[ExSoldier]

Para vs H&K

I was considering purchasing this real nice Paraord 45 LDA. I was initially turned on by the hammer design coupled the very thought of light double action. Give me some opinions on this gun, anyone own one? carry one? I currently carry a double action gun so it's not like going from carrying a 1911 to a DAO gun...

I'm right now considering the choice of either a USP (H&K) or a PO TAC-4. I'm leaning to the USP because Para seems to have a spotty record of quality control. But that danged TAC-4 just feels soooooo good in my grasp! At 13+1 rds it's hard to beat and I'm specifically looking for a hi-cap 45. I'm just a teeeensy bit worried about whether or not that LDA action is durable enough and their mags all seem to have spring issues....ALL of them! LOL Or so it seems. Some folks over at the 1911 forum have had nightmarish encounters with the PO Customer Service folks. OTOH, the H&K quality control is second to none. But I sorta don't like the raspy feel of the grip and it seems kinda big for my medium sized hands considering it's a 12 rd magazine. So I'm still considering the matter. I have a Sig Sauer P245 that I just love but I don't like the six rd capacity nor the upgraded 8rd capacity with the P220 mags that stick out a bit. But the gun is awesome. VERY rugged.

 

[ExSoldier]

Big Investment....gotta contemplate....

I recommend it! As far as the quality issue, I also have a Colt Commander, Kimber Compact CDP II, and a Taurus Millenimum PT-145. The Para's fit and finish compare equally to the Colt and Kimber. As far as accuracy it is an equal to the other to, but (the caveat here) to shoot for accuracy the trigger slack must be taken up just before finalizing the sight picture. I feel it is the safest carry weapon I own, but if I had to do it over I would have purchased a single stack version. Those 13 rounds get heavy after few hours of carry.

I think I'm looking for something with more versatility (like a rail for a light) and I'm still not too sure of the durability of the LDA action over the long and rugged haul. I'm not too concerned with the weight of a high cap 45. I've carried both the Glock M21 and the Glock M30 as a standard carry piece, no problem.

Also, I'm concerned about the LDA reset. To be sure, the trigger action is smooth as silk and the trigger can be nicely staged for accuracy but if you have to go rapid, how far must the trigger be released before the slack can be retaken for the next shot? In a Glock the reset is a fraction of an inch and you can actually FEEL it click each time. Same for a Sig or an H&K. But how about the Para?

This is a major investment for me....high school teachers don't make tons of bucks and I've been saving for a year for this purchase. I want to make the right choice. But thanks VERY much on your input, it means a whole lot to me and will play a part in my decision making process.