Looking at the Para Warthog/Hawg 9.....

[cyphur]

as another candidate for my concealed carry pistol. I really like the 1911 design and I like how compact this one is. I admit, I would probably get it in 9mm as the 12rd capacity is going to take care of anything I am going to encounter and stick around for.

What do the reviews look like for it? I know in .45 ACP it packs a hell of a kick to it. I've also searched this site and read through those threads as well. I appreciate anything you all have to offer!!

[The Marshal]

Cyphur,

I looked at this one first!
I liked it in the NightHawg version, all black with Nightsights.

Problem is, it is a THICK gun. Since it is a 2Xstack, the grip is wide.
Definitely need to pick one up to see how it fits your hand.

~Bill

[res1b3uq]

I use a Para P12 alloy frame as a carry gun, IWB. The grip is short enough that concealment is not a big issue. I usually wear it under a T-shirt. I really think the Para brand is underrated. I have absolutely no complaints on mine.

[cyphur]

I'll definitely need to handle one to see how it feels. Just looking for feedback on the rest of the aspects of the handgun.

I figured it would be a little thicker, thanks for the confirmation.

[Thane]

I would doubt that recoil in .45 would be all that bad. I routinely carry a Colt Defender, which has an aluminum frame instead of the 'Hawg's steel frame. Recoil is snappish, but very manageable; a proper hold on the weapon will take care of most any recoil problem. I have smallish wrists, especially for a man, but the -snap- of the Defender doesn't cause me any problems.

But if magazine capacity is your aim (pardon the pun), or if you're concerned about recoil, the Hawg in 9mm oughta be pretty good. That steel frame, combined with the lighter recoil of 9mm, oughta work out pretty well. Add in the quick trigger reset of the 1911 platform, and you may have a winner.

My personal preference is the .45, of course, but with proper ammunition selection, the 9mm is just as effective, and those extra few rounds are a bonus.

I had opportunity to buy a Hawg .45, used-in-good-condition, but found the double-stack magazine to be too fat for the stubby grip. I chose the Colt instead. Different hands may find different results, and by all means, check one out to see if it "fits" you.

You could do a LOT worse for a carry pistol, in either 9mm or .45 ACP.

[cyphur]

Thane, thanks for the thoughts! They are much appreciated.


Anyone else have any opinions?

[Johnny]

Anyone else have any opinions?

Alright, you asked for it...

Don't get that one. Go with a Commander. Heck, go with a Government Model. Several reasons:

1. It just isn't that hard to conceal a Commander. I lug around a Government-length widebody all day with no problems, so a Commander shouldn't be any big deal.

2. A Commander can be tuned to deal with recoil, a Government even moreso. An Officer's Model or shorter (this one is shorter) is what it is out of the box, and nothing can be done to tame it. It's not going to eat you alive, even in .45, but there are a great number of adjustments and tweaks that can be done on a longer pistol to reduce muzzle flip that are not possible on a shortie.

3. Two words: Rapid Fire. It is certainly not impossible to keep a shortie on target through two or three rounds, but try it next to one of its big brothers.

4. This is the big one: Tolerance. Not only are shorties more particular about their ammo, but they are also far more difficult to deal with on the bench. Ammo selection, ease of maintenance, and ease of repair drop right along with the barrel length. If you'll take a moment to think about just what happens to feed geometry and lockup with a very short barrel, you'll see why.

[tomneal]

Resume:I normally shoot .38 Super or .40 S&W but I shoot around 5000 rounds a year in USPSA / IPSC and have for the last 9 years.

Range Report
I have a Para Ord Wart Hog in .45
I've had it for a year and don't remember ever shooting at paper. I just take my self defense rounds and shoot at the PSC Plate rack. Normally, I switch to another gun after a couple of magazines.

Or saying it another way, recoil is manageable.

The thing is, I have to manage it.
Something I don't have to "manage" the recoil with my full sized Kimber or other full sized 1911's.

On-the-other-hand
The wart hog disappears into my front pocket, and no cover garment is needed for concealed carry. Something I appreciate this time of year.

Your milage may vary...

[cyphur]

I took a look at a Kimber CDP Ultra II today and I really liked how it felt. I'll probably go with that size, especially after reading some of the feedback.

Much appreciated fellas!

[The Marshal]

HarHarHar!

I went from the Sig(Buddy recommended) to the Para Warthog(Too bulky) to the Kimber Ultra II (Too expensy) to the Springfield XD.

Sooo, you wanting to shoot my Springfield again?

Seriously, the *only reason* I didn't buy the Kimber Tactical Ultra II (good blend of looks, frame, nightsights, and price in the Ultras) is that for the cost of the Ultra, I could get the XD AND the training/CHL.

So I went with the Springer (which is a really nice gun to shoot)

I had the good fortune to walk into the Ammo Depot in Caddo Mills just as a guy was buying a Ultra Carry II for his wife. I mentioned that it was a fine pistol, as they had a hankering for it, but were unfamiliar with the brand. Next thing I know, the buyer and Mr. Lowery the owner were pushing me out the back door to shoot the pistol!!!

They graciously gave me a 7rnd mag, and said 'Y'all try and hit that box over there, and I put 4 of the 7 into a 50-rnd ammo box (3"x5") that was 15 yds away. Not bad for my first time to every shoot such a small pistol.
I was all giddy, and the new owner was all smiles as I cleared it and handed it back to him.

I know your feeling, Bubba.
I would love to own an Ultra in any flavor, Tactical being my first choice.

~Bill

[cyphur]

Since this will be the only pistol I buy for a good while, and will be the one I carry, I want to buy one I am more than happy with and will trust implicitly. I don't mind paying a premium for that. Also I will probably buy it at a show or something along those lines so I do not plan on paying MSRP.

[Reysc]

Cyphur, I'm glad you started this thread because my thoughts are on a possible 1911 carry, just like you. To begin with let me tell you that before February of this year, I have a couple handguns "for home protection" that I probably would shoot 50 rounds every other year if ever..That's the extend of my firearm experience..
Now, Fast forward to the present.. I have a little more than 10 handguns and a few long ones...I shot at least 100-200 rounds at least twice a month and weekly if possible. Untill lately, I have been very recoil sensitive and often anticipating recoils eveytime I squeeze the trigger.Thanks, to the 9mm..I overcame that..The low cost of 9mm ammos allowed me to shot to heart's and pocket book's content.. I carry a G26 untill I started shooting my G23 and P229 and discovered I like the way the 40 S&W handles..Actually, I love it so much that I ended up with a P239 TT!! I have to admit I shoot better w/ this gun than my G26...Last week I ended up being the owner of a colt combat 1991A1 45acp..Now, this is my 3rd 1911 model 45 acp. The first two are Kimber and Para LTC. I love to shot them and they are very accurate but ammo cost and size of the gun , for CCW not for me. Well, yesterday I shot 50 rounds on the little colt combat and LO and Behold..Yes I love it and what recoil ?? That pleseant gun movement as it disperses the energy from the ammo explosion??? I love it!!The Colt Combat will be my 3rd carry as soon as I get it back from the gunsmith..He asked me to run at least 50 rounds on it and take it back to him for one final look over check up before I carry it. I also have ordered two Tripp Cobra mags for it..
So there's a personal account of a rookie's experience with the 1911 platform 45 acp..

Good Luck on your search....