Para Ordnance was one of the first firms, which started the high-capacity trend for the M-1911 pistols, with a frame which, while having almost the same grip circumference as the standard M-1911, it used a double-stack magazine. Today, Para Ordnance (a Canadian firm) produces several high-capacity M-1911 models, using either the traditional single-action trigger or their pattented double-action one, called LDA (for Light Double Action).

The two models shown below, are a departure of the previous P.O.'s designs, since these are the first single-column, single-action 1911s they produce (typically P.O.'s models are either single-action double-column magazine, or LDAs with either single- or double-column magazines). These two pistols, are also the first ones, that come with P.O.'s new internal extractor. The two new models are expected to hit the US market in February 2004 (all info below comes from Para Ordnance web site).

The new Para Power Extractor™ 1911 is the 21st century incarnation of the world’s greatest pistol. Now, Para’s patent pending Power Extractor eliminates the weakest link in the original design of this great pistol. The Para PXT™ 1911 comes with white three-dot fixed sights, with a dovetail front sight and a drift adjustable rear sight. It is also equiped with three safeties; an extended slide lock, a beavertail grip safety and a firing pin. This new full-size pistol comes with a 5-inch ramped barrel. The new Para Power Extractor™ LTC is a new tactical-size pistol with a 4.25-inch ramped barrel. The Para PXT™ LTC comes with white three-dot fixed sights, with a dovetail front sight and a drift adjustable rear sight. It is also equiped with three safeties; an extended slide lock, a beavertail grip safety and a firing pin. This stunning black pistol with stainless steel fire controls is the new Para Kote™ Regal finish.

It's nice to see that P.O. decided to come out with two single-action, single-column magazine 1911s. I still remember about a year ago, when I was discussing this with Thanos Polyzos, over a bottle of Greek wine, and he told me then, that they didn't plan to enter the single-column, single-action market. Thanos, I am glad that you and Ted changed your mind.

The new extractor is eliminating one of the weak areas of the original 1911 design. The new Para Power Extractor is a massive claw that gives you 50 percent more contact with the rim of the .45 ACP case for controlled feeding of the cartridge from the magazine into the chamber and positive extraction for infallible ejection of the empty case. The Power Extractor’s pivoting claw is always under proper tension, shot after shot. This internal extractor not only it enhances the performance of the 1911, it also maintains the matchless esthetics of the classic 1911 design.

The following models shown in their web site, are more in line with the company's traditional designs (please note that images and text are directly from Para's web site. Also note that each link will open a new browser window, close it to return here):

Below, you may find an interesting drawing, showing how the P.O. LDA models differ from the standard 1911. I have been wondering about that, until I found this.