Para Ordinance Task Force Guns

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EvanAzzo

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I tried to do a cursory search but I didn't net a thread for these. Then again the search function sucks so feel free to merge the threads if one already exists.

I'd like to start a thread regarding Para Ordinances Task Force Guns they made for Afghanistan rotos. I'd just like to get a gathering of concise information and some pictures of these guns because they're all configured a little differently.

For those that don't know Para was at the time a Canadian manufacturer and they offered guns to guys coming back from Tour for cheaper than normal. They also got to have them configured in a number of different ways. From how I understand it worked was you get a group of guys together to order a batch. You all decide how you wanted them configured, what spec and then what you wanted on the slide. The order was placed and you recieved your guns at some point after tour.

I joined in 09 and didn't get the opportunity to go. However I did get the opportunity to buy one of these from a member on EE several years ago. I jumped at the chance. Here's a picture of mine



Anyone else feel free to talk about yours, how the process was to order them. How you like them. How you chose to configure them. These are super interesting to me and a near part of CAF history for me
 
Here's mine, also from Task Force 1-08, based on 2 PPCLI Battlegroup. My Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) was primarily attached to the BG for the duration of the deployment, so we went with their pistols.


20221115-092748.jpg
 
EvanAzzo said:
I tried to do a cursory search but I didn't net a thread for these. Then again the search function sucks so feel free to merge the threads if one already exists.

I'd like to start a thread regarding Para Ordinances Task Force Guns they made for Afghanistan rotos. I'd just like to get a gathering of concise information and some pictures of these guns because they're all configured a little differently.

For those that don't know Para was at the time a Canadian manufacturer and they offered guns to guys coming back from Tour for cheaper than normal. They also got to have them configured in a number of different ways. From how I understand it worked was you get a group of guys together to order a batch. You all decide how you wanted them configured, what spec and then what you wanted on the slide. The order was placed and you recieved your guns at some point after tour.

I joined in 09 and didn't get the opportunity to go. However I did get the opportunity to buy one of these from a member on EE several years ago. I jumped at the chance. Here's a picture of mine

Anyone else feel free to talk about yours, how the process was to order them. How you like them. How you chose to configure them. These are super interesting to me and a near part of CAF history for me
Click to expand...

The process to order was pretty basic. It was a simple request form to submit along with proof and no deposit required. Once the specific batch was made, Para would contact you by email with the offer to purchase (which IIRC ~$750-800).

pirate604 said:
Such cool pistols. I always have admired these pistols and their connection to the CAF.
Click to expand...

Actually there is no 'connection to CAF.' Para (Ordnance, before becoming Para USA) was a Canadian company offering essentially group buys to military folks (both US and CAN). Each TF/org was essentially able to go in on a group buy. Some initial batches had lots of technical issues or QC issues (which I believe eventually got sorted for those who had problems). Some years, there were multiple versions available (single or double stack, etc).
 
Winz said:
The process to order was pretty basic. It was a simple request form to submit along with proof and no deposit required. Once the specific batch was made, Para would contact you by email with the offer to purchase (which IIRC ~$750-800).



Actually there is no 'connection to CAF.' Para (Ordnance, before becoming Para USA) was a Canadian company offering essentially group buys to military folks (both US and CAN). Each TF/org was essentially able to go in on a group buy. Some initial batches had lots of technical issues or QC issues (which I believe eventually got sorted for those who had problems). Some years, there were multiple versions available (single or double stack, etc).
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm aware there is no offical connection but they still have a very cool unoffical connection.
 
Winz said:
..... Some initial batches had lots of technical issues or QC issues (which I believe eventually got sorted for those who had problems). Some years, there were multiple versions available (single or double stack, etc).
Click to expand...

The only Para Ord Tour Pistols that had "issues" were the double-stack models. In the case of those double-stack models, the Para Ord magazines were apparently the culprit. My single-stack M1911A1 has experienced zero stoppages in severalhundred rounds.
 
I kind of thought there'd be more people on here with these. Here's some more pictures of examples that have either come up for sale on CGN or found through friends.

The first one I believe is from a PRT team on a 1 RCR rotation (I think 3-08). It has "Help and Cooperation" written on it is Pashto
The second one I'm not sure as it's pretty generic but it's a double stack HI CAP model. And the third set is obviously another variation from 1-08 that's different from mine as mine doesn't have KANDAHAR written on it.




 
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Winz said:
The process to order was pretty basic. It was a simple request form to submit along with proof and no deposit required. Once the specific batch was made, Para would contact you by email with the offer to purchase (which IIRC ~$750-800).



Actually there is no 'connection to CAF.' Para (Ordnance, before becoming Para USA) was a Canadian company offering essentially group buys to military folks (both US and CAN). Each TF/org was essentially able to go in on a group buy. Some initial batches had lots of technical issues or QC issues (which I believe eventually got sorted for those who had problems). Some years, there were multiple versions available (single or double stack, etc).
Click to expand...

There was a member here who cursed the heck out of the company at the time. I believe he had a double stack 9mm, and his disparaging remarks were actually very humorous. I can't remember the guys name but it was comical.
 
Paras, both single stack and double stack, have a long long history of being garbage guns. Very few of them ever worked in any meaningful way. Back when these pistols were offered and the first of them started arriving we had threads and threads of complaints on them, went on for a long long time. they are neat as a collectible, but beyond that I'd never trust one to actually work.
 
My buddy has a Can hicappa. Don’t remember how he got it? Real sweet gun. No issues
Still uses at matches but since Covid $$ 45 $$ is extra stupid, so we both are getting CheepO.
Running less painful 9mm.
But I passed back years ago on getting one and kick myself every time I hear the word Parra
Saw one during the panic for $10000.00
 
Slavex said:
Paras, both single stack and double stack, have a long long history of being garbage guns. Very few of them ever worked in any meaningful way. Back when these pistols were offered and the first of them started arriving we had threads and threads of complaints on them, went on for a long long time. they are neat as a collectible, but beyond that I'd never trust one to actually work.
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My single-stack runs just fine, and is a tack-driver. I prefer my STI Single-Stack Tactical, but the Para runs like a champ just the same....
 
Slavex said:
Paras, both single stack and double stack, have a long long history of being garbage guns. Very few of them ever worked in any meaningful way. Back when these pistols were offered and the first of them started arriving we had threads and threads of complaints on them, went on for a long long time. they are neat as a collectible, but beyond that I'd never trust one to actually work.
Click to expand...

I agree, My buddy bought one and returned it three times because it wouldn't cycle. On the third time he asked for his money back and got an STI spartan. Much better gun,,, ran good and was very accurate. Don't remember hearing anything good about Para ,,, I seem to remember the canadian built ones being "better" but when they produced them in the states they were pretty garbage in my opinion. Then again people have ones that seem to work alright, so that's just my experience.
 
Have a 9mm single stack para it runs like garbage with the para mags. It runs flawless with higher end aftermarket mags though. Also have a double stack .45 para that o have never had an issue with it shoots great with no issues. I think it's a great peace of canadian gun history with task force runs they made .
 
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