Aluminum frame pistols

[Ganderite]

I just bought a Para Ordnance P12-45. I note that it has a small slot in the frame above the slide stop notch.

This is the same small slot that is in the frame of my Star PD – also an aluminum framed 45.

None of my steel 1911 style pistols have this cut. Is there something about an aluminum frame that requires this cut? It looks like it would make the frame weaker.

Is there any history of this cut causing problems in Para Ordnance pistols?

 

[prproulx]

I just checked mine and it's the same. (P12) That's a good question to ask in the ParaOrdnance section at 1911forum. I've never read about it being a problem.
I love mine!

 

[Ganderite]

A year ago I noticed the cut on my PD and assumed the frame had broken, so I stopped shooting it. It was a very light and accurate pistol.

I bought the P12-45 as a replacement, and was shocked to see the same cut. Then I checked the PD manual, and was pleased to see that the cut was a standard part of the gun, not a break.

Now I am wondering why it is there. Never seen it on any kind of steel 1911 style pistol.

 

[vhenem]

The series 80 Colts had the notch cut out as well, although it was full length of the slide stop notch.
There was a reason behind it but I can't remember what it was

EDIT Here it is,

The first couple batches of blued pistols were similar to Colt's other current 1911 production in that the slide stop cutout was relieved to eliminate stress fractures. This practice began with the 10mm Delta Elite pistols in 1988. While not a bad idea, it didn't sit well with purists who maintained that the original Series 70 pistols had the old-style cutout, so.....

 

[Ganderite]

"Stress fractures". Hmmm. I guess that is why the aluminum frames have the cut.

Thank you.

There is always someone here who knows the answer.

 

[prproulx]

Got pics?? Did you shoot it yet?

 

[Ganderite]

The Star PD 45 is a single stack, 3.75" barrel pistol weighing 1 lb 9oz.

The Para 12-45 is a double stack pistol of almost identical size, with a 3.5" barrel. It weighs one ounce more than the PD.

The PD has flat grips. The PO has a slighlty curved flat grip and feels a bit better in the hand. I have medium large hands.

The PO does not feel as fat in the hand as my Browning HP. I don't know how a double stack 45 can feel slimmer than a double stack 9mm. And I sure don't know how they get 12 rounds in that short mag (in the USA).

I have many baggies of ammo on the shelf of odds n ends left over from various ammo tests. Whenever I go to the range to play with a gun, I take some of those baggies.

With the ammo used, the PO functioned 100%. It did not feel violent in the hand at all. The trigger is around 5 pounds with a little creep. I will have it tuned after I break it in.

Accuracy was very good, considering this was the first time I shot it and the ammo load has not yet been developed for it. What is delightful for this fixed sight pistol (Star is adjustable) is that it shot bang on, out of the box. Target was shot at 20 yards, with a 6 o'clock hold. The Star PD consistently shoots small groups.

These pictures are of the Para Ordnance, the Star PD and a full sized 1911.