Damsel’s Para Ordinance Warthog has a history of jamming, almost since the day she got it. At first, we thought it was a break-in issue and would clear up. However, jamming persisted and we resorted to using a new cleaning lubricant, which seemed to help, but not eliminate the problem.
Lately, the ‘Hawg has been misfeeding quite a lot. We suspected that the magazines might be fouled up, so last weekend, she disassembled her magazines and thoroughly cleaned them out. But, while shooting today, the pistol seemed to jam more than ever. Once, the round got stuck straight up in the mechanism. Damsel posed with the jammed pistol so I could get this shot of it.
Since we earlier were told that the springs in Para magazines might be a tad weak for proper feeding, we ordered some new heavy duty Wolff magazine spring replacements a couple of weeks ago and had them on hand for today’s gun cleaning session.
I disassembled a magazine and laid the original spring next to one of the new ones. Visually, the difference is significant. The new springs are longer and heavier gauge, although they both have the same number of loops. Re-assembly of the magazines was also more difficult than I remember from the last time.
I read somewhere on the Internet that these new springs would reduce the magazine capacity from ten to nine rounds. That’s not true. Damsel was able to get all ten rounds into the first magazine I re-sprung with no problem. She noted that the new springs seemed to be stiffer and the last round was tougher to cram into the magazine than before. She compared the difference to my Glock 30 magazines which have always been tough to load that last round.
We will take the Warthog for a rare midweek shooting range visit, just to see how we do with the new springs. We’ll have a report after we try this fix out.
If the new springs do not do the job, and if you bought the pistol new, then don’t do anything else to it, except to put the old springs back into the mags, and then contact the manufacturer to find out how to have it repaired. Even if not purchased new, the manufacturer may fix the problem for you; it is worth checking with them.
All the best,
Glenn B
I own two Paras one is a 14-45 Stainless Steel Limited and one is a Carry 12. I had to replace one of magazine springs in the 14-45. I try to only use winchester White box ammo so I know that it is not the ammunition. Are your magazines Marked? It is a good Idea when using multiple Magazines that is how I identified the problem. I love my Paras the 14-45 is my duty weapon for work. I working back into shooting shape after a work injury ( I am a Correctional Officer at the regional Prison).
We sent the pistol back once a couple of months ago to replace the broken spring guide in the slide assembly. Para took nearly three months to turn the repair around and ship it back. I’m not sure I want Damsel to have to wait like that again.
Weak springs have been a problem for many people with Paras – knowing that, she numbered each magazine and we tested them at the range this time. 1, 3 and 4 all had misfeeds. Number 2 didn’t. I replaced three springs and ordered the fourth yesterday.
We’ll have a report on how well the new springs work soon.
Sabre, have a speedy recovery!
They’re having a big blogger-training thing at Blackwater, maybe they’ll get their act together…
Maybe I can put a bug into the ear of one or two of the bloggers going to Blackwater. I don’t know if any of those going own a Para, though.
According to Michael Bane, Para is moving and, “come October, they’ll be safely relocated to Charlotte, NC.”
I know I’ve always had a stupid-long delay sending stuff to Canada and back because of theirs and ours *Customs* inspection/bottleneck – so their turnaround should be improved just by that.
Good – I do believe NC might be a bit more gun-friendly than Canadian gun-grabbers. Thanks for the info . . .
Cap’t Bob…
If you continue to have problems after the respringing, I will walk your Para through the company’s customer service…which is vastly improved (one of my old friends is now in charge of quality control, for example). I went to Toronto myself and spent three days in the plant, and it satisfied me enough that I’ve got them working on a Michael Bane/SHOOTING GALLERY Signature Para.
I presently carry a Para Carry 9 LDA with XS sights and compete with a P18 LDA hi-cap 9mm…they are both 100% guns…and heck, Para isn’t even a sponsor of my shows!
E-mail me at mbane666@nedernet.net
Lemme know…
Michael Bane
SHOOTING GALLERY
DOWN RANGE Television
http://www.downrange.tv
Michael,
Thanks for the offer and the information about the Para. Damsel says thanks, too.
We will be testing Damsel’s Warthog this Sunday at our local range. Three out of her four magazines have the new springs (the fourth is on order). We should know right after that.
Cap’n…
Just got this message from my pals at Para…they’d like for you to call Kerby Smith ASAP (683-599-6030). Here’s the mesage:
Dear Michael,
Do you have a phone number for Cap’n Bob so I can give him a call? I will track down what the service issue was last time the pistol was in and go from there.
Cheers,
Kerby
We’ll get this taken care of for the Damsel!
Michael B
Thanks again, Michael.
Damsel located the paperwork from the service and I will call Kerby tomorrow.
That was very nice of you to take interest in our issue with the ‘Hawg.
Congrats!! 🙂
Dude! We are all in this together!
mb