The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: alfsauve on August 29, 2008, 08:11:43 PM
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Thought everyone might want a "first look" at the Para 1911 LTC I received from DRTV.
The first thing I noticed was the box....naturally. It's smaller, width-wise, than other gun cases. But it's thicker and bulkier. Substantial came to mind. Many people use these plastic boxes as their range boxes and they'll like this one because there's room inside for 4 spare magazines, plus one in the gun. Too bad they didn't go ahead an leave room for a box of ammo as well. The box also has the "not for sale in MA" sticker, which to me just increases the value of the gun.
The gun looks and feels very slick. Even my wife commented on it's nice appearance and feel. (My point of reference is my Colt model 70 in .45ACP, which I've owned it since, 1970.) The Para LTC has the expected improvements for any modern 1911. It has a recoil spring guide, a long beaver tailed tang, a skeleton trigger, an extended safety and a rounded, skeleton hammer. The flat, covert black finish is very nice. The fit is nice. The slide operates smoothly, but is snug with no play on the rails and the trigger is crisp with very little over-travel. The over travel I believe is adjustable. The side grips are checkered and feel comfortable. The lighter weight alloy receiver makes the gun lighter than my Colt. It feel and hefts very similar to the polymer guns now so popular.
The one real negative is the import stamp on the right side of the receiver. It is of poor quality and detracts from the overall appearance of the gun. A minor nit is that the manual is generic to all of Para's 1911 and isn't specific to the LTC. There are no directions on how to adjust the trigger or what to do with the three Allen wrenches. They did include a barrel bushing wrench which is nice. (I used it once then put it back in the bag. Never having ahd one I'm pretty adapt at 1911 take-down with just a spent cartridge case.) Finally, some users might like to have the front of the grip checkered.
Overall if someone were looking for a 1911, the Para LTC would be a good choice.
Here's a picture of the gun during backyard dry fire practice.
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/alfsauve/AlfwithParaSmall.jpg)
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Thanks Alfsuave, good pistol porn, and 1 allen should be for the trigger, the other I'm guessing is for the grip screws, the 3rd I don't know unless it has adjustable sights or a 2 piece guide rod, with an allen in the front.
As to the trigger adjustment for overtravel, with an unloaded pistol, adjust the screw clockwise and keep dryfiring the trigger until the pistol will not fire, then back it out a 1/4 turn, now this is important, cock the hammer and pull the trigger while lowering the hammer with your thumb, it should be very free, and have no resistance on the way down, if it does, the hammer is hitting the sear, and will ruin the sear, if this is the case, back the screw out until you feel zero resistance, then loctite the overtravel screw, if you don't it will adjust itself, usually the wrong way so the pistol won't fire.
Good prize, I hope your happy with it, if not, contact me, it's worth at least 50 bucks. ;D
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Sorry, I should have made the point clearer. No problem here. I know what to do with the Allen wrenches.
My complaint was that the MANUAL doesn't cover their usage. (CORRECTION: The the manual does cover using one wrench for the fixed site set screw.) Most specifically the manual does not cover trigger adjustment (overtravel) at all. The manual was not updated to reflect the PCX99R model so there are a number of anomilies, and of course there's no technical data on this model.
This is all a minor nit. Overall I don't expect much from anybody's manuals these days. OH, except, I just got a Savage 25 in .223 today. That manual was specifically written for the 25. They didn't just throw in a model 14 manual. And they have detail instructions on their trigger adjustments. I've posted my first look at the 25 on the Savage board, since DRTV is more into tactical.
Alf
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55
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Sorry, I should have made the point clearer. No problem here. I know what to do with the Allen wrenches.
My complaint was that the MANUAL doesn't cover their usage. (CORRECTION: The the manual does cover using one wrench for the fixed site set screw.) Most specifically the manual does not cover trigger adjustment (overtravel) at all. The manual was not updated to reflect the PCX99R model so there are a number of anomilies, and of course there's no technical data on this model.
This is all a minor nit. Overall I don't expect much from anybody's manuals these days. OH, except, I just got a Savage 25 in .223 today. That manual was specifically written for the 25. They didn't just throw in a model 14 manual. And they have detail instructions on their trigger adjustments. I've posted my first look at the 25 on the Savage board, since DRTV is more into tactical.
