Para Ordnance originated in 1985 when two childhood friends created a “Dye Marking Tactical Machine Pistol,” which was essentially a paintball gun designed for police and military training.
The company quickly grew and eventually formed a U.S. branch aptly named Para USA.
Today, the entire Para Ordnance company is a subsidiary of arms giant Remington, but still maintains its own direction and identity.
Undoubtedly, many in the 1911 and 9mm camps decry this mixed marriage as nothing short of sacrilege, but according to author Todd Burgreen in his article “Para Carry 9: Compact, Innovative 1911-Style 9mm” at USConcealedCarry.com, there is method to the apparent madness at Para Ordnance:
“But there are good reasons for this decision on Para’s part. The 9mm chambering allows shrinking of certain key dimensions for greater efficiency and compactness. The smaller 9mm enables the Carry 9 to have a capacity of nine rounds versus seven rounds in a similar sized 1911 chambered in .45ACP.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)
The increased ammo capacity, along with +P capability, gives the Carry 9 significant stopping power. When combined with the reduced recoil, this 9mm is close to being on par with the 1911.
The specs on the Para Ordnance Carry 9 measure up as well. The overall length is 6.5 inches with a 3 inch barrel and the height is 4.75 inches. The gun only weighs 1.5 pounds while the magazine holds eight rounds. Furthermore, the single-stack low profile design easily lends the Carry 9 to concealment.
Range testing with the Carry 9 started with the trigger pull. Although listed at 6 pounds, the pull is extremely smooth and seems much lighter. Another great feature of this firearm is the Para Power Extractor, a custom extractor 50% larger than other extractors. It boosts the overall efficiency of cartridge feeding and ejection.
The Para USA PXT LDA Carry 9 proved to be extremely accurate on the range. At 15 yards, shooters had no problems punching all rounds through a target head silhouette from a standing defensive position. The rounded sights designed by co-founder Ted Szabo reduce the snag factor and the rear serrations act as glare diffusers while focusing on the target.
The folks at Para Ordnance have done an excellent job at integrating the 9mm and 1911. It has concealability size and weight, but packs a near-1911 size impact. This gun may be the perfect concealed carry weapon. Even for jaded purists, it’s worth a second look.