Para Ordnance Expert Carry 8+1 45ACP 3" - Blue/Black, 3" Barrel, 8+1 Rounds, Polymer Grips, Night Sights

I bought this little gem from Buds last year. I wanted to shoot it a few times before I offered an opinion about it. Well, the time has come and I'm glad I waited to write this. First, Buds was good about the ordering process. We had a few hiccups. Be aware that weather can have an affect on Buds ability to receive and also process orders. Mine was not the lightning fast experience that several others describe but it was not unpleasant either. Thank you Bud's for braving the snow and ice to bring me my new companion. Next, the gun. I was on the fence after reviving it. I liked the feel. The slide, Holy Christmas! Eat your Wheaties, Folks! This is the most difficult slide I've ever encountered. Even at other retail stores the counter guys thought it was stuck. It's the model line, not the individual gun. I manually operated the slide a few hundred times before taking it out to shoot. After about 200 rounds it has loosened up; a little. I was still on the fence until I bought new grips. Now, the love affair has truly blossomed! This gun is great in every way (even the tough slide it's endearing to me.) I've only ever shoot one other 1911 but this little Bad A$$ is far superior to that one. Accuracy, Recoil, Feel (after losing the stock polymer plates): All in a different class. I've a different Brand/Style of .45 acp in a 4.5 inch barrel. The Para, with its 3" barrel, is more accurate and lighter than the larger one I've owned and shot for years. If you get one of these little beauties, give yourself some a little time to get used to it's personality. For me at least, it was well worth the time invested. (And I've got a Kung Funny grip now thanks to Para and this slide!)

Own a few 1911s, but this is my first sub compact/lightweight version. Fed it various FMJ ball, FMJ flat nose, and various HPs. 250 rounds total. It ate everything without a hiccup. Accurate and a pleasure to shoot! As always Buds was perfect.

Was looking for a compact 1911 with a 3 inch barrel and a full size frame. Saw the Para and ordered it right away. Bud's as usual was quick to deliver to my FFL and I picked it up and went to the range. Took it down for a quick cleaning and inspection. This is a well made pistol, tight and smooth... Real tight........ Only had time for 100rds of 230gr round nose and 25rds of 185gr HP... Not a single FTF, burp, hiccup or any problems. Shot at 30 feet and kept all in the black... I am so happy with this and will be using for my ccw.... Oh, and it comes with the Novak style rear sight, not the blade sight, much better... Front fiber sight is bright and this pistol is easy to get on target.. This pistol did loosen up after my range time....