Well again Para USA (formerly Ordnance) has impressed me. This gun is definately a keeper. I took 200 rounds of mixed ammunition to the range today and it gobbled everything up without any malfunctions whatsoever. I had 50 rounds each of:
230gr. Magtech FMJ 230gr. Winchester White Box FMJ 230gr. Federal HydraShok HP 230gr. Hornady XTP HP
Since I really hate the plastic grips, I changed them out with a set of the Kimber Double Diamond Checkered Hard Rubber grips and other than inspecting, thoroughly cleaning and relubricating the gun, I did nothing else.
I do have a couple of complaints. The slide release literally takes two thumbs to depress when there is an "empty" mag in place. Without the mag it works normally. I tried this with a Wilson 47D and one of my Para LTC 9mm mags and they were a bit less difficult to release but still much more than the norm. Not a biggie in my book. This gun has a extremely strong slide return spring. I need to check its weight to see if is the factory norm.
The gun has a flat mainspring housing, my preference and an older style tang on the grip release. All safeties worked flawlessly and the trigger became a bit smoother after about 150 rounds. It breaks cleanly around 4# to my guestimation. The three dot sights were bright white and worked fine.
Shooting from a bench with an Outers adjustable Pistol Rest the hole punching went as follows for the best 9 shot string:
230gr. Magtech FMJ = 3.21 230gr. Winchester White Box FMJ = 3.36 230gr. Federal HydraShok HP = 3.55 230gr. Hornady XTP HP = 3.38
Here is the MagTech target with one called flyer.
Here is the gun taken earlier in the day, after I changed the grips.
"...all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed." -Thomas Jefferson
Had tried to find one in Oklahoma City & Tulsa the last several weeks after a positive article about them in the latest issue of G & A, but no one seems to have any.
Thanks for the pics and review. Appears to be a good deal for the money.
Para USA GI Expert & Range Report
Posted - 02/08/2009 : 20:00:59
