wanted a steel 45 with a DA trigger and the 6.45 does it for me. I still would prefer a K45...just wishin

[b4uqzme]

oh, I did hear that the finish on the black ones stunk.

[hardluk1]

Our general store has a SS lda on consignment and its been it the case for years. I think for a used the owner wants to much also at 680 bucks and looks new. Rather buy another new kahr before it.

[Longitude Zero]

My 7.45 LDA has been flawless. Sadly PO severely reduced the number of LDA models and as such the value of those no long made has risen sharply. Today I can easily sell mine for hundreds more than I paid brand new.

[b4uqzme]

From when I was shopping...

http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=19078&highlight=Calling+para+experts

[mr surveyor]

From when I was shopping...

http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=19078&highlight=Calling+para+experts



that's the thread I was trying to remember. It answered all my questions, except now I have to find a local dealer that actually handles the Para line.

[Bawanna]

I think it didn't help that they quit making just a plain stainless gun. They had a lot of green and black etc but the finish was crap.
My first double stack was blued and it's held up very well. My 745 and 645 are stainless and of course hold up fine too.

Couple guys here got what we call the Green Machines and the finish didn't last at all. Gun still shot find just looked like hell.

[Alfonse]

Like my 7.45 (3.5") just fine. It has been flawless. It is a Canadian version, from early last decade. Para even put new night sights in last year gratis.

[Bawanna]

My chief carries one for his duty gun. Can't remember the model, it's like a 4" with an officers size frame.

I have the same version Alfonse has 3 1/2 with officers frame, it's Canada too, 10 years old or older.

[jocko]

I had a canada carry nine, finest trigger system I ever seen. Piss poor quality finish on the alloy frame. I never cuddled up to the gun so I sold it.Lot os potential in their guns, if they get their act right...
\
I doin't even think they make the carry 9 anymore or for that matter hardly any line of 9's..

[jeepster09]

I have ALL the sizes, the 4 1/4 may be the best. I also like the 15 rounder 14.45 LDA, LOT'S OF FIREPOWER! I had the baby PDA 3" Magnaported, works good.

[Bawanna]

I like my 15 rounder a lot, for a double stack it still feels darn nice in the hand. Shoot all day on one mag too.

I'd forgotten, I knew we had another Para guy around here.