sailorkarl

My Para likes SVI mags better than the STI ones. The STI's sit higher in the frame.

I believe SVI and Barsto still have 2011's on the California roster.

Since Para hasn't made one yet... Rich at Canyon Creek built this one a while back. The pistol has 20k rounds through it and still going strong. It's Caspian slide with a Schuemann barrel. It balances well (about the same as my single stack) and is soft shooting. I highly recommend it! Karl

Happy with ISMI.

Yes, mine came too (to my address outside of CA). I was emailed asking if black was ok. I said yes and they arrived soon afterword. I havn't seen them yet since I'm still out in CA. Karl

I guess I spoke to soon:( "Items on backorder"

Just noticed that Para has full capacity mags in stock again. (maybe they've been in stock for a while) http://paraproshop.com/double-stack-40-67-ctg.htm I recently got an email as a POA (Para Owners of America) member, offering $5 dollars off on full cap mags. You can sign up for POA for no charge. The email also had some discounts on Para AR mags ($11 ea) and discounts on 5 and 6 inch top end kits. It's worth signing up. No, I don't work for them. Just thought someone else might be interested too.

ISMI here too. I used to like the stock Para springs, but they changed them to a squared off coil. Now I'm using the ISMI with no problems.

Love my Brass Wizard. Got it from Dillon Precision. Works great on hard dirt. It does pick up rocks too, but those are easy to remove from the bucket.

I agree about using factory Para Mags. Factory tubes and springs, Arredondo followers. I get 20-21 rounds with no fiddling around. That being said, my friends SVI 140mm mags run great. I can't see spending the extra money though.

Another vote for Rich at Canyon Creek. He built my P16 (for someone else). I'm very happy with the work done. Para Mags are the way to go. Either factory +2 base pads or Dawson's, factory springs and factory or Arredondo followers in mine. Arredondo: www.arredondoaccessories.com Dawson Precision: www.dawsonprecision.com

Ours had a bit over 19,000 rounds through it. Still just as tight and no cracks. It has a lightened 6" top end by Canyon Creek.

Depending on the magazines you have, you may be able to change out the follower and spring for an 8 round set. I upgraded my Les Baer mags when I got them. Wilson Combat has "Magazine conversion kit" for about $10 (Brownells part #965-266-245DF). Chip McCormick has replacement followers for $10 (Brownels part #207-000-011DF).

Here's what I have on record for Clays. All velocities are from a 6" Schuman Barrel, loaded long for my Para, and from a 3.6" H&K USP Compact (when available). 155 grain Lead SWC. 3.0 gr. 797 / 708 3.3 gr. 871 / 813 3.8 gr. 940 / 875 4.2 gr. 1027 4.6 gr. 1087 5.1 gr. 1153 5.3 gr. 1171 165 grain JHP. 3.6 gr. 824 / 774 4.5 gr. 1006 / 941 4.7 gr. 1050 5.0 gr. 1085 / 993 5.2 gr. 1096 / 998 180 grain JHP. 3.8 gr. 882 4.2 gr. 945 4.6 gr. 1002 / 918 180 grain Lead TC 3.4 gr. 867 3.8 gr. 924 4.0 gr. 977 4.2 gr. 986 4.7 gr. 1044 200 grain Lead TC 3.2 gr. 791 3.6 gr. 862 3.8 gr. 882 4.0 gr. 910 4.4 gr. 959

Thanks for the CDNN info King 45acp. I was going to order from them, but with the shipping, plus tax (I live in Texas) and inferior mag quality I will order direct from Para! I've ordered from CDNN and was happy with the product. It was a factory P16 mag and it had the Para +2 basepad already installed for $34. It was blued instead of nickel plated, but otherwise just like my others. For those stages that don't require 21+1 rounds, it's perfect, and I didn't have to spend the extra for Dawson base pads. The shipping is tough, but I waited until I needed a few (different) mags. Karl

Just a heads up for the Para shooters. Para Ordnance is offering 3 high cap magazines for $87 including shipping. To qualify for the offer, you can buy a new gun, or just join Para Owners of America (free). Para Pro Shop: http://www.paraproshop.com/category_71.htm Para Owners of America: https://www.para-usa.com/new/poa/index.php

One more idea, Leetown Gun Club is an Izaak Walton League range in Inwood, WV. They're East of I81, exit 5. You can only shoot paper there, but they have up to 25 yard pistol, plus 100, and 200 yard rifle ranges as well as Skeet, Trap, and 3D Aarchery shooting. Guests are welcome for skeet, trap, and archery. If you come out on a Sunday 9am - 3pm, you can look around and meet the people there. Skeet's in the morning, trap in the afternoon. The address for mapquest is: 10435 Leetown Rd Kearneysville, WV Bill Turner does membership, his number is: (304) 725-6909 Best of luck, Karl

Thanks but no luck I shoot at Monocacy Pistol Club in Frederick, MD. It's a little down the road for you, but may do the trick. www.monocacypistolclub.com They have dedicated steel and bowling pins ranges as well as paper target only ranges. Steel matches are held almost every weekend and are open to the public if you'd like to check it out. Karl

I have used Kead bullets before and was pleased with them. No problems. Good prices too. Thier .45 cal 185 & 200 grain SWC bullets had the same nose profile too, so I could switch between them and not adjust my press (except for powder, of course). Good prices too.

I've been shooting hard lead bullets out of my .40 and .45 for years with little lead build up. They do get the gun DIRTY, but then again, I do clean them every 8-10 boxes. I like to shoot 5-10 jacketed bullets before cleaning, which gets most of the bad stuff out of the rifling. You'll also get some smoke (mostly) from the bullet lube, which you'll notice more on humid days. For health reasons (and visibility), I don't shoot them indoors. I'm shooting a 6 inch P-16 with a Shuman Classic .40 barrel. My currently using a Mastercast 155 grain Lead Semiwadcutter bullet at 1090 fps for Major. I pushed them up to 1190 fps with no additional leading. ---------------------------------------------- Mastercast has made some great bullets for me. They're accurate and hard. Unfortunately, they are also really SLOW to deliver. I've waited 3 months BEFORE the buying craze started. I may try someone else's. http://www.mastercastbullets.com

Richard Dettelhouser of Canyon Creek Custom in Streator, IL built my P16 based 6" limited gun. It runs great, never hiccups. Nice trigger and balance is really good too. http://www.canyoncreekcustom.com/

Monocacy Pistol Club PO Box 1377 Frederick, MD 21702-1377 (301) 668-2065 www.monocacypistolclub.com membership limited, but matches open to public Cowboy Action Shooting Practical/Action Pistol Competition (PPC, Bullseye, Steel, Pins)

My duty gun is a USP Compact in .40. The mag release is great. I use my strong side middle finger to drop the mag. I'm probably faster with it then with my 1911's release. The trigger (LEM) is another matter... heavy (8lbs), with a long reset. Otherwise a good pistol. Karl