Double stack versus Single Stack....45ACP
I'm finally in a position to do a side by side comparison. Shot them both today. A Para P12 limited vs. stock Colt 1991A1.
Here's the deal.
I call absolute BS on the issue on the mag well thickness. It is so minor in the later model DS's that is a moot point. Yes, you can feel the difference, and No ~ it really is not a big deal... Flip the guns up and look at them side by side and it is really minor. The whole upper gun portion of the gun is basically the same...
Winner on this goes to the DS, given the extra 5 rounds of capacity.
Controls....
Have to give this to the SS (Single Stack) as the DS grips are to close to the extended controls to make any difference.
So, what did matter?
Shooter's preference...
the Para had the better feeling main spring housing and in a compact, that is a deal maker. Easy enough to change that in the Colt.
The wider body on the Para allowed for fatter and better shaped beavertail...But the Colt's was fine and didn't bite. The only issue with the SS Colt was that the Beavertail could get easily hung up in clothing if you were CCW the gun.
Sights, .....no winner. Given that they are both CCW guns and the real-world shooting distances...I'd stick with the simple sights on the Colt.
Now for the good stuff....
The Limited has the bells and whistles. It is meant to be a very accurate Compact. And have embellishments to make it so. The Colt is basically a very stock Compact gun that is entry level...basically on finish...
Here's the rub....The little Colt outshot the more expensive and tuned Para ~ hands down :mrgreen: This from a gun that is as loose as a goose. And in terms of reliability ~ I'll take a accurately shooting loose gun, over a tighter slide to frame fit ~ anyday...
And which do I like better ~ The Para Ordinance...given they are both CCW guns, I'll go with the firepower. 12 rounds in the gun plus one in the tube, and I use a second extended mag that carry's 14 rounds...
26 rounds with one mag change is pretty hard to argue with in .45 ACP
Wish List:
I'd like either gun to have a bobbed tail...that would make a world of improvement in both...
giz
