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Author Topic: Para or STI  (Read 1022 times)

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Offline jcsabolt2

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Para or STI
« on: February 19, 2004, 07:03:40 AM »
What do you all think about the Para C6.45 (45 ACP) vs. the STI LS (40 S&W)?  I believe the STI's retail price is about $100+ cheaper, but it has a full hammer and beavertail.  I don't particularily want that in a CCW gun.  The trigger on the Para is very nice, never held a STI and there isn't anyone around me that sells them to my knowledge.
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Offline Mikey

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Para and STI
« Reply #1 on: February 20, 2004, 04:52:53 AM »
jcsabolt2:  those are two different handguns altogether.  The STI is a single action automatic 1911 clone, the Para has its own DA only design, although they do make a regular type 1911, too.

The Para is 45 and the STI you are looking at is 40 S&W.  If you look at the STI 45 auto, it is just a dressed out 1911 with all the bells and whistles.  I would choose the 45 ACP over the 40 S&W.

I understand the Paras are pretty accurate and I think that from the posts I've read, the shooters who have them really like them.  

If you are going to spend the $ for an STI, look to the Kimber - it may well be the better performer.  But, if you get the chance for a range session with anyone who owns either, grab a handful of each pistol, shoot up a box or so of ammo and then decide which one you would prefer.  HTH.  Mikey.
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Offline rockbilly

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Para or STI
« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2004, 05:59:27 AM »
I purchased one of the first Para. C6-45s to hit the market in my area.  It was everything I was looking for in a carry gun. Although it was a little on the heavy side, I liked the idea of the .45 caliber, and the accuracy was outstanding.  I was at the range, and let one of our local police officers talk me out of it.  He said he had been unable to locate one.  He wanted it for a back-up gun, I sold it to him on the spot.

I haven't replaced it yet, but looking back I wish I had just given him my old AMT .40 Backup.  It is also heavy, packs a fairly good punch, not the most accurat by any standards, but it is tough a nails.  I don't like the weight of the big autos, so I'm back to my S&W 60-9 wheel gun until I can locate another Para.
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Offline jakes10mm

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Careful with Para
« Reply #3 on: February 20, 2004, 11:57:40 AM »
I shoot USPSA competitions and wanted to move into the "hicap" Limited division.  Couldn't stomach (or afford) the STI's and went with a P16-40.  Now going on 2 years later and approximately 2500 rounds (mainly 165gr @ 1150fps & 180gr @ 1000fps) through the Para, it was loosened up to the point that I'm retiring it from competition.  Tried to contact Para Ord via email, but they are not responding.  Will go to the phone next.  Probably 80% on the hicap shooters are using STI's.  Says something about quality.  The "top shooters" had urged me away from Para before I purchased it.

Just my two cents worth.
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Offline T.J. McSuds

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Para or STI
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2004, 03:06:29 PM »
My daily carry/IDPA gun is a Para LDA CCW. This is the Commander length slide on an officers size frame. This is the first auto, and I've owned many, that made me give up my beloved S&W m66 as a carry gun. It has been 100% dependable and is more accurate than I am capable of. If I do my part, head shots on an IDPA target @ 25yds are no problem.
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Offline volshooter

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Para or STI
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2004, 03:37:17 PM »
I traded a Glock in on my Para 12/45 and never looked back. The Para is in my opinion the best compact carry I've ever layed hands on. If, and I'm sure, the LDA's are nearly as good as my Para...get one. This one will out shoot speed wise and accuracy wise anything I've ever shot. I've owned a few carry pistols and this one gets my 100% backing. Mine will shoot equally well with all .45 ammo with +P Gold Dot 185's taking top honors.
Enjoy!
Rick :D
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Offline legacy38

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Para or STI
« Reply #6 on: April 05, 2004, 03:26:22 PM »
I love the Paras.  They seem to be great guns, and the trigger on them is wonderful.  I also like the .45ACP much better than the .40SW.
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Offline TScottO

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Para or STI
« Reply #7 on: April 05, 2004, 04:34:40 PM »
The STI slide is machined from bar stock steel not a casting. The majority of our hicap shooters shoot STI as well. I’m not sure if there is a finer 1911 production firearm made, including Kimber. STI is the Freedom Arms of 1911’s IMOP. Damn well built guns. I prefer the 38 super.

Be safe,
Scott
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Offline JC

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para / sti
« Reply #8 on: October 20, 2004, 04:31:03 AM »
I carry a Para P-13 ltd. I can tell you  that the only problem i have had is that is picky with ammo due to the steep ramp "no swc for practice" I got the P13 after I had a run in with Kimbers custom shop on a gun,  I told there customer service manager that I had bought my last Kimber. I sold it to a guy who wanted it and told him the problem it was having to clear my conscious and bought the P13. I have nothing but great service from it. The STI is an awesome piece. The one I shot was well balanced and had a solid feel to it. To me you can't go wrong either way.
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Offline 1lnbrdg

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Para or STI
« Reply #9 on: October 29, 2004, 04:19:18 PM »
Supposedly, Para is making a polymer-frame double stack 1911.  I haven't been able to find anything out about it though.  anyone out there know anything about it?
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Offline vinconco

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Para or STI
« Reply #10 on: March 01, 2005, 04:06:29 PM »
I think the STI mags are better designed for feeding.  Having only shot paras for the last 10 years of USPSA competiton I have found the Para mags to be very unforgiving and finicky.  STI has a shallower taper going into the lips and I think produces less friction and binding resulting in fewer feeding malfunctions.  The only mag I have that has never been involved in a feeding malfunction is a STI Big Stick designed for the Para.
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