They don't make guns like they used to...

[JulesMaximus]

They make them better!!! I just picked up a Para-Ordnance 7.45 LDA today and I must say this is a very well designed piece.

I bought it 10 days ago (damned waiting period) and picked up a couple Wilson 8 round magazines and a Wilson recoil spring guide rod kit (because Wilson always seems to make a good gun better). Well, I'll tell you, I'm not disappointed. The tolerances on this gun are much tighter than my Colt Officers model and at least as good as my friend's Government model (probably 7-8 years old). Add Para-Ordnance's LDA trigger system and you have a truly superior design.

I can't wait to shoot it tomorrow. I went to the range today but every lane was taken and there were 3 groups in front of me waiting to shoot!!!

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Yeah, I really like the LDAs. If I were buying one pistol today, it would probably be an LDA (though I would actually like to try a 14.45, since I have big hands).

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Don_Vito
Yeah, I really like the LDAs. If I were buying one pistol today, it would probably be an LDA (though I would actually like to try a 14.45, since I have big hands).

Why? It holds 10+1 and my LDA holds 8+1 (with a Wilson mag). If the government would remove the 10 round restriction I would definitely check out the 14.45 though. I prefer the slim, 1911 grip personally.

 

[Danman]

Hmmm, interesting. A little off-topic, but I have been looking on getting a Sig P226. I want something with a hammer because I'm wierd; that's why I don't want a Glock. I was also looking at a Smith Wesson 5906 or the 910s....but the 910s has the magazine disconnect where you can't shoot anything (even if you have a bullet in the chamber) when the mag is out. Very wierd option IMO.

Your new gun is beautiful though......just a little too expensive for me.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Why? It holds 10+1 and my LDA holds 8+1 (with a Wilson mag). If the government would remove the 10 round restriction I would definitely check out the 14.45 though. I prefer the slim, 1911 grip personally.

The 14-round mags are still readily available. Actually, I see that Para is still selling them. I am not even so much worried about the extra capacity - it's more that I prefer a larger grip, and do not CCW. I think the 7.45 is a more elegant design, though, and definitely better-suited to CCW. Speaking of elegance, it's a shame they can't build an LDA gun with a more 1911-looking trigger - this is a very minor point, but I would like to have a cool hollowed-out trigger like one would see on a gunsmithed 1911. No big deal, though, and I do love the LDA.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Don_Vito

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Why? It holds 10+1 and my LDA holds 8+1 (with a Wilson mag). If the government would remove the 10 round restriction I would definitely check out the 14.45 though. I prefer the slim, 1911 grip personally.

The 14-round mags are still readily available. Actually, I see that Para is still selling them. I am not even so much worried about the extra capacity - it's more that I prefer a larger grip, and do not CCW.

I don't CCW either. I have a Glock 17 with 4 17 round magazines if I wanted/needed spray and pray. Actually, If I were to carry concealed I would probably opt for my Beretta Tomcat 32 ACP because of the size and reliablility of that fine make or carry my Colt Officers model. But then, it's damned near impossible to get a CCW in California.

I've always wanted a Colt Government model and this gun is at least as good as the original if not better.

BTW-I paid $659 for it.

 

[StageLeft]

No pics? that's not nice.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus


I don't CCW either. I have a Glock 17 with 4 17 round magazines if I wanted/needed spray and pray. Actually, If I were to carry concealed I would probably opt for my Beretta Tomcat 32 ACP because of the size and reliablility of that fine make or carry my Colt Officers model. But then, it's damned near impossible to get a CCW in California.

I've always wanted a Colt Government model and this gun is at least as good as the original if not better.

BTW-I paid $659 for it.

