Canadian Handguns
- Thread starter candoo
- Start date
Dlask makes a lot of his own parts but also brings in some components. The resulting 1911's are assembled in the lower mainland of BC. Para is/was a Canadian outfit but last I heard they are moving/did move to the US where their main market is located.
That's all I know of that are current. There was a company, Ingles I think, that made Browning Hi Powers under license for the military but I think that was just for a while or that they only make and service them for the military.
That's all I know of that are current. There was a company, Ingles I think, that made Browning Hi Powers under license for the military but I think that was just for a while or that they only make and service them for the military.
Inglis made a bunch of HPs for the Nationalist Chinese after Belgium was overrun, then sold them to the Canadian army when China suffered the same fate. I believe they continued to manufacture them throughout the war (I used to shoot in the bunker where they were test fired) but, so far as I know, that was that. The Canadian army still issues worn out WWII High Powers to its officers.
IIRC the Chinese issue had adjustable sights and holsters adapted for use as shoulder stocks.
We used to have one large and internationally-respected handgun manufacturer but our national inferiority complex and our incessant whining effectively drove them out. (Cast slides...the horror!) Not exactly feeling the love, as it were, they, being pragmatic, just packed up and moved - South of 48.
There are lots of Canadian-made Para-Ordnance pistols around. If you wanted one, and looked a bit, you could even still find a new (in dealer inventory) Canadian-made Para.
If buying Canadian is important to you, a Para-Ordnance is what I'd suggest.
There are lots of Canadian-made Para-Ordnance pistols around. If you wanted one, and looked a bit, you could even still find a new (in dealer inventory) Canadian-made Para.
If buying Canadian is important to you, a Para-Ordnance is what I'd suggest.
There was also a company called NAACO (North American Arms COrporation). I think they were in the old Ross factory and made the 1911s under license near the end of WWI.
Someone also tried just after WWII using the same name to make a .45 pistol called the NAACO "Brigadier". The cartridge was a wildcat more powerfull than the 45ACP, using the base of a 30-06 case.
The pistol was a Modified Browning Hi-Power, and looked like one, except that it had a long beavertail and the profile of the grip was much straighter on the back. It also had a slide mounted safety like a DA pistol, and appears to have no hammer spur, or it is possible that it is striker fired like older browning handguns. It was not a success, they dissappeared and I don't know if any were actually manufactured and sold.
I saw this in Small Arms of the World (10th addition), and the info I have posted is pretty much the entire entry on the subject, with one photo of the left side. Clive Law also mentions it briefly in his book Canadian Military Handguns 1855-1985.
Para-Ordanance has moved their company to the states, don't know if there is still a factory up here, but the corporate headquarters and company registration is now American.
Someone also tried just after WWII using the same name to make a .45 pistol called the NAACO "Brigadier". The cartridge was a wildcat more powerfull than the 45ACP, using the base of a 30-06 case.
The pistol was a Modified Browning Hi-Power, and looked like one, except that it had a long beavertail and the profile of the grip was much straighter on the back. It also had a slide mounted safety like a DA pistol, and appears to have no hammer spur, or it is possible that it is striker fired like older browning handguns. It was not a success, they dissappeared and I don't know if any were actually manufactured and sold.
I saw this in Small Arms of the World (10th addition), and the info I have posted is pretty much the entire entry on the subject, with one photo of the left side. Clive Law also mentions it briefly in his book Canadian Military Handguns 1855-1985.
Para-Ordanance has moved their company to the states, don't know if there is still a factory up here, but the corporate headquarters and company registration is now American.
Cortexburn
CGN Regular
I'm curious as to how many other countries in the "free world" have as few firearm manufacturers as we do here?
Inglis did make the Hi-Power pistols for the Candian army till the end of WWII. They had the fixed sights. The HP is still the service pistol for the Canadian army and in use in Afghanistan, although I doubt they are Inglis made. They are not just issued to officers. The reference to the worn out ones is probably to the reserves. I had one which put the bullets through the target sideways.
Inglis made a bunch of HPs under contract for the Canadian government during W.W. II, only. The Chinese contract was done through King's government. All Inglis pistols were made in 1943 and 1944 as I recall.
"...Para-Ordnance is what I'd suggest..." They don't care about Canadian shooters. Wouldn't allow Canadians to enter any of the contests they ran.
"...Canadian army still issues worn out..." They're not worn out. There are still lots of 'em in storage.
"...Para-Ordnance is what I'd suggest..." They don't care about Canadian shooters. Wouldn't allow Canadians to enter any of the contests they ran.
"...Canadian army still issues worn out..." They're not worn out. There are still lots of 'em in storage.
Para did themselves in. They provided mediocre service to Canadians. I have a Para that was in for warranty for about 4 months for a slide issue. Their customer service was pathetic to say the least! Sad to see a firearm manufacturer leave Canada but .....
exseparatist
CGN Regular
- Location
- Lower Canada
About Para...
I do not know if there is a relation with their move, but I believe that one of their founder died some years ago...
I do not know if there is a relation with their move, but I believe that one of their founder died some years ago...
exseparatist
CGN Regular
- Location
- Lower Canada
I think the IAI office is located in Australia but I am not shure if they really produce their new Lee Enfield 308 ...
Lee Enfield
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Republic of Alberta
Australia manufactured @350-500 Enfield No2 service revolvers during WWII in a project gone terribly wrong ...
IAI is Israeli. Has nothing to do with AIA.
"...I doubt they are Inglis made..." Yep. All CF issue Inglis BHP's were made during W.W. II.
"...had one which..." Possibly the ammo, but more likely a worn out barrel. The CF doesn't muck about with issue firearms. If an issue firearm needs a part, it gets put in. The parts are new.
Mine is a 1944 vintage pistol. Shoots ok, not great. Even with th esilly mag safety removed. Haven't ever bothered to work up a 9mm load. The issue sights aren't good enough. Bought a .41AE barrel(and 500 pcs of brass) and a heavier recoil spring. Still a handful to shoot. Needs a very firm grip. Can't find cast 200 to 210 grain .410" bullets anyway. Jacketed bullets are too expensive.
"...I doubt they are Inglis made..." Yep. All CF issue Inglis BHP's were made during W.W. II.
"...had one which..." Possibly the ammo, but more likely a worn out barrel. The CF doesn't muck about with issue firearms. If an issue firearm needs a part, it gets put in. The parts are new.
Mine is a 1944 vintage pistol. Shoots ok, not great. Even with th esilly mag safety removed. Haven't ever bothered to work up a 9mm load. The issue sights aren't good enough. Bought a .41AE barrel(and 500 pcs of brass) and a heavier recoil spring. Still a handful to shoot. Needs a very firm grip. Can't find cast 200 to 210 grain .410" bullets anyway. Jacketed bullets are too expensive.
