Are the Para-Ord's LDAs 1911s?

[Alan Fud]

As most are aware, a few years ago Para-Ordnance introduced a new LDA system on their 1911's. Some say that these LDA models are not true 1911's because the definition of a 1911 is a single action pistol that can be carried cocked N locked and that is not the case with the LDA's. Others, don't see this as an issue and still consider the LDA's a 1911 despite the fact that it is not pure SA.

What's your opinion? 1911 or not?

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

it's as much a 1911 as a ballester molina is, which means it's merely 1911-ish.

 

[PCRCCW]

It is NOT a true 1911 in any sense of the word.

This isnt bad, good or indifferent. Just different........Its like Kimbers with their Series 2 Firing pin Block.....its not a true 1911 either.

The LDA is just farther away from the original mark as opposed to the others.

Shoot well

 

[Smoke]

Look at it this way....

A Para Ordnance LDA is a slightly modified 1911 with a radical trigger change.

Some 1911 Parts are interchangeable with the LDA, some are not.

The LDA is, IMO, the best DAO pistol out there....but I don't like DAO.

 

[Alan Fud]

Posted by Smoke: ... The LDA is, IMO, the best DAO pistol out there ...

Yeah, I sort of like them as well, which is why I own a few of them ...

 

[Smoke]

Alan Fud

Nice collection. I owned one of the early fullsize LDA's which I put 2500 rounds through without a hiccup. I then determined that DAO was not for me and traded it in on a Limited P.14 single action.

I am however, reconsidering the LDA since they came out with the CCW and Companion. I can see an advantage in the gun in a smaller size. I may have to re-evaluate one in the near future.

 

[10-Ring]

Nice group shot Mr Fud!

As for your question...the LDA may not be a traditional 1911, but it is a very close variation

 

[George Hill]

Nope. Neither is a Double Eagle... but it's close enough to look good.

 

[popeye]

I think there's at least 40+ additional parts in the LDA TO achieve what? The only DA 1911 I've seen I liked was the Seecamp conversion. Keep it simple works for me.

 

[Dr.Rob]

You've obviously never FIRED a Seecamp conversion. factory trigger pull is about 14 pounds, with a good smith and a LOT of polishing able to get it down to a clean 12+. Oh and forget about +p ammo, it will make the DA trigger reset spring derail into the magazine well, did I mention it hates HP ammo?

Still, The seecamp conversion retains all the 1911 parts, it just adds a few more.

I was impressed with the LDA until I handled one, what's the point of DA if you can't pull the trigger twice, as in on a misfired round?

 

[popeye]

I stand corrected! I own 6 Colt 1911's n 1 Commander. If for no other reason I wouldn't buy an LDA because of that dinky lookin trigger hanging down there. I thought about that smallest LDA for carry piece but for half the price, I think I'll go with a S&W 457.

 

[Tamara]

It may not be a 1911, but it's very 1911-esque. (-ish? -like?) Anyhow, if I owned an LDA and someone asked me how many 1911's I had, I'd probably include it in the tally.


The thing that's always baffled me about the double-stack LDA is: Why remove two of the best things about the 1911? (The crisp, near-zero-travel trigger and the slim grip. )

 

[Smoke]

Tamara:

I can answer that.....I think.

You remove the crisp, near zero travel trigger so you can have a PC DAO for the suits in the local police administration.

You get rid of the slim grip for people like me with great big monkey paws for hands.

Double stack: I like, Double Action: No thanks.

 

[bountyhunter]

It is a 1911 VARIANT.

 

[bountyhunter]

You get rid of the slim grip for people like me with great big monkey paws for hands.

I don't have monkey paws, but I do have large hands with long skinny fingers. A standard 1911 is just to small to grip, it rattles around loose in my hands. The double stacks are perfect.

 

[XavierBreath]

For me what makes a 1911 a 1911 is the locking mechanism of the barrel. That means, to me at least, the LDA is at least a 1911 cousin.

Of course, single action triggers complete the 1911 picture, and that is where the LDA goes astray. The LDA does not do it without good reason or poorly executed though. On using a LDA it feels more like a trigger cocking action. Once you get the hammer back with the trigger (which is a very light pull), it feels very close to a SA on trigger breaking.

If a 1911 was to be made DAO, Paraordnance got it right.