Sounds like a good deal! Blued or stainless? I guess probably blued for that price. I have a G17 too, and like it for what it is. Their simplicity and incredible ruggedness is really impressive to me. Definitely not as nice to shoot as your LDA, though. I thought CA had pretty well completely banned "high-capacity" magazines - are you allowed to keep them if you owned them pre-ban?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Don_Vito

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus


I don't CCW either. I have a Glock 17 with 4 17 round magazines if I wanted/needed spray and pray. Actually, If I were to carry concealed I would probably opt for my Beretta Tomcat 32 ACP because of the size and reliablility of that fine make or carry my Colt Officers model. But then, it's damned near impossible to get a CCW in California.

I've always wanted a Colt Government model and this gun is at least as good as the original if not better.

BTW-I paid $659 for it.

Sounds like a good deal! Blued or stainless? I guess probably blued for that price. I have a G17 too, and like it for what it is. Their simplicity and incredible ruggedness is really impressive to me. Definitely not as nice to shoot as your LDA, though. I thought CA had pretty well completely banned "high-capacity" magazines - are you allowed to keep them if you owned them pre-ban?

Nope, it's stainless with nice checkered grips and a finely checkered mainspring housing. It's the stainless one on
this page.

Yes, I bought the Glock magazines pre ban for normal retail price and two came with the gun when I bought it new. You are allowed to keep them if you owned them pre-ban. In fact, I think you are allowed to sell them, they aren't controlled in any way as far as I know...Can't see how they could be, there are no serial numbers on them.

 

[Antisocial Virge]

Originally posted by: cashman
Hmmm, interesting. A little off-topic, but I have been looking on getting a Sig P226. I want something with a hammer because I'm wierd; that's why I don't want a Glock. I was also looking at a Smith Wesson 5906 or the 910s....but the 910s has the magazine disconnect where you can't shoot anything (even if you have a bullet in the chamber) when the mag is out. Very wierd option IMO.

Your new gun is beautiful though......just a little too expensive for me.

Friend of mine was going to sell me his 5906 stainless for $225 with a 10 and 14 rd clip. Nice gun, great price but when we tested it at the range Thursday the thing would not get through a clip without jamming. It wouldn't eject the casing properly and would slam a second one right in behind it. Guess its going back to him.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: cashman
Hmmm, interesting. A little off-topic, but I have been looking on getting a Sig P226. I want something with a hammer because I'm wierd; that's why I don't want a Glock. I was also looking at a Smith Wesson 5906 or the 910s....but the 910s has the magazine disconnect where you can't shoot anything (even if you have a bullet in the chamber) when the mag is out. Very wierd option IMO.

Your new gun is beautiful though......just a little too expensive for me.

Sigs are excellent guns. I wouldn't get a S&W auto though. They make some of the finest revolvers on the planet but their semi-auto handguns leave a lot to be desired...there are plenty of better guns out there for the money.

 

[gordy]

Originally posted by: cashman
I want something with a hammer because I'm wierd; that's why I don't want a Glock.

I felt the same way... I owned a H&K VP70z for 6 mos. got it '93 had 18rd. clip... picked it up at a pawn shop for $100 and was bowled over at the size of it, had only seen pics before and presumed it was Walther PPK size.. WRONG! nevertheless it had like a 100lb trigger pull and the hammerless was just 'un-natural'.. so I sold it for $300

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: gordy

Originally posted by: cashman
I want something with a hammer because I'm wierd; that's why I don't want a Glock.

I felt the same way... I owned a H&K VP70z for 6 mos. got it '93 had 18rd. clip... picked it up at a pawn shop for $100 and was bowled over at the size of it, had only seen pics before and presumed it was Walther PPK size.. WRONG! nevertheless it had like a 100lb trigger pull and the hammerless was just 'un-natural'.. so I sold it for $300

You should try an LDA gun, while I haven't actually fired one dry-firing it gives me wood.

My only concern is the quality stories I hear over in 1911forum. I'm looking for something I can carry, & can't afford to have one just for the hell of it.

Viper GTS

 

[KC5AV]

Originally posted by: cashman
Hmmm, interesting. A little off-topic, but I have been looking on getting a Sig P226. I want something with a hammer because I'm wierd; that's why I don't want a Glock. I was also looking at a Smith Wesson 5906 or the 910s....but the 910s has the magazine disconnect where you can't shoot anything (even if you have a bullet in the chamber) when the mag is out. Very wierd option IMO.

