Conventional or LDA 1911

[Big K]

Had my selection narrowed down to a couple of Springfield models then picked up a Para single stack LDA at a shop yesterday, now I am not sure. The trigger pull was sweet but long, nice finish and not having to leave it cocked all the time has its advantages. Want either stainless or black/blued in 4.25" would be my first choice in barrel length, will be for a backup carry (after I am confident with the piece), steel, paper & plinking. Currently own XD's (sub & 4") hunting revolvers (da & sa). Looking for advice, pro's & con's or should I go back to the Springfield's or other.

[JCM298]

Big K,

I have two Para LDA's. The first was a Carry 12, bought NIB in April. The second is a used C6.45, bought at a price that I couldn't resist. Both have very smooth triggers and both are very accurate.

I am satisfied with both guns,

John

[John]

Not that my opinion is of any importance, I am well known for being a purist, so I would go with either the Springfield or a Para single-stack, single-action.

Then again, I am me, so your mileage may vary.

[SMMAssociates]

I've got a Para Tac-Four - Commander-sized double-stacker in LDA....

And a "real" Commander, too.... :D

IMHO, you might want to avoid the double-stackers.

The LDA innards are a little different, and a little more complex than pure Browning, but mine's been 100% in that respect in the six months or so I've owned it.

The "Para Stripdown" thread here will give you an idea of what's inside.

(For various reasons, mostly due to improper cleaning after some minor repairs, the Commander has been much less reliable than the Para, but I got all that cleaned up - it's feeling much better now....)

If I had it to do over again, I think I'd stay away from the double-stackers entirely - magazine issues mostly - but like the LDA. I don't care for Condition One (which really is the only way to carry a 1911), and while the Para LDA really is in Condition One if you chamber a round, there's just enough more going on to make me feel better about it. It also doesn't look quite as agressive, which helps with the sheeple issues. :eek:

YMMV, of course. Para's QC people are great to work with, and I don't see any quality problems except that some of the black parts of my Tac-Four have lost some color. Barely relevant.... I don't really like the sights on this one all that much, but they're not that bad.

[robertbank]

If you want a 4 1/4 in gun then I would look hard at Para's LTC. Guys that have it rave about the gun. I have the SSP which is the 5 in model and it is outstanding both in accuracy and fit and finish. I think the two guns are the best buys out there and Para has excellent customer service.

I should mention my SSP has not had a FTF yet. I erload everything from 185 to 230 gr

[Big K]

Great info, gives me some more models to research ...
thanks again

narrowed it down to the following?

Springfield Champion / Stainless

Para LTC

Kimber Pro Carry II / Stainless

[Mike Nicholas]

Great info, gives me some more models to research ...
thanks again

narrowed it down to the following?

Springfield Champion / Stainless

Para LTC

Kimber Pro Carry II / Stainless

I would go with the para.... springfield is having a lot of problems with jamming right now>