[iso1]

I've been looking around for a good .45ACP pistol, but the prices are a little high for me.

A friend has a Para Ordnance Tac4, with 6 magazines, a few different holsters, and other goodies, for $550.

Anybody have experience with this gun? Or Para in general?

This will replace my Glock 23 as my duty weapon, so I'd like to get some good info before I buy it. Reliable? Accurate? Worth $550?

Thanks.

[Eastside]

I owned a Paraordnance for a while. It was an OK gun. Their customer service was horrible. But maybe they have cleaned their act up and if you like the gun why not.
But you could have had a SIG :)

[Sir Knight]

I have some experience with Para Ordnance ...

http://fud-files.netfirms.com/image/private/guns/f116.jpg

... Including the Tac Four. Despite being a mid-size gun, it conceals really well. Also, due to it's all-steel construction, felt recoil is relatively mild and accuracy is more than acceptable at 50 feet. I can no longer see beyond fifty feet (everything is a blur beyond that point) so I do not bother target shooting beyond 50 feet.

However, I would not recommend it for self defense purposes. The only ammo that it feeds properly is FMJ. Reliability with HPs is questionable. I would get a "few" (2, 3, maybe 4) jams per every box of 50 rounds. Even a trip back to the factory did not correct the problem.

If the gun was reliable, it would be a perfect CCW. However, it is a fun gun to shoot at the range.

[Sir Knight]

+1 on the Sig. A used 229 should go for about the same price and I never had a problem with mine. Of course, we're talking about a .45 vs a .40 but I would not feel underarmed with 12+1 of .40S&W in the 229. Of course, 13+1 of .45ACP would be better IF the gun was reliable.

[ExSniper]

Several friends with Para echo Alan's remarks about feeding problems, some will some won't.
SIG is good, but look at XD 45 Compact also!

[iso1]

Well, I just took a look at the gun. It IS sweet, but you have all confirmed what another friend told me about the HP feeding issue.

This would be my duty weapon, and I need a pistol that will function reliably, every single time.

I already carry 13+1 of .40 in the Glock 23, and after a conservative estimate of 6,000 rds through it, have never had a single problem, with any type of ammo.

I think I'll pass on the Para. I can't justify spending $500 on something if it's got a reliability issue with HPs, since I'm required to cary HPs at work.

It was a sweet looking gun, though.

Thanks everyone.

[Sir Knight]

It was a sweet looking gun, though.That's the thing with a lot of the Para's ... they look nice, feel nice and even carry well but when it comes to being reliable ... :down: