Handgun News, Reviews and Technical Information

Handgun News, Reviews and Technical Information

PARA USA’s customer service relocates to its North Carolina headquarters.

Service for all PARA USA and Para-Ordnance firearms will now be done at its new home in the Charlotte, North Carolina area

Effective June 1, 2010 all firearms being returned to PARA USA for any purpose should be sent to the new company headquarters in Pineville, North Carolina. The relocation of its Customer Service Center to the Charlotte area is part of the continuing consolidation of PARA’s operations to its new North Carolina home. Now getting a return authorization number for service is quicker than ever.

Returning a firearm to PARA is easy, all the owner needs to do is call PARA’s Customer Service Department to request a return authorization number. All firearms being returned to the Pineville headquarters must have a return authorization number to insure that they are quickly and efficiently directed to the proper department. All firearms shipments should have a clear and concise letter with them explaining the reason they are being returned.

PARA USA has the best service policy in the firearms industry with its Lifetime Gold Medallion Service Policy for all original owners of PARA and Para-Ordnance firearms purchased after January 1, 2001. Having the Customer Service Center located at its headquarters facility will mean improved turnaround time if a PARA owner should need to have his firearm serviced.

MAKE SURE THAT THE FIREARM AND ANY MAGAZINES ARE UNLOADED. DO NOT SHIP ANY CARTRIDGES WITH A FIREARM.

Starting, Tuesday, June 1, 2010 all firearms being returned to PARA USA need to be shipped to its headquarters in Pineville, North Carolina.

PARA Customer Service is open from 9 AM to 5 PM (EST) and may be reached at 704-930-7600. The address for PARA USA, Inc. is 10620 Southern Loop Blvd., Pineville, NC. 28134.

GLOCK RECALLS GENERATION 4 RECOIL SPRING ASSEMBLIES

 

 

 

GLOCK Inc. is voluntarily exchanging the recoil spring assembly (RSA) on its new Gen4 pistols (with the exception of G26 and G27 models). GLOCK has developed a new design to the recoil spring assemblies on its Gen4 pistols to replace several variations that are functioning in the market today. As part of the company’s commitment to perfection, we are voluntarily exchanging the existing RSA in order to ensure our products perform up to GLOCK’s stringent standards.

GLOCK is replacing the RSA in all Gen4s sold before July 22, 2011 at no cost. Please complete the following procedure to receive a new RSA. The RSA can safely and simply be swapped out using normal field stripping protocols. If you have additional questions, please contact GLOCK at 1-877-745-8523 with your serial number and model number.

CONSUMER ACTION:

  1. Call 1-877-745-8523 with your serial number and model number to request your modified RSA. GLOCK will verify your serial number and collect shipping information
  2. Within 30 days, GLOCK will send you a replacement RSA along with a pre-addressed envelope to mail in your old spring
  3. Ensure your Gen4 is completely unloaded
  4. Field strip your GLOCK per the instructions found in your ‘Instructions for Use’ manual that came with your pistol and replace the old RSA with the new one
  5. Place the old RSA in the supplied shipping container and give to the United States Postal Service (USPS)
Glock Recoil Spring Assembly ID Chart

Glock Recoil Spring Assembly ID Chart

 

 

FNP-45 TACTICAL PREMATURE SLIDE RELEASE

So I headed off to Blue Trail Range in Wallingford Connecticut last Friday to put a few new weapons through their paces. First up was the FNP 45 TACTICAL and a surprise. Upon inserting a loaded  to capacity  magazine the slide closed by itself chambering a round. To say I was caught off guard was an understatement. Initially I thought that maybe somehow I managed to hit the slide stop but further shooting revealed it was repeatable for four out of five magazines. After I got used to this action I joked to myself that this would be a slick feature in combat situations. I continued shooting and havng a great experience the the FNP 45 TACTICAL.

Later when I was home I decided to see if I missed something in the operators manual. After browsing cover to cover a few times I didnt fimd anything unsual or any cautionary notes on the slide release and magazine changes. I next decided to search Google. Low and behold this seems to be a common comment about all of the FN FNP series of handguns. Some comments state it is in the design. Others state it’s from inserting magazines with too much force.  My personal experience is that I inserted the magazine gently butt had to give it a smack to lock in place when the magazine was loaded to capacity. Furthermore I am unable to recreate the action with an empty magazine regardless of the force used.

If anyone knows the facts on this subject please drop me a line by commenting here.

