Couple of new to me Para Expert 1911's

[scoobysnacker]

So I walked into the local gun shop, not looking for anything in particular, just window shopping (as I told the counter guy). Usually everything new is outside my tastes, either too pricey or too plastic.

My son and I had just stopped at Academy to buy a new .45 acp brush, as mine had disappeared. So I admit I did have .45 on the mind, mostly just to look at. We drifted over to the used counter, looking at prices (mostly old police .40's), and I noticed that they had a few 1911's in the case. Most of them over $800.
Most, not all... there were 2 Para Experts in .45 acp, in like-new condition, $399. Both in 5" configuration, stock grips, tags said comes with box and 2 mags (one had 3). I looked them over, one had a skeletonized trigger, the other didn't (but still adjustable). Both had NC stamps, one has a barcode stamp on the slide, the other didn't.
When I say "like-new", I'm serious... the guns were dry as stone, but the finish on both are perfect. Both cases were serialized to the guns, the owner's manual and an ATF pamphlet are present and pristine, both have the bushing tool present... one still has an unopened Para gun lock in a bag.
I am pretty suspicious that these might have been old stock, that they just finally moved to the used counter and sold cheaper. One may have been a display.

I really couldn't decide between the two at the store, and my son was looking intently at them too. So I figured what the heck, picked them both up. I know the brand has some detractors, but as far as I can tell, these will do fine.


We took them to the range and they are definitely shooters, at least with FMJ.
Pics to follow

 

[scoobysnacker]

Here are some phone pictures

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[dr. mordo]

Congrats!

I have had a Para Expert Commander for maybe 4 years now, and it has been flawless. I carried it for about a year before I transitioned to carrying a Hi Power when I carried an auto.

Those Paras have a surprisingly good trigger compared to other mid-range 1911s.

 

[scoobysnacker]

Another picture

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[ContinentalOp]

Nice score. Para-Ordnance seemed to be one of those guns that were a bit hit-or-miss when it came to quality. The only one I've seen in action was in the hands of an instructor several years ago when they originally came out as a double-stack frame kit, before they started making complete guns. I don't recall it ever having issues during the course.

I was intrigued by their LDA guns, but never got around to trying one.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have a couple of LDA 45's in a 3" and a 4" barrel length. I have had great results from these early samples. I don't think they even offer the LDA series. The accuracy has been outstanding for a compact 45! I carry the single with the 6+1 and a 8 round Shooting Star as my reload. the double has 12 rounds of 45 goodness, I usually don't carry a reload for that.

Ivan