Para WartHawg/ Ultra Carry II

[dmpxd]

Everyone,

I am in heavy debate for my new CC, or OC whatever just my new carry. I currently carry a Px4 Storm 9mm, or Special Duty. I have also been known to carry either one of my springfields XD/XDm.

What I am asking is does anyone have any hands on experience and can shed some light. I don't want to go kimber for the sake of Kimber we all know they are nice. I am leaning more towards the Para in .45 and I am just afraid the grip width might be to much for the desired carry fit I am looking for. I could always go para hawg slim version, but the 10+1 is appealing. I am just looking for first hand accounts, opinions, or pro/cons to either.

Kimber - Continuing The Legacy
Kimber - Continuing The Legacy
Para USA, High-Quality Handguns: Products
Para USA, High-Quality Handguns: Products


Thank you,

D

 

[aikidoka]

I edc a para warthog. The grip isn't all that much thicker than a regular 1911 with stock grip panels. However, it is more of rounded block shape instead of oval or ax handle like a single stack.

If you can deal with the grip, I would recommend getting hogue wrap around hand grips, extended MSH and use the finger extension on the mags. All of that will help with the short grip. I also sent mine to robar for np3 on the controls and to add a speed bump to the grip safety.

For CC I have yet to have good luck with IWB. That might be because I used to CC with a belly band and a walther ppk/s, so anything else will feel huge in comparison. I typically OC, if I CC it is lightly, with just an unbuttone shirt, sport coat or jacket. My carry rig is a Galco M7X Matrix and Comptac double mag carrier or a Tucker HF1 and double mag carrier. I recently ordered an AKJ Concealco so I'll see if that works IWB for me for more concealment.

As a general note, Rob at Tucker Gunleather doesn't recommend getting a belt that has a reinforcement strip AND velcro. I did that with a comptac belt and it's just too thick IMO. I try to only use that belt with the Matrix rig because it adds too much wear to the slots of my leather holster and mag carrier.

Having said all that, it's really going to come down to how you feel about concealing the warthog and how it feels in your hand. It also weighs a bit more fully loaded and that weight is kind of concentrated due to the double stack. The 10+1 rounds is attractive but I wouldn't feel under gunned with a single stack.

 

[dmpxd]

I edc a para warthog. The grip isn't all that much thicker than a regular 1911 with stock grip panels. However, it is more of rounded block shape instead of oval or ax handle like a single stack.

If you can deal with the grip, I would recommend getting hogue wrap around hand grips, extended MSH and use the finger extension on the mags. All of that will help with the short grip. I also sent mine to robar for np3 on the controls and to add a speed bump to the grip safety.

For CC I have yet to have good luck with IWB. That might be because I used to CC with a belly band and a walther ppk/s, so anything else will feel huge in comparison. I typically OC, if I CC it is lightly, with just an unbuttone shirt, sport coat or jacket. My carry rig is a Galco M7X Matrix and Comptac double mag carrier or a Tucker HF1 and double mag carrier. I recently ordered an AKJ Concealco so I'll see if that works IWB for me for more concealment.

As a general note, Rob at Tucker Gunleather doesn't recommend getting a belt that has a reinforcement strip AND velcro. I did that with a comptac belt and it's just too thick IMO. I try to only use that belt with the Matrix rig because it adds too much wear to the slots of my leather holster and mag carrier.

Having said all that, it's really going to come down to how you feel about concealing the warthog and how it feels in your hand. It also weighs a bit more fully loaded and that weight is kind of concentrated due to the double stack. The 10+1 rounds is attractive but I wouldn't feel under gunned with a single stack.

THANK YOU, this is exactly the kind of feed back I need, I also need to go try and handle both of them side x side. I got to lay my mits on the single stack 9mm wart hawg last week and it is fine so I am relying on that as a fall back.

Would you mind explaining the speed bump on the grip safety and how robar adds that. I tend to send my controls to Cummings Custom Refinishing for their Cera-plate as I prefer it over NP3 but I would be willing to try new things if it is value add. I would definitely go with the Hogue wrap arounds, and the extension.

In closing could you post or email me some pics of your weapon, and gear?

 

[wtfd661]

I've got the Kimber Tactical Ultra II and its a unbelievable good weapon. It is my main CC gun. Not a single issue for almost 4 yrs now. Love that gun. Just in case you haven't seen it (even though I've been known to show it off ), here it is.

I carry it in a Milt Sparks VM 2 IWB, very comfortable. The CDP would be the other Ultra II I would be very glad to own. I have absolutely no experience with any of the Para products so I really can't comment on them, other than to say I've heard really good things about them.

Good luck with your purchase and make sure to post some porn when you get it.

 

[dmpxd]

I will and your post did exactly the opposite of what I am looking to do. Now I am pulled back to the fence as to what I want to do. It is not price as they are both spensive! Is there any way you could do me a favor and put up a shot of it in your hand so I can see the general sizing of the weapon, or next to something a little more common, that I have probably handled???