Alf
Alf, I recently picked ip a Nite Hawg, and it came with a little card that said "Congratulations" and an attaboy for buying the pistol on one side - it will apparently make me the best shot I can be (thought practice did that :) ), and on the other...
WARNING
The trigger overtravel adjustment screw has been set by the factory. Further adjustment can impede proper function of the firing pin block safety linkage and/or cause damage to the sear contact surface. Adjustment to the trigger overtravel adjustment screw should be done only by a factory authorized warranty station.
For further information, call 954-202-4440
Personally, I like m25's answer better. But I will call first, lol
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Really nice there, Alfa.. 8)
Next time you're down on the bottom end of the state, stop by and let me shoot it....... ;D
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You are obviously a lucky man...thanks for sharing!
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I own the same pistol! Overall I'm really pleased with the gun, it feels good, shoots well and is far more accurate than I am. I'm shooting sub two inch groups from 25 yds when I remember my prescription shooting glasses. I have 500 to 600 rounds through it with NO ammo problems, NO FTF or ejection problems. I did put on some WCombat carry grip panels and it's now about as wide as the slide. Loaded with 185 gr JHP, it's running about 34 ounces and almost unnoticable on my hip.
My only complaint is the finish is already worn through at the slide stop and safety. All in all, quite a nice little gun for 700 bucks and change....I may buy the same in 9 mm to save some money at the range.
T
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P.S.
Don't know why the have the label "Not for Sale in MA".
I live in MA, bought the gun in MA brand new, and have a license in MA.
Go figure....
T
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TSB,
Possibly because they package it two different ways. One for MA (possibly MD and CA) and the other for the rest of the world. Mine did not come with a spent shell and the magazine holds umpteen gazillion rounds. So you might be able to get the same gun but not the exact same accessories and documentation (or lack there of).
SORRY TO RUB IT IN....NOTHING PERSONAL, but I just prize the fact that sticker. Like, we're special here in GA and you're just.....well, not.
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Alf,
Yes, your special no doubt about it. ;D Trust me when I say I would love to live somewhere normal (MI born) but I married a local girl and she's worth the pain.....
My case had the same sticker, couldn't figure why. MA is very restrictive on what you can buy new and all must have a visible loaded chamber indicator. We are restricted to a 10 round magazine unless it's a pre-ban mag, my stock Para mags hold 8.
Enjoy your new toy, I like mine whatever way it came...
Tim
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TSB,
I went back and read my post and it came across "meaner" than I meant. I am sorry for sounding the way I did. The state of Georgia gets the brunt of it along many lines. So please forgive me for my momentary gloat.
I do feel the pain for those in more restrictive states. And I do know there are many very good reasons for living in those states. Heck, I've visited MA on business many times and have nothing but good stories to tell.
I think the lack of a spent cartridge and the high cap mags is the reason this one was marked the way it was.
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Alf,
No apologies necessary!
I've lived and traveled all over the country and I settled here out of necessity. In the twenty six years I've lived up here, I have yet to find any redeaming quality for MA.
The politics will drive you crazy, the people are not very nice and the weather changes every fifteen minutes. Other than that it's a wonderful place too see in your rear view mirror!
I've spent considerable time in GA over the years, mostly out at Vogtle on the Savanah River. Absolutely a beautiful part of America.....
Tim
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Why thanks for the kind words, Tim.
I was only in MA on business, usually just Mon-Fri, but I had a good time. Some fun parties in Lowell and then there was the time, real late one night I flew in and the limo's had stopped running. A limo driver saw me and took pity. Trouble was he couldn't take me Lowell until he picked up his paying fair for another hour. So with time to kill, around midnight, he took me to his bar in So Boston, where we had donuts and coffee on the house and a rollicking good time with his Irish "cousins". I think it was 2 or 3 when I got to Lowell, but I had a fun night.
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Alf,
The next time you come up, take a day and make the two or three hour drive west of Boston. The hillls west of Worcester (eastern Appalachia) will probably remind you of home, without all the yellow pine of course!
Been good typin' at ya.
Tim
p.s. Thanks for your Service!
