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Hi all, this is the dilemma I'm in...

I can't find the gun I want, probably because I have somewhat specific req in this firearm. I'm debating between building it myself or having a good pistol smith build it for me. Basically I'm looking for a compact/sub-compact 9mm. 1911 looks, double action w/external thumb safety, 3-3.5" barrel and light weight. There's some more specs but I can't think of them at the moment. What would yall say a custom built like this would cost vs building it myself?

Given your requirements, I'd actually recommend a Para Ordnance LDA of that size. I certainly would not advise you to do it yourself. Now, if the double action part isn't that important, a good gunsmith can build a 9mm 1911 that size with no problem. That's just one opinion.

~Jim Keeney

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"I'd rather die on my feet than keep living on my knees." - Emiliano Zapata, Mexican Revolutionary

If the d/a feature is not more important than an external thumb safety, then look at the STI LS9. Very slim, 1911-based. Frankly, your requirement for both d/a and a thumb safety sounds like a gun no one makes. Reports I have been hearing about the Paras have not been very impressive. Virtually everyone else makes d/a guns with either a hammer drop, not a ergonomic safety like the the 1911, or some form of safe action/double-action only system.

The only thing that I can think of that would come close would be some of the CZ pistols like the RAMI. But then you loose most of the 1911 type specs. Really comes closer to HP in operation and function. I too would vote against the Para. I have had nothing but trouble with them. You might want to look at some of the CZ pistols. I have a P-01 in 9MM and next to my 1911s and HPs, it is one of the hottest pistols going. If you could get used to the decocker for the DA shot, one of the best out there for the money. And if you take them apart and polish up the internals, you get a nice smooth DA pull of about 7-8 lbs. and SA pull of 4 lbs with just a touch of creep. The way the sear and hammer engage due to the decocker causes the sear to rise a very slight amount on the right edge before releasing the hammer, and that is the cause of the "creep" on SA pull, but very usable. Mine has been through the ringer and just keeps on ticking. I have the new mini M3X on it and have milled it an additonal slot in the tac rail so the light can mount further back and be in the right position for use.

Deez.

The gun you are looking for already exists but the importation and possibly manufacture has been discontinued in the last year. The gun is/was manufactured by FN and was called the HP-DA, I believe. I had both a full-size and compact version of the DAO model. When I purchased mine I was afforded the option to get a DA/SA model but chose the DAO model instead. Both shot great and I am confident a trip to a reputable smith to address any sharp edges and an action tune would have resulted in a very capable carry piece. Incidently, there is currently one listed for sale on Gunsamerica according to a recent search of the following criteria, (FN HP DA).

FWIW and respectfully submitted.

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Regards,
Will M.

Member: NRA (Life) - ORPA (Life) - GSSF (Life) - OFCC (Annual) - Buckeye Firearms Association (Annual)