Your new gun is beautiful though......just a little too expensive for me.

I used to have a p226... great gun. Loved it. Sadly, I bought it used and out of warranty. The slide rail sheared off, and sig couldn't repair it. I'm thinking it might be time for another one.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

You should try an LDA gun, while I haven't actually fired one dry-firing it gives me wood.

My only concern is the quality stories I hear over in 1911forum. I'm looking for something I can carry, & can't afford to have one just for the hell of it.

Viper GTS

I didn't know you hadn't fired one - you are in for a treat. Maybe it's because I am used to the long, single-and-a-half-action trigger pull of my Glock, but I actually prefer the LDA feel to single-action 1911s. You should really go to a range and rent one before buying in case you don't like it (though I would be very surprised if this was the case). The LDA trigger has the smoothest double-action trigger pull I have ever felt (a dialed-in Sig P228 was probably second-best).

Re. the quality issues, I kinda think I will buy an LDA Limited when the time comes, on the theory it might get a little more QA review before leaving the factory. I have to say that if I were really relying on a pistol for self-defense (I'm really not interested in CCW), I would prefer a Glock to all others, just because they are so foolproof and virtually never FTF, stovepipe, or jam.

 

[Mookow]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Don_Vito
Yeah, I really like the LDAs. If I were buying one pistol today, it would probably be an LDA (though I would actually like to try a 14.45, since I have big hands).

Why? It holds 10+1 and my LDA holds 8+1 (with a Wilson mag). If the government would remove the 10 round restriction I would definitely check out the 14.45 though. I prefer the slim, 1911 grip personally.

If the AWB isnt renewed this year, the 10 round or lower magazine restriction goes out the window, at least on a federal level.

 

[Gyrene]

Originally posted by: cashman
Hmmm, interesting. A little off-topic, but I have been looking on getting a Sig P226. I want something with a hammer because I'm wierd; that's why I don't want a Glock. I was also looking at a Smith Wesson 5906 or the 910s....but the 910s has the magazine disconnect where you can't shoot anything (even if you have a bullet in the chamber) when the mag is out. Very wierd option IMO.

Your new gun is beautiful though......just a little too expensive for me.

I'm a Sig Sauer nut. Any reason you aren't looking into a P220. That's my favorite .45ACP manufactuered. One of the most reliable and accurate OOTB handguns. And of course, the P226 has to be good. I mean it's the SEALs official handgun.

 

[Mookow]

Originally posted by: dtyn

Originally posted by: cashman
Hmmm, interesting. A little off-topic, but I have been looking on getting a Sig P226. I want something with a hammer because I'm wierd; that's why I don't want a Glock. I was also looking at a Smith Wesson 5906 or the 910s....but the 910s has the magazine disconnect where you can't shoot anything (even if you have a bullet in the chamber) when the mag is out. Very wierd option IMO.

Your new gun is beautiful though......just a little too expensive for me.

I'm a Sig Sauer nut. Any reason you aren't looking into a P220. That's my favorite .45ACP manufactuered. One of the most reliable and accurate OOTB handguns. And of course, the P226 has to be good. I mean it's the SEALs official handgun.

Arent the SEALs getting HK Mark 23's now?

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: dtyn

Originally posted by: cashman
Hmmm, interesting. A little off-topic, but I have been looking on getting a Sig P226. I want something with a hammer because I'm wierd; that's why I don't want a Glock. I was also looking at a Smith Wesson 5906 or the 910s....but the 910s has the magazine disconnect where you can't shoot anything (even if you have a bullet in the chamber) when the mag is out. Very wierd option IMO.

Your new gun is beautiful though......just a little too expensive for me.

I'm a Sig Sauer nut. Any reason you aren't looking into a P220. That's my favorite .45ACP manufactuered. One of the most reliable and accurate OOTB handguns. And of course, the P226 has to be good. I mean it's the SEALs official handgun.

