Dan0

Guess I shoulda' told yall it's a Para Hi Cap. Will get a checkering file from Brownells. Looks like Page 247 of Catalog #58. Is there Matt Burkett instructions, or do I jusr figure it out??? Dan0

I've been using non slip deck tape and skate board tape under my trigger gaurd, but I'm tired of replacing so often. Can some PLEASE give me an alternative i.e. home grown stippling or checkering. Dan0

epj, I echo the load data of HSMITH, Austinmike, and DougC for the 200 LSWC. I just started using clays after I finished my 8 lbs of VVN 320. In my Baer I can make major with 3.8 grains of Clays. In my Para It takes 3.9 to make major. I have found my SD is higher with Clays (12 to 23 using my Dillon 650) than it was with VVN320, and that's the ONLY disapppoinmet I have with the Clasys. Dano

Hi Para1445, After hearing/reading it could be done, I've been trying to shove 18 rounds in my 1445 mags for about seven months (I’m using the DP +2 Base Pad). I tried the Arredondo followers WITHOUT 18 round results. I e-mailed Dawson asking what the trick is and they responded by referring me to Alan Tillman (an Exceptional gunsmith in Austin, TX). Alan told me to cut the bottom of the spring, one coil at a time and the 18 rounds issue MAY be done. If not I’m only out one spring. As Detlef has told me, once you get 18 rounds into the mag, the issue NOW becomes insuring the mag is RELABLE for the 1445. Dan0

Thanks guys for your responses. I bought the 1445 LTD in January this year, new, and ordered extra mags with it. The pistol and mags are about 10 months old, and all the mags are nickel plated (or stainless) labeled with the LEO/Military stamp. All have the Para original follower and springs. I discovered early about the OAL issue, and have corrected the seating depth on my Dillon 650. I have been out of USPSA for several years, and recently started back. I REALLY like my Para. I’m not sure which followers I have other than they are stock Para followers that came with the mags. I don’t use anything between the DP Base pad and the spring (no plastic inserts). I did buy the thumb saver from bownells to help get the extra round in the mag, but found it little to NO help. Detlef, help me understand “Beveling the bottom of the mag,” and the effects on the spring and feeding. Also, when beveling the bottom of the mag, what specifically are you using i.e. Dremel with polishing wheel, etc.???? If Para extended the mags 1/16” where am I measuring from? Front top, rear top, etc.??? As I said, the archives address the 1640 mags, but I found little to nothing on the 1445 mags. Again, Thanks for your help. Dan0

I have searched and searched for help on the Para 1445 Mag issues I've encountered. If there is already a thead PLEASE direct me to it. I have several Original Para 1445 factory nickel plated mags is use for USPSA. I use the Dawson Base pads on four of the mags. I have difficulty loading them to 17 rounds, that is, it’s difficult to force the 17th round into the mag and I am only able to get 17 rounds into some of the mags with the DP base pad, and 16 in others with the DP base Pad. Is there a trick to increasing the round capacity to 18 in the 1445 mags. I have read some people cut half of the coil at the top spring and half of the coil on the bottom of the spring, to get extra rounds into the mags, BUT all these refer to the 1640 mags. I have just ordered 5 ISMI Para mag springs from Bownells, but I sure as heck don’t want to start cutting on them without advise. What is your recommendation???? Dan0

Thanks Flex, I don't see much of the target (I do actually see it and it's pretty much a blur, I just know where I'm shooting at) when I'm watching for the front sight to lift. I couldn't tell you if there are are holes in target, because I'm watching the front sight come back down into the rear notch (I do see that much), but seeing that dad gummed thing LIFT is the issue with me. You spoke with me about this months ago and I'm still trying. I guess it was Yoda that said, "there is no try." Dan0 Edit: is there a drill that will help????

I don't know Doug Koenig. I think I may have seen him shoot on TV. He is absolutely incredible to watch. When I watch any of the Master and GM shooters, my chin is on my knees with awe. I'm not sure of his gear, but wonder if he shoots a .40 S&W or .45 ACP. Does anyone know anything about his equipment and gear?? I’m still shooting the Para .45ACP. I’m only a “C” class shooter and when I started there was no .40 S&W around (A-12580). I stopped shooting for several years because of shift work and medical issues, and I’m just now getting started again. I’m very excited about shooting USPSA again. I only shot four club matches last year, but I’ve found some clubs closer than Tallahassee I can attend. I’m still looking to see the front sight LIFT from the rear notch. I see it return each time, but still can’t see it lift. I’ll continue to watch, and maybe as I have read on this forum, it will happen when I’m NOT trying to see it. Dan0

Can anyone tell me what the differences are between the Frank Garcia Shcool and the Bill Rogers School??? (mods, if this should go under "Training Techniques" I apologize) Dan0

I’ve heard the .45 ACP in Limited is a disadvantage as well, because of the limited mag capacity. I just re-started shooting USPSA using a Para 1445 LTD. I’m not sure if I’m at a disadvantage or not since being out of the game for so long. Also, I don’t know if there’s a smith that’s prominent on Para’s, so for now it’s a box stock Para. I did add some Dawson mag pads on some mags to help. However, I don’t know of a Master class shooter (which I’m far from) that shoots a Para Hi Cap .45 ACP. Dan0

I have a Kimber Pro Carry with an alloy frame. It is my understanding that an alloy frame CAN'T be properly fit to the slide. Is this correct?? If it can’t will the Keiger rails do the job instead?? How will the Kreiger rails wear compared to a steel frame and slide fit?? Dan0

I know it’s been a while, but since Flexmoney asked to keep him posted here it is. I live in NW Florida, and since my last post we have had some, uh, foul weather. Since then I have been able to go to one USPSA match and two IDPA matches. The USPSA match was most fun. We shot four classifiers and I got my first classification in probably 10 years (FWIW “C” class). I have been out of USPSA several years because of shift work and medical problems (broke a vertebra in my neck – now their in the process of medically retiring me). Anyway, I shot better than this old man expected. I’m still NOT seeing the front sight LIFT out of the rear notch, but I’m damn sure trying. I have only been able to go to the range twice a week, and that is usually on the weekends. I found that when I don’t think of awareness and focus I DON’T DO AS WELL. DUH! I really appreciate all the help, encouragement and advice, from you guys, and hope to see you sometime. Dan0

Sorry for the delay in getting back. I can see the front sight move up and right, but still have don't have the focus to see it actually leave the the rear sight notch. Still working on it. Also borrowed a copy of "Beyond Fundamentals" and after reading the intro, and first chapter, I'm trying NOT to be intimidated by the deep thought, but will keep reading.

You hit the nail on the head! Thanks!

I went home last night and immediately got my pistol out of the bag, and began to dry fire (after insuring about a half dozen times it was empty). I gripped more lightly with my strong hand and tighter with my weak hand. I could notice a definate difference with the sights. To insure that the lighter strong hand - stronger weak hand grip was the issue, I briefly returned to my old grip and noticed the sights moving ever sooo slightly. Tomorrow, I get to go to the range for the practical experience. I am excited about the new discovery and the sound information. THANKS.