Para USA Companion

by
posted on February 16, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
2011216162417-para-companion_f.jpg

Para USA’s compact, double-action-only LDA Para Companion is part of the manufacturer’s burgeoning line of pistols featuring its Light Double Action (LDA) trigger. It is tailored for concealed carry by law enforcement personnel and lawfully armed citizens. The Para Companion is more than merely a chopped-down version of the original LDA; it is a pistol into which the designers have put considerable thought in meeting the needs of those who carry discreetly.

The Para Companion is about as small as is practical for a .45 ACP defensive gun, meaning you can operate it easily and shoot it well, but it is small enough to avoid leaving a large profile or “print” under clothing when worn with a suitable holster of good quality.

There are several advantages to a pistol with lines based on the M1911. One is that there is a seemingly endless variety of quality leather already available. Also, ergonomics largely ceases to be an issue. Shooters are familiar with the feel of the M1911, and most of them like it very much.

The Companion LDA is fabricated from stainless steel with a black PK2 finish, because Para USA is obliged to use steel as the LDA trigger system takes up much of the space that would otherwise be occupied by the right frame rail. As a result, the frame rail on that side is quite abbreviated and must be made of steel for adequate strength. Another Para Companion enhancement is the low-profile, snag-resistant sight set-up. It presents a fiber-optic front sight with a white-dot rear sights.

We liked the inclusion of the beavertail and extended slimline thumb safety. They make the gun more comfortable to shoot and easier to operate, respectively. In addition to the utilitarian features of the Para Companion, we liked the numerous touches that suggest quality, such as the use of Allen-head screws to hold the grip panels; the grip panels themselves, which are black cocobolo and checkered in a double-diamond pattern with a Para emblem. The Companion is a handsome pistol.

When it comes to shooting manners, the ­pistol handled well and, though small, didn’t recoil excessively, thanks likely to the weight resulting from its steel construction. Accuracy was adequate for a carry gun. Para USA guns are known for being tight when they come from the factory, and we did experience some failures to go into battery, but no problems with Para's Power Extractor.

When we first handled the LDA trigger, it was a revelation compared to other double-action-only triggers we have tried. This one was suitably light in rapid fire, but was somewhat gritty in slow fire, though, admittedly, that’s not its intended role.

We found the Para Companion to be a neat little package with a lot going for it: size, power, LDA trigger, handling, rust resistance, snag resistance and good looks. While it is not without some faults, it merits consideration from anyone interested in a big-bore, double-action-only carry gun.

Manufacturer: Para USA Inc.; (704) 930-7600; para-usa.com
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: double-action-only LDA, recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol
Frame: stainless steel
Finish: covert black
Barrel: 3 1⁄2"
Rifling: six-groove; 1:16" LH twist
Magazine: seven-round,single-column, detachable
Sights: adjustable fiber optics
Trigger Pull: 6 lbs., 8 ozs.
Overall Length: 7.1"
Width: 11⁄8"
Height: 5"
Weight: 32 ozs.
Accessories: cable gun lock, bushing wrench
Suggested Retail Price: $999

Latest

Walther PDP Pro-X PMM
Walther PDP Pro-X PMM

Unfair Advantage: The Walther PDP Pro-X PMM

The latest “Pro” model in this famous German maker’s line of U.S.-assembled pistols leverages more than 100 years of experience in building service-size semi-automatics. And the results are better than even most experienced shooters should expect.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 8, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Terminal Ballistics 101: What You Must Know As A Rifleman

It is easy to take a box of bullets for granted, but as a rifleman, it is important to understand all variables at play when it comes to terminal ballistics. This guide, from NRA Firearms Sourcebook, will help drill down on what is important.

Preview: BlackPoint Tactical Leather Wing—Light Mounted

The Leather Wing from BlackPoint Tactical is a hybrid OWB concealed-carry holster that pairs thermoformed front and rear Kydex shells with flexible leather side panels.

Bringing The 940 Back: Smith & Wesson & Davidson's Revive Classic Revolver

After a 27-year hiatus, the Smith & Wesson Model 940 revolver in 9 mm Luger is finally back, thanks to S&W's partnership with distributor Davidson's, Inc.

Preview: The Life Of Samuel H. Walker

Firearm enthusiasts will recognize the name of Samuel Walker due to his association with Sam Colt.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.