Changing of the Guard?

After many years of shooting Glocks, I decided this year that it was time to give a 1911 a try. I have been competitively shooting pistols since 97, and shooting only Glocks since late 98.

But which one? I was very leery about throwing down over 2 grand for a full on custom. Although several of my friends are/were trying to lead me there and assuring me I won't be happy unless I dive in. But I was just unwilling to take that plunge.

So as luck would have it, a series of events landed what I feel was a terrific opportunity to try it out. A friend picked up a used Para-Ordnance P16 Todd Jarrett model and was looking to resell it quick. So I jumped on it before JR could make his move. This was in July. So I thought I'd give my impressions of it for you.

Above you can see the old and the new. Glock 35, Vanek trigger, Dawson sights, Dawson basepads, skateboard tape - out of a Ghost holster and CR Speed mag pouches. It has been a truly terrific setup and I would happily recommend one just like it to any new shooter.

The Para comes out of the box setup really nice, Dawson front sight and magwell included. The only things I've done to it are burner grips from Jerry Barnhart, a few Dawson basepads and a new CR Speed holster. Suddenly I am in the 1911 world.

This pistol has been FANTASTIC! It is exactly what I was looking for. In 1911 terms it is relatively inexpensive. You can buy them new for about $1300. I got mine for less than that with a few extra mags.

First off, this gun is heavy. I am no longer holding a featherweight Glock. But this has really tamed the recoil of Major pf ammo. As a matter of fact, because this gun uses a standard dust cover with a metal frame most of the weight is down low in your hand, so I've had no trouble with transitions between targets due to the heavier weight.

Reliability - this was my major area of concern. The Para has been flawless! I now have run about 4000 rounds through the gun, both major pf and minor pf without one single failure. And that's using my jacked up reloads. I just started reloading on my own press this year, but that's another story. But the reliability of this gun has been outstanding, I simply cannot say enough about it. Since I'll be using this gun for USPSA, it has to be able to get through some very large stages and it hasn't let me down. I am all smiles.

Point of aim. OK, I'll say it now I must be a freak. Everyone says you should not go from a 1911 to a Glock, or from a Glock to a 1911. Well I've been doing that for a while now with no problems. I'm shooting my Para in USPSA matches and my Glock in IDPA matches. Will that change the more I shoot the Para, I don't know but until then. Keep it simple, when you see the front sight, pull the trigger. Which brings up the next subject...

Trigger. Well this is one area that still needs improving. It seems after shooting Glocks for so long I am not getting the most out of my new trigger. The Para comes in with a very respectable trigger. No I don't have a trigger gauge, but it is very nice. It's of course got that nice crisp 1911 trigger, I'm guessing in the 3 to 4 pound range. Is it a 2 pound SV trigger, no. But it didn't cost as much either. What I'm doing is not working the trigger correctly by only letting off the trigger enough to reset, but am cycling my finger just like I do on my Glocks fast and furious. So I have some dry fire work to do there. Gives me a goal for this winter.

The mags have been great, requiring little maintenance during a match. This is a major bonus if you ask me. Most of the problems I see at the range are mag related. I wipe them off with a rag to get the dust and dirt off and just reload them for the next stage. When I get home, I clean them up for the next match, sometimes. And at $50 new, they're not a bad deal.

Problems. There have been very few. Mostly centered around my grip. I shoot with my thumbs forward, with my weak hand thumb pressing the frame. On a Glock, there is a thumb pad that is built up so it is even with the side of the slide. But on the Para, the frame is actually lower (more narrow) than the slide. So I have caught myself shooting with my thumb in the air not pressing the slide, and you guessed it, my accuracy went out the window. When I concentrate and press my thumb to the slide, things are great. But it is a training issue that I will need to cure this winter also. Second item is reloading. On a Glock, my fingers are just right to be able to work the mag release and slide release without changing my grip. On the Para this is a no-go. So I have to remember to change my grip, press the control, and regrip the gun before I shoot. Not a big deal and I'm mostly out of the woods on this one.

I know I have only scratched the surface of this gun, only having it for a few months. But if this is an indication of future function and reliability, I am sold on Para-Ordnance. We will see how it holds up to a year or two of constant use and see what 10 or 20 thousand rounds do to it. I've read a lot of info on the net about them, some good, some bad. But my experience with them has been good. Very good!

If anyone out there is looking to give Limited/Limited 10 class a try using a 1911, check out the Para-Ordnance.