FNH FNP 45 TACTICAL in BLACK PICTURES

I picked up my black FNH FNP 45 TACTICAL yesterday. Dont see many of these in black. Most are FDE or Flat Dark Earth. The pistol came with this nice case and three magazine. My initial impressions are very favorable.  I am hoping to get out shooting Friday. Will report back with a full review soon.

FNH FNP 45 TACTICAL

FNH FNP 45 TACTICAL INSIDE FACTORY CASE

FNH FNP 45 TACTICAL

FNH FNP 45 TACTICAL

FNH FNP 45 TACTICAL

FNH FNP 45 TACTICAL

FN FNP 45 TACTICAL – Ordered One Today

Over the past several weeks I began the process to purchase an Advanced Armament (AAC) Ti-RANT 45 SOUND SUPPRESSOR. I dont currently own a .45acp with a threaded barrel so I decided it was time to change that status. Originally i set out to get either an HK 45 or SIG SAUER P220 COMBAT TB. Then a good friend mentioned the FN FNP 45 TACTICAL. After a little bit of research it turned out that his advice was spot on. Today I placed the order.

FN FNP 45 TACTICAL

FN FNP 45 TACTICAL

SIG Sauer P250 Subcompact with Rail

SIG Sauer P250 Subcompact with Accessory Rail

SIG Sauer P250 Subcompact with Accessory Rail

 

SIG SAUER, Inc., the leading manufacturer of commercial, law enforcement and military firearms, introduces the latest version of the P250™ Modular Pistol System, the P250 Subcompact with an integral M1913 accessory rail.

Featuring the medium grip contoured to fit most hand sizes, the new P250 Subcompact allows users to mount lights and lasers on the smallest P250 frame. SIGLITE® Night Sights are standard on the Nitron®–coated, one-piece stainless steel slide.

The modular fire control system of the P250 allows users to choose the caliber, barrel length and frame size to fit their needs. Available in 9mm, .40S&W and .357SIG, the P250 Subcompact offers a consistent 6.5 double-action-only trigger pull.

An ambidextrous slide catch lever and reversible magazine catch makes the P250 user-friendly for both right- and left-handed shooters. With 12 rounds of 9mm or 10 rounds of .40S&W or .357SIG, the P250 Subcompact offers substantial firepower for a concealed carry pistol. SIGsauer.com.

Become a fan of SIG SAUER® on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SigSauerInc.

THE COMPLETE GLOCK REFERENCE GUIDE

Since purchasing my GEN 4 GLOCK 22 a few months back I have become some what consumed with all things GLOCK. Recently I stumbled upon THE COMPLETE GLOCK REFERENCE GUIDE. The book seems to get great reviews online. This leaves me no choice but to purchase a copy for my self.

Ill add a follow up post after I spend some time with the book.

 

THE COMPLETE GLOCK® REFERENCE GUIDE

 

PTOOMA Productions LLC of Spokane, Washington has assembled a group of the finest Glock certified advanced Armorers, former high-ranking Glock Employees, and leaders of the Glock parts and accessories industry to produce “The Complete Glock Reference Guide”.

Subjects include:

  • Extensive coverage of Glock history
  • Assembly/disassembly
  • Maintenance
  • Customization
  • Parts interchangeability
  • Everything else you ever wanted or needed to know about your Glock handgun.

Jam-packed with more than 300 pages and over 400 black and white/color photos.

Special featured section includes “The Ultimate Glock Torture Test”. We subjected a G23 to the most rigorous torture test ever performed and captured on video.

This guide is the most comprehensive collection of Glock information ever offered. If you own or use any Glock handgun, this book is an absolute necessity!

“The Complete Glock Reference Guide” is the follow up to the very successful “Glock Repair & Maintenance CD-ROM” released in 2002, which was used as courseware at the well-known Front Sight Training Institute in Las Vegas Nevada.

PARA PDA GRIPS are Not Standard Compact 1911

I recently read online many folks stating the the PARA USA PDA 6+1 LDA  9mm and 45 auto used standard compact 1911 grips. That information is not correct. The PDA is a 6+1 round . This means the grip frame is too short, about 1/4″. The screw holes are not in the correct location and the grips are much thinner than a typicall 1911.

Further complicating matters the 9mm and 45 PDA are not the same either.

The only source I have found manufacturing grips that will fit either model Para PDA is Raasco Grips.

GLOCK 22 HOLSTER – BLACKHAWK CQC SERPA PICTURE

I was taking some pictures for a few of my other sites and I decided to grab a quick picture of the BLACKHAWK CQC SERPA for GLOCK 22. The holster and Glock look like they were made for each other.

 

GLOCK 22 HOLSTER - BLACKHAWK CQC SERPA PICTURE

GLOCK 22 HOLSTER - BLACKHAWK CQC SERPA PICTURE

 

GLOCK 22 HOLSTER - BLACKHAWK CQC SERPA PICTURE

GLOCK 22 HOLSTER - BLACKHAWK CQC SERPA PICTURE

PARA USA LDA PDA COMPACT 1911 DOUBLE ACTION ONLY .45 PICTURES

I friend with an FFL in Florida helped me purchase my new Para PDA. He took some pictures to hold me over until the handgun reached me in the next week or two.

PARA USA LDA PDA COMPACT 1911 DOUBLE ACTION ONLY .45

PARA USA LDA PDA COMPACT 1911 DOUBLE ACTION ONLY .45

PARA USA LDA PDA COMPACT 1911 DOUBLE ACTION ONLY .45

PARA USA LDA PDA COMPACT 1911 DOUBLE ACTION ONLY .45 with SPRINGFIELD ARMORY EMP 9mm

PARA USA LDA PDA COMPACT 1911 DOUBLE ACTION ONLY .45 with SPRINGFIELD ARMORY EMP 9mm

PARA USA LDA PDA COMPACT 1911 DOUBLE ACTION ONLY .45 with SPRINGFIELD ARMORY EMP 9mm - Bores Compared

PARA USA LDA PDA COMPACT 1911 DOUBLE ACTION ONLY .45

PARA USA LDA PDA COMPACT 1911 DOUBLE ACTION ONLY .45

PARA USA LDA PDA COMPACT 1911 DOUBLE ACTION ONLY .45 NIGHT SIGHTS

PARA USA LDA PDA COMPACT 1911 DOUBLE ACTION ONLY .45 NIGHT SIGHTS

 

PARA USA PDA LDA .45 ACP CWX645RS – MY LATEST

 

PARA USA PXT LDA .45 ACP CWX645RS

PARA USA PDA LDA .45 ACP CWX645RS

A few years ago I downsized my concealed carry pistol from a Para Ordnance P12 .45 ACP to a S&W 642 in .38 Special+P. the 642 has served well but the trigger pull was very heavy, it lacked night sights and most of all it wasnt a .45 and Im a .45 guy to the bone. So I set out to find a suitable replacement. Interestingly there wasn’t many  main stream handguns that fit the bill or more importantly that I would trust my life with. I looked at Glock, Smith & Wesson, HK, Springfield Armory, Beretta, Sig Saue, Ruger and CZ but nothing fit the bill. Then it hit me, why not go back to where I started back to Para Ordnance which is now PARA USA here in the states. Low and behold they had exactly what I was looking for, the PARA USA PDA LDA .45 ACP CWX645RS. The PXT LDA is a single stack 6+1 pocket sized double action only based on a 1911.

Carrying the PDA LDA

My standard holster for a concealed carry handgun is the KRAMER VERTICAL SCABBARD from KRAMER HANDGUN LEATHER which I have promptly ordered. Additionally I ordered two spare magazines from the PARA PRO SHOP.

 

From Para Usa:

When you need to respond in seconds and outside help is minutes away, the PARA PDA in .45 ACP is your able assistant. Ready to answer the call are 6+1 rounds of .45 ACP. The potent fire power of the PDA is at your command with the controllable smooth LDA trigger. The PDA .45 won’t weigh you down; its lightweight alloy frame drops the weight of this micro compact to 24 ounces.

  • Product Code: CWX645RS
  • Caliber: .45 ACP
  • Rounds: 6+1
  • Barrel: 3″
  • Weight: 24 oz.
  • Length: 6.5″
  • Height: 4.75″
  • Hammer: Spurless
  • Sights: Night Sights
  • Receiver: Alloy
  • Finish: Duo-Tone
  • Magazine: PNM645P
  • MSRP: $1,299.00

HK45 MY NEXT TACTICAL HANDGUN

HK45 TACTICAL HANDGUN

Avoiding the temptation to buy another 1911 or 10mm GLOCK I am currently leaning heavily towards the highly regarded HECKLER KOCH HK45 PISTOL. Quite simply In my lifetime of shooting I have never owned an HK handgun of any type. Now this isn’t to say that I didn’t have more than a passing interest in the P7 or USP when they were released. I think for the most part the cost was more than I could accept at that time in my life. Today in 2011 the price of the HK45 is inline with other premium handguns from the likes of SIG SAUER. In fact a decent KIMBER 1911 will cost about 50 percent more than HK45.

