Para Carry 9 / PDA or Springfield EMP?????

[XD9]

Well, I'm looking for a new carry pistol that is thin and reliable in a 9mm.  I've had a couple lower end pistols like the Bersa Thunder and the Kel Tec PF9.  They were ok but I haven't been impressed with the accuracy.  I've decided I want to buy a higher end gun, preferably with a match grade 3" barrel.  The Springfield EMP is a beautiful pistol with match grade barrel and trigger.  I don't know much about Para Ordinance but they offer the PDA (match grade barrel) and the Carry 9 (not match grade).  I like the look and feel of all three guns and they fit what I'm looking for.

Anyone know of any other options that are higher end, skinny, and reliable?  I want a 9mm and I want something in the range of $700 to $1000.  Any recommendations between these three options?  Who owns them?  Reviews?  I own a Springfield XD9 and LOVE it.  I'm leaning toward the EMP because I love the brand but I'd like to find out more about the Paras.

Thanks!

[cruzerbotz]

I vote for the EMP.  It is a beautiful pistol and feels good in the hand.  Much better than the others.  I have one and it is extremely accurate.

[XD9]

My first vote is definitely for the EMP as well.  I've gone to four different gun shops here locally and only one of them says they can order it right now.  The others say it's "unavailable" at this time.  They quoted me $1,075.  There are a few listed on GunBroker too that I'm looking at.  Not sure what I'm going to do yet.

One of the gun shops had a Para Carry 9 that I liked the feel of.  I'd like to find somewhere to take a look at the Para PDA before I make a decision.  Anyone else own one of these guns?  How do you like the Paras?

[coyotejoe]

It  seems to me you're trying to mix apples and oranges here. A match grade barrel is important for match shooting. For self defense any shots will be at a large target and very close range, hair splitting accuracy just is not needed nor will one be able to make use of that fine accuracy under the stress of a real life and death situation. Of all the factors to consider in a defensive pistol accuracy should be the least concern, unless you mean the accuracy or "pointablity" of a gun handled quickly and under great stress, some guns do point much more naturally than others and I don't find the Springfield XD to be one of them.

[XD9]

CoyoteJoe, I agree with everything you're saying.  However, I need this gun to serve a dual purpose.  I have other guns I carry so it's not going to be my "main" carry gun.  However, I would like to be able to carry it...that's why I need the compact size.  I would also like to shoot some competitions with it which is why I want the match grade  barrel.  When I say competitions though, I'm talking about the Tuesday night shootouts at my local gun range.  I would rather have a 4 to 5 inch barrel for these but I can't justify buying a full frame pistol that I can't double as a carry gun.  Anyway, I know it seems to contradict each other but it's what I'm looking for.  The EMP is probably going to be the way to go.

Thanks for the post!

[Savage]

Of the two mentioned, I like the EMP as well. Although I think it is way overpriced. Due to a little experience and a lot of observation, Para's are not high on my list. Guess you want a 9mm for the less expensive range ammo. I reload, so the cost of pratice ammo is close to the same for the 9mm and the .45acp. Therefore, my choice in a gun that size would be neither one. The Kimber Ultra Carry is pretty much the same size, maybe a little lighter, and IMO much more gun than either of the two mentioned, plus it falls in your price range. If you are pretty much locked into the 9mm in a 1911 platform, the EMP is probably as good as most.
Savage

[Lloyd Smale]

your wasting your time trying to compete with a 3 inch 1911 or any three inch gun. Sure you can make it go bang and ive even won a trophy or two with one in the lower classes but you are going to knock at least 10 points off your score right from the git go. Heres my suggestion to you if you want a compromise gun. Pick up a kimber or springfield comander sized 1911 in 45acp. They make great carry guns that arent to hard to conseal. My kimber is my main carry gun. They are also accurate enough and shootable enough to use in competition. You probably still wont do as well as you would with a 5 inch gun but they can get you by till you can afford a proper comp gun. If its accuacy you need id definately go with the 45 over the 9. If recoil bothers you load it down a touch. You will want to load down for competition anyway. Finding a 9mm that is accurate enough for competition is a tough chore. Ive found one a 5 inch sti trojan and wouldnt part with it for any ammount of money. 45s are more accuarate in about any platform. they hit harder for self defense in any platform and are more reliable, at least in a 1911 style gun. Dont get me wrong the emp is a cute little gun and id love to have one myself. If they made it in 40sw id have to sell something to buy one. But its a gun thats only good for one thing. CCW

[Savage]

Looks like I missed something here. If you currently carry an XD, even a 5" 1911 would be easier to conceal, and for sure a lot more competitive than any of the 3" guns. A 3" match gun is an oxymoron. A good compromise might be something like my Kimber "Pro Carry". It shoots as good as most fullsize, and conceals easily. That might fit your needs other than the caliber. Good luck in your search!
Savage

[XD9]

If they made it in 40sw id have to sell something to buy one.

They do make it in a 40sw.  Check GunBroker...there are several of them on right now.

[Lloyd Smale]

thank you sir