Excellence Through InnoVation

At Para, we want to give you the option of carrying the best with no compromise, that's why Para gives you the most choices - from ultra flat, single stack to high capacity carry pistols. Only Para offers you custom features, exclusive innovations and match-grade performance as standard equipment!

Power Extractor

In the opinion of many firearms experts, the original John M. Browning 1911 design is the finest handgun design ever created. Perhaps the most noticeable weak point of that design is the extractor, which can lose tension over time, resulting in inconsistent extraction or even the dreaded double feed. While our competitors resort to odd gimmicks like an outside extractor, Para innovated its exclusive PXT™ Power Extractor.

The claw of the PXT (pictured at right) is 50% larger than a standard extractor (at left), providing enormous extraction power and eliminating double feeds.

With the PXT, Para alone has retained the classic 1911 appearance, while at the same time providing a whole new level of functional reliability.

High Capacity

Prior to 1988, you had a tough choice: you could opt for the power of a traditional 1911, but with the limitation of a 7-round magazine; or you could choose a high-capacity “WonderNine” with a far less potent cartridge. Nobody in the firearms industry came up with a solution until, in 1988, Para rewrote the book on 1911 firepower with the introduction of its double-stack .45 ACP.

There was no trade-off any more; Para created a combination its competition previously thought impossible …high capacity plus impressive stopping power. Para innovated, and the industry followed. When the chips are down, high capacity beats a rapid reload every time!

Match-Grade Ramped Barrel

The original 1911 feed ramp configuration was designed with military round-nosed jacketed bullets in mind. But what if you require equally reliable feeding with lead semi-wadcutters or “flying ashtray” hollowpoints? For smooth feeding with every bullet shape, plus a safe, strong support for +P loads, there’s no substitute for a ramped barrel.

Before Para came on the scene, the ramped barrel was a high-priced extra offered by no one in the industry, just a few custom pistolsmiths. Today, the ramped barrel is an extra-cost feature on the competition’s higher end 1911s, but it’s standard on every Para PXT. This is just one example of the extra value built into every Para PXT pistol.

LDA

Prior to Para’s development of the LDA trigger, double-action semiautomatic trigger pulls came in three varieties: mushy, hard and unpredictable. With the LDA trigger, Para led the way for others to attempt to follow. Describing Para’s exclusive LDA ignition system, Shooting Times’ Sheriff Jim Wilson said, “This is simply the smoothest double-action system that is currently produced. The trigger pull is smooth, light and consistent, and as a result, the hits are very consistent, too.” Many handgun reviewers have likened the LDA trigger pull to that of a superbly tuned double-action revolver. The best way to evaluate the LDA trigger, however, is to actually try a Para LDA pistol at the range. Shooters who had previously believed that no double-action trigger would come up to their standards have become LDA devotees. It’s that good!

Fiber Optic Sight

A clear sight picture is absolutely necessary to make every shot your best shot. For many years, the answer was to install an aftermarket fiber optic from sight. Para was the first to offer their NEW interchangeable Fiber Optic Front Sight on the new Tactical Duty, Todd Jarrett USPSA Limited Edition .45 and Para Gun Rights PXT P14•45.

The fiber optic rod literally glows, even in dim light, creating a bright, easy-to-see dot on your front sight. For lightning-quick sight acquisition and follow-up shots, the Fiber Optic Front Sight offers the unfair advantage every shooter dreams of. Like the sight picture, the choice is clear: get Para or pay extra later.

Para-Kote™ Finish

Blue or stainless finish? The competition would limit your choices; Para gives you a wide range of tough, good-looking finishes from which to choose. Para’s exclusive Para Kote™ finishes are ideal for the shooter who likes to keep a gun for many years; they offer good looks, plus lasting, rock-hard protection and Teflon-based lubricating qualities. Para Kote is a handsome finish that withstands hard knocks and holster wear. The Teflon component results in smoother functioning and also makes cleaning a lot easier.