Now it was time to have some fun; we performed some offhand drills. At Butch's suggestion we each ran a magazine of each brand of ammo through the CCO-GAP, drawing the pistol and performing a series of rapid-fire double taps on a pair of D-1 targets set out at seven yards.

Compare the .45 GAP cartridge (left and right) to the .45 ACP (center).

Aside from accuracy, the two aspects of the CCO-GAP that impressed me the most were how the Griptor serrations enhanced recoil control and how the sights allowed for fast target acquisition and follow-up shots.

We experienced several failures to feed with the Speer Lawman 180-grain truncated-cone bullet, and while I had expected these to disappear as we fired the pistol more, they persisted. Aside from that, the Para gobbled up everything we fed it and spat out the empty shells--very commendable for an out-of-the-box pistol.

Butch's summation: "Shooting the CCO-GAP was an interesting experience for this dyed-in-the-wool 1911 shooter. It was familiar but still different. The controls, grip and magazine were essentially the same as my various iterations of the 1911, but the LDA trigger was decidedly different.

Gould & Goodrich Yaqui Belt Slide proved a very practical, and comfortable, way to carry the mini Para.

"This was my first exposure to the LDA trigger, and my initial impression was very favorable. The trigger pull is unbelievably light and smooth through the entire stroke, with a surprise break at the end, just as it is supposed to do for best control. It only took a few magazines for my straight-pull forefinger to adjust to the pivoting sweep of the LDA trigger and ignore the short rise of the hammer."

The real test of any firearm is in the shooting; this one passed with an A. Five brands in various bullet weights and profiles were sent downrange with expected minor variations in point of impact. Despite the variations, all were judged to be within combat accuracy standards. Anyone planning to carry the CCO-GAP should settle on the most reliable and accurate ammo and practice with it. Speaking of reliability, all magazines for a self-defense pistol must be tested for reliability with the preferred carry ammunition.

Were there any complaints? The only one I could voice is that I found combat reloads a bit difficult and would like to suggest that Para consider beveling the magazine well. Other than that single caveat I think Para has a winner with this addition to its LDA line.

As an afternote, I'd like to suggest that Para offer the CCO in 9x19 and .40 S&W. With its more demure grip dimensions, this pistol is a natural launching platform for these two extremely popular rounds.