I nearly bought a P220ST, but was turned off by one I rented. I imagine it was just that particular gun (since I have loved the P228s and P226s I have fired), but the trigger really felt bad. The shop usually maintains their rental guns well, but this one was not up to snuff. I still believe in Sig, however!

 

[xeno2060]

All I know is I love my Kimber link
I've owned the Sig-220 it was a nice firearm, but by far I prefer my Kimber

 

[Gyrene]

Originally posted by: Mookow

Originally posted by: dtyn

Originally posted by: cashman
Hmmm, interesting. A little off-topic, but I have been looking on getting a Sig P226. I want something with a hammer because I'm wierd; that's why I don't want a Glock. I was also looking at a Smith Wesson 5906 or the 910s....but the 910s has the magazine disconnect where you can't shoot anything (even if you have a bullet in the chamber) when the mag is out. Very wierd option IMO.

Your new gun is beautiful though......just a little too expensive for me.

I'm a Sig Sauer nut. Any reason you aren't looking into a P220. That's my favorite .45ACP manufactuered. One of the most reliable and accurate OOTB handguns. And of course, the P226 has to be good. I mean it's the SEALs official handgun.

Arent the SEALs getting HK Mark 23's now?

I'm not sure. I don't keep up with the Navy, unless it's to make fun of them. They very well might be.

 

[jimmygates]

Originally posted by: Antisocial-Virge

Originally posted by: cashman
Hmmm, interesting. A little off-topic, but I have been looking on getting a Sig P226. I want something with a hammer because I'm wierd; that's why I don't want a Glock. I was also looking at a Smith Wesson 5906 or the 910s....but the 910s has the magazine disconnect where you can't shoot anything (even if you have a bullet in the chamber) when the mag is out. Very wierd option IMO.

Your new gun is beautiful though......just a little too expensive for me.

Friend of mine was going to sell me his 5906 stainless for $225 with a 10 and 14 rd clip. Nice gun, great price but when we tested it at the range Thursday the thing would not get through a clip without jamming. It wouldn't eject the casing properly and would slam a second one right in behind it. Guess its going back to him.

I have a 5906 and it's super reliable. If your getting failure to extract double feeds try different ammo. I buy Winchester White Box value packs at Walmart. They are good quality target ammo at $10.47 for 100 rounds. If that doesn't work, the extractor might be weak. Take it to a Smith armorer and he can fix it pretty quick. You can also send it to S&W Performance center or Novak's for tune-ups on the gun.


-Jimbo




-Jimbo

 

[RGN]

Can't go wrong with a 1911 design, although I've seen a few feed issues with the LDA's. Maybe the guns were dirty... One can shoot a colt 1911 for several thousand rounds before they are an issue.

Anyway, I just ordered this: m396

18 ounces unloaded.

 

[Mookow]

Originally posted by: dtyn

Originally posted by: MookowArent the SEALs getting HK Mark 23's now?

I'm not sure. I don't keep up with the Navy, unless it's to make fun of them. They very well might be.

SOCOM ordered it from HK to replace the 9mm, since the 9mm wasnt putting people down consistently (duh). However, they may have moved on to something else, since the troops that were issued them were complaining that the Mark 23 is too big. The Mark 23 is a huge handgun, almost Desert Eagle sized. Accurate as a mofo, though.

 

[Wintermute76]

I've got a para 18.9 LDA and a Kimber Pro Carry HD II. I won't say the para is better than my Kimber, the slide to frame fit is noticeably sloppier, but it is a good pistol, no issues at all with it.
The LDA isn't really double action, the initial take up only draws the hammer back, once fired, the slide needs to be racked to recock the hammer, the trigger won't. At any rate it is a slick system.


Cashman, most Browning Hi-powers have a magazine disconnect also, you're right it is a odd thing. More to lessen the chance of an AD/ND with the mag out if you don't check the chamber.