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I just bought a new steel frame Para LTC in midnight blue. Although it was new in case there was only one magazine, no bushing wrench, spent case, or Allen wrenches. Even though these items were missing I can't complain due to the low cost of $ 488.00 + TAX. I'm really looking forward to taking it to the range because it will be my primary concealed carry weapon. My main concern are the reports I've been hearing on the durability of the Para's finish. What are some of the pro's and con's that anyone has heard about or witnessed on it's finish? Also, all of the pictures I have seen of the LTC have a stainless colored beavertail, hammer, slide release, thumb safety, and magazine release, plus the pictures show the barrel marked "MATCH". Mine is completely midnight blue and the barrel is stamped with just the Para logo. Any answers on this. Thanks in advance for any answers.
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I just bought a new steel frame Para LTC in midnight blue. Although it was new in case there was only one magazine, no bushing wrench, spent case, or Allen wrenches. Even though these items were missing I can't complain due to the low cost of $ 488.00 + TAX. I'm really looking forward to taking it to the range because it will be my primary concealed carry weapon. My main concern are the reports I've been hearing on the durability of the Para's finish. What are some of the pro's and con's that anyone has heard about or witnessed on it's finish? Also, all of the pictures I have seen of the LTC have a stainless colored beavertail, hammer, slide release, thumb safety, and magazine release, plus the pictures show the barrel marked "MATCH". Mine is completely midnight blue and the barrel is stamped with just the Para logo. Any answers on this. Thanks in advance for any answers.
My Paras did not come with bushing wrenches (I have no problem disassembling my P14 w/o one) but the models that have hex screws should come with the wrenches, mine did. Ditto a second mag. Spent case was in my last two. Maybe your state requires the casing be submitted upon sale.
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I just bought a new steel frame Para LTC in midnight blue. Although it was new in case there was only one magazine, no bushing wrench, spent case, or Allen wrenches. Even though these items were missing I can't complain due to the low cost of $ 488.00 + TAX. I'm really looking forward to taking it to the range because it will be my primary concealed carry weapon. My main concern are the reports I've been hearing on the durability of the Para's finish. What are some of the pro's and con's that anyone has heard about or witnessed on it's finish? Also, all of the pictures I have seen of the LTC have a stainless colored beavertail, hammer, slide release, thumb safety, and magazine release, plus the pictures show the barrel marked "MATCH". Mine is completely midnight blue and the barrel is stamped with just the Para logo. Any answers on this. Thanks in advance for any answers.
I believe the only thing mising is a mag. It should have two. There's a blue steel version with stainless parts that's a special edition for 2009. That one has a stainless barrel. MSRP: $949.00 http://www.paraord.com/new/product_pistol.php?id=3
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P.S.
Don't know why the have the label "Not for Sale in MA".
I live in MA, bought the gun in MA brand new, and have a license in MA.
Go figure....
T
I agree with the guest. I give firearms safety training Massachusetts and never saw anything like that. However, I have heard that they are banning BB guns, is that true?
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Since you've resurrected a five or six year old thread... I'll answer the BB gun question.
Section 12B. No minor under the age of eighteen shall have an air rifle or so-called BB gun in his possession while in any place to which the public has a right of access unless he is accompanied by an adult or unless he is the holder of a sporting or hunting license and has on his person a permit from the chief of police of the town in which he resides granting him the right of such possession. No person shall discharge a BB shot, pellet or other object from an air rifle or so-called BB gun into, from or across any street, alley, public way or railroad or railway right of way, and no minor under the age of eighteen shall discharge a BB shot, pellet or other object from an air rifle or BB gun unless he is accompanied by an adult or is the holder of a sporting or hunting license. Whoever violates this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars, and the air rifle or BB gun or other weapon shall be confiscated. Upon a conviction of a violation of this section the air rifle or BB gun or other weapon shall, by the written authority of the court, be forwarded to the colonel of the state police, who may dispose of said article in the same manner as prescribed in section ten.
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter269/Section12B
TSB... AKA, Timothy
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My goodness, I didn't see that post is old. ::) Anyways, thanks a lot Timothy for the reply. There are some states where it is not allowed to carry a loaded firearms in the public place. In violating the rule a the person has to give fine between $100-$1000 and his license may also get revoked. Government laws are funny sometimes! :o