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Gun blog gun got here!

It got here today! Click on the thumbnail for a larger image.

It is SO sweet! Basically, a custom edition of the Para USA LDA TAC-5.

The TAC-5 is a 1911 with a LIGHT double-action trigger (feels to be about 5-7 lb), ramped barrel (reported to feed lead semiwadcutters), full-length guide rod, enamel brown finish (no worries about fingerprints causing rust), loaded chamber indicator, and a greatly beefed up extractor (the extractor being the 1911's only weak point). It's a double action that will appeal to 1911 fans like me. As in "I don't care that it's double action, give me a manual safety!"

A bit heavier than a stock 1911, but I don't mind that, and it tends to steady the aim. And very reliable, the only misfeeds came when I shot it dry (500 rounds plus without oil, and cured by 6-8 drops of oil. At that, I shot it out of new in box, so it may not have had much oil to begin with. I've previous blogged footage of Jarrett shooting 1,000 rounds in ten minutes, to where the trigger was too hot to touch, with the gun still feeding). If, as reported, it feeds even lead semi-wadcutters, it ought to feed about anything. I have some jacketed wadcutters, and will test it with those.

The gun blog edition has special markings, adjustable sights red-dot sights, and laser sight grips from Crimson Trace. The grip sights, BTW, are adjustable and, once the on switch is activated, come on only when the trip safety is depressed, so saving batteries. Todd Jarrett showed how the laser sight can be used to diagnose grip and aiming problems. And how, if you want to keep the bad guy from knowing you are coming, you can raise your trigger finger to block the beam, then drop into the trigger guard when taking aim. The beam appears to be about 2" wide at 50 yards. Jarrett mentioned shooting at night with it on a Para gun out to 100 yards and ringing 6" plates with regularity. That's beyond my skill but apparently within that of the gun and laser.

Para includes muzzle wrench, spare plastic for the red-dot sight and the tools to replace the plastic, as well as a CD-ROM on use. Plus a target shot by one of their people before the gun was packed.

It is SO sweet!!! By far the nicest handgun I've ever had. I'd say I can't wait to shoot it, but at Blackwater I already put about 1,000 rounds thru it. So I'll just say I can't wait until I shoot it next.

I've never shot a double-action semi before, but this convinced me. One of the Glock shooters said they were going to sell their Glock. They reported one problem, that if the trigger was pulled before releasing the safety the gun wouldn't fire until recycled. I tested it and it happens but it's not a matter of putting a little pressure on, you have to pull the trigger back a good distance before releasing the safety. As a 1911 shooter who would never drop the safety while pulling the trigger, let alone while pulling it back about half its travel, I tend to see that as a safety feature rather than a problem. That's why the manual safety is there!

Couple it with the Blackhawk utility belt and holster, and I've found a new carry gun. (Understand, out here carry gun doesn't mean everyday carry, but for when you're out in the desert. I don't go 50 yards from the car without canteen and firearm in the desert.

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