If I learned one thing about myself and firearms over the years it’s that just talking about something is 3/4 of the way to buying. I’m thinking that may apply to blogging as well.

Stay Tuned

KIMBER TACTICAL PRO II 1911 PISTOL

My friend went KIMBER 1911 shopping today for a KIMBER PRO CDP II and came home with a KIMBER TACTICAL PRO II 1911 PISTOL. The gun shop reports that Kimber has a backlog of 60,000 handguns.

KIMBER TACTICAL PRO II 1911 PISTOL

KIMBER TACTICAL PRO II 1911 PISTOL

 

Specifications

Caliber: .45 ACP
Height (inches) 90° to barrel: 5.50
Weight (ounces) with empty magazine: 28
Length (inches): 7.7
Magazine capacity: 7
Magazine well
Ambidextrous thumb safety
Recoil spring (pounds): 22.0
Full-length guide rod
Also available: 9 mm

Frame

Material: Aluminum
Finish: Matte gray
KimPro II™ frame finish
Width (inches): 1.28
Front strap checkering
Checkering under trigger guard

Slide

Material: Steel
Finish: Matte black

Barrel

Length (inches): 4
Material: Steel, match grade
Twist rate (left hand): 16

Sights

Meprolight Tritium 3-dot night sight, fixed
Radius (inches): 5.7

Grips

Laminated
Double diamond
Kimber logo

Trigger

Premium aluminum, match grade
Factory setting (appx. pounds): 4.0 – 5.0

SIG SAUER ST-900L TACTICAL LIGHT and LASER

 

 

SIG SAUER ST-900L TACTICAL LIGHT and LASER

 

SIG SAUER ST-900L TACTICAL LIGHT and LASER

SIG SAUER ST-900L TACTICAL LIGHT and LASER

The SIG SAUER STL-900L Tactical Light & Laser is the ideal integrated solution for weapons illumination and aiming. A high output LED provides a blinding white light, with a strobe function optimized for disorientation. The high intensity red laser works alone or in combination with the white light to provide pinpoint accuracy. Intuitive push button operation allows for any combination of light and laser function. Magnetic switching assures optimum performance and durability under the most demanding conditions. Digital integrated circuits provide power management and optimize battery life. Ergonomic design and advanced materials assure light weight and a compact form factor. The STL-900L features a quick release latching system that can be operated with one hand and tightened for added security without the use of tools. The unit attaches to M1913 and similar type rails, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of platforms.

The SIG SAUER STL-900L Tactical Light & Laser is your best option when facing the unknown.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• Quick release latching system mounts to M1913 and similar type rails
• On-board tool for laser windage & elevation Adjustment
• 4MM glass lens
• Advanced polymer HOUSING, with an anodized aluminum bezel
• Integrated circuits provide power management
• High intensity red laser works alone or in combination with the white light
• 80 minutes peak battery life, using (1) CR123A Lithium Battery
• High output LED (*130 Lumens peak) provides a blinding white light, with a strobe function
• GREAT for civilians, off duty officers & military personnel

*Output based on LED manufacturers specifications.

 

SIG SAUER P226 ENHANCED ELITE 40 SMITH&WESSON PICTURE

Here is a picture of my brand new SIG SAUER P226 ENHANCED ELITE chambered in 40 SMITH&WESSON. While I’m not a fan of how it looks it sure fits my hand very well. I’ll go as far as to say its one of the most comfortable handguns I have ever held.

SIG SAUER P226 ENHANCED ELITE

SIG SAUER P226 ENHANCED ELITE

 

The P226 Elite adds an ergonomic extended beavertail, forward cocking serrations, front strap checkering, custom wood grips, and the Short Reset Trigger (SRT). SIG engineers designed the SRT to provide the same safety and action of the SIG DA/SA trigger with a reset that is 60% shorter for faster trigger return during high speed shooting. The Elite Dark is equipped with alloy grips instead of wood. The Platinum Elite also has aluminum grips. The P226 Elite line is available in 9mm, .357 SIG, and .40 S&W.

The “Enhanced Elite” models take the same features common to all Elite series pistols and combine them with the ergonomic one piece reduced reach grips used in the E2 pistols.