PARA 1911 LTC - First Report

[alfsauve]

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.

[m25operator]

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.

[alfsauve]

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

[tumblebug]

 55

[Fatman]

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

[Sponsor]

[PegLeg45]

Really nice there, Alfa..

Next time you're down on the bottom end of the state, stop by and let me shoot it.......

[jaybet]

You are obviously a lucky man...thanks for sharing!

[TSB]

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

[TSB]

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

[alfsauve]

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.