Thanks

D

 

[koenig clone]

I have a slim hawg. Its a great looking and feeling gun. I do have some trouble with it failing to feed properly sometimes. Maybe its just mine. don't know. I sent it back, they said they would make it right. I hope so. we'll see. I carry it in this. Holster Shirt 5.11 Tactical
great holster shirt. pockets in both sides. comfortable. discreet. the way i like it. If i had it to do over, I would go with the kimber. It is tough spending that much money on a personal carry firearm because you are constantly worried about scratching it.

 

[XDs4me]

I know what your going through. I was doing the exact same thing. After much handling kicking it back and forth I totally got thrown for a loop. I handled and shot a Springfield EMP40. I finally gave in and bought the EMP 40. I gave up the 45 caliber but I gained a great shooting very comfortable and easy to conceal carry piece.

 

[dmpxd]

I have a slim hawg. Its a great looking and feeling gun. I do have some trouble with it failing to feed properly sometimes. Maybe its just mine. don't know. I sent it back, they said they would make it right. I hope so. we'll see. I carry it in this. Holster Shirt 5.11 Tactical
great holster shirt. pockets in both sides. comfortable. discreet. the way i like it. If i had it to do over, I would go with the kimber. It is tough spending that much money on a personal carry firearm because you are constantly worried about scratching it.

I may be wrong but I have heard bad things about the the spring weight (magazine/follower spring) Para uses across all lines of their firearms.

Question: is it one of the last rounds that won't feed, or it just won't feed sometimes period?

But I have heard that putting a heavier spring in with a higher 'K' fixes if not eliminates the problem.

Let me know!

 

[wtfd661]

The Tactical Ultra II has a extended mag well which adds a 1/4" to the grip making it perfect for me. That is what I'm showing you in the second pic. I have pretty large hands (not extremely large but I do wear a 2x gloves).

 

[dmpxd]

The Tactical Ultra II has a extended mag well which adds a 1/4" to the grip making it perfect for me. That is what I'm showing you in the second pic. I have pretty large hands (not extremely large but I do wear a 2x gloves).

Ha, 2x I only were large or XL but 2X holy cow. Anyway perfect, thank you this is exactly what I like to see. I am only 6'5" about 225lbs. I think I can conceal either fairly well, but shoot????

Thank you again, D

 

[aikidoka]

THANK YOU, this is exactly the kind of feed back I need, I also need to go try and handle both of them side x side. I got to lay my mits on the single stack 9mm wart hawg last week and it is fine so I am relying on that as a fall back.

Would you mind explaining the speed bump on the grip safety and how robar adds that. I tend to send my controls to Cummings Custom Refinishing for their Cera-plate as I prefer it over NP3 but I would be willing to try new things if it is value add. I would definitely go with the Hogue wrap arounds, and the extension.

In closing could you post or email me some pics of your weapon, and gear?

Here's a pic.

 

[koenig clone]

here's mine. It varies when it jams. once or twice every 2 or 3 clips. fails to feed all the way into the barrel for the slide to completely return. hopefully its all good when I get it back. CS said they would make it right. I'm going to trust them on it until they prove otherwise.

 

[koenig clone]

the more i think about it, you may be right about the magazine spring. that short slide cycles extremely fast! When it works right you can empty that clip in no time whatsoever.

 

[dmpxd]

the more i think about it, you may be right about the magazine spring. that short slide cycles extremely fast! When it works right you can empty that clip in no time whatsoever.

Yes sir, I am not saying that is your particular problem, but if a magazine consistently will not feed towards the end of the mag... Then one tends to lean towards the follower not doing it's job. Why? The spring is not performing, but like I said if it is happening all the time then I don't know.

 

[dmpxd]

here's mine. It varies when it jams. once or twice every 2 or 3 clips. fails to feed all the way into the barrel for the slide to completely return. hopefully its all good when I get it back. CS said they would make it right. I'm going to trust them on it until they prove otherwise.

Ok now I am actually listening please keep me posted as I plan on sealing a deal sooner than later. I am going to gander mtn. And plainfield shooting supply tomorrow. Hopefully one of them have something my personal ffl allows me to order neither!

Thanks again everyone keep them coming!

 

[dmpxd]

Here's a pic.

Side x Side with another FA or possibly a pic from the back. I know I am being picky, but it is a big deal to me. Thank you for all of your patience!

 

[dmpxd]

Bueller, Bueller!!! TtT

 

[aikidoka]

Here is a pic with the magazine out which shows what the extended msh does for the warthog. The stock msh is flush with the bottom of the grip so the bottom of the grip hits higher on the hand. You can get this part at Smith & Alexander - "The Mag-Guide People" The one to get is for the Para Ordnance P-10.

Here is a pic from the rear

 

[aikidoka]

PS. Compare to the pic koenig clone posted to see the stock MSH difference

 

[aikidoka]

Something else to check. See how well you can hit the mag release with your thumb on the warthog. I really can't do it without adjusting my grip and the hogue wrap around doesnt help. I'm working on hitting it with my left hand as that one has to move to get the next mag anyway.