Para Ordnance's original two Power Extractor pistols, the first in a line of 38 handguns, have just been officially certified by the California Department of Justice. Before the Department of Justice will approve a handgun for sale in the state, the pistol must go through a rigorous series of firing, safety and drop tests--all of which the Para LTC and SSP passed.

Para has developed a new extracting technology and introduced it into their entire line of handguns. The Para Power Extractor improves upon the original 1911 extractor design by utilizing a greater range of movement and increasing the size of the extractor claw by 50 percent, leading to improved feeding and extracting reliability. At the same time, the new Power Extractor stays true to the classic look of the 1911 since its rear is the same size as the original extractor--making for a gun that looks as good as it shoots.

The LTC and the SSP, both single-action single stack pistols, were the initial two Power Extractor models released by Para and the first to be tested to meet the California Department of Justice requirements.

This Super Sport Pistol, or SSP, is Para's full-size 1911 Single-Action, Single Stack pistol. At the introductory suggested retail price of $749, this pistol features a match-grade ramped barrel, competition trigger and hammer and Para's patented Power Extractor.

Para's new Lt. Colonel pistol, or LTC, is a compact version of Para's full-size 1911. The frame is the same, but the slide and barrel have been shortened to 4.25-inches. The LTC holds 7+1 rounds, and the familiar heft of the single-stack grip. The new Para LTC is available with either an alloy or steel frame. Both pistols have Para's new Regal Para Kote finish.

From a full-length guide rod at the muzzle to the competition hammer at the rear of the slide, the new Para Power Extractor 1911 pistols feature many extras. They also feature Para's triple safety system, with a slide lock safety, grip safety and internal firing pin.