PARA-USA

PARA-USA, originally known as Para-Ordnance, has a history rooted in the production of custom 1911-style pistols. Founded in Canada in 1985 by Ted Szabo and Thanos Polyzos, the company gained recognition for introducing the high-capacity double-stack 1911 pistol design. This innovation allowed for more rounds to be carried without drastically increasing the pistol’s size. PARA-USA’s pistols were favored by competitive shooters and law enforcement agencies for their reliable performance and larger magazine capacities. In 2009, the company relocated to the United States and continued producing 1911-style pistols under the name PARA-USA. However, in 2012, the company ceased its operations due to financial difficulties, marking the end of a significant chapter in the history of custom 1911 pistols.