Rolled Out On: 8/26/2008 5:56 PM

I'll say this...I've never even considered looking at a Para product. Since the blog bash, I've ordered two Serpa holsters, and I'm going to the local gunshop to take a look at an LDA .45. Two reasons for this:

1) The positive comments from the bloggers.
2) I want to support businesses that are creative in their outreach to the community.

Rolled Out On: 8/26/2008 6:08 PM

I posted my thoughts here.

I think Para, TJ, Blackhawk, and BW come out way ahead...

Honestly, Para gets to write off the cost of the guns, get time at Blackwater for wholesale rate - they probably have a backroom deal 'cause they BW guys get instruction from TJ from time to time - and while they have to pay for TJ, they probably have it worked into his contract - he does use their gear and "work" for 'em...

BW gets a positive spin in the media. TJ gets even more good media making him almost a "household name" among gunnies.

I dunno. It's not hard to think that print advertising in a gun rag is going to be a few grand. That reaches a few folks. Getting bloggers together and having 'em use a product is probably the same amount and has a better rate of return. This is the beauty of viral marketing.

If you stop to think about it, in the print world, Para competes with Kimber, Springfield Armory, and a slew of others for "entry level" 1911's.

In the blog world, they aren't really competing with anyone...

I'll agree with the other commenter here too... I'm a Glocker and I've been to the ParaUSA site to check out a few of their guns! (9MM SXT)

Rolled Out On: 8/26/2008 6:35 PM

Well, I have to be honest and say that I was planning on buying one of the Para LDA's before this contest thingie ever arose. Having said that, I was in no hurry. After I got a catalog with a testimonial by Todd Jarret, the Para became more of a priority.

I'm again stuck in the position where there's 2 guns I really want, but I have to choose.

What Para was willing to do to reach out to interweb tube surfers carries some weight and I will most likely buy the Para...first.

Rolled Out On: 8/26/2008 6:48 PM

Before the bloggers went to Blackwater, I'd never even consider trying out a Para firearm. Now I am curious and want to try one out. Will this make me want to buy one? I don't know, but it's something.

I very much want to explore training with Todd Jarrett

Blackwater looks like a great training area, and it is MUCH closer to Maryland than Gunsite or Frontsite, and has a better chance of grabbing my training dollar.

Rolled Out On: 8/26/2008 7:08 PM

One of the first pistols I ever shot (this was probably about 3 years ago) was a Para with an LDA trigger. I liked the gun, but at the time I really knew nothing about pistols. I know a little more now than I did then (no expert now by any means)

I like to see what people shoot at the local IDPA match and at some of the training classes I have taken, and use that as a starting point on how different guns function, carry, etc. I can't recall ever seeing a Para at a match (compared to Kimber, Glock or Springfield)

I really hope that the you guys who were able to attend this event will continue to write about these guns over the next 3-6 months as you become more acquanted with them. It's one thing to hit a home run on the first date, what's it like living with them????

This outreach by Para has moved them up the list. Sounds like they rolled out the red carpet for you guys, and that is pretty stinkin cool. I think I'm speaking for a lot of people when I say, "I'm envious"

Rolled Out On: 8/26/2008 7:14 PM

Also consider that Para is moving its HQ to NC here soon. When they do, they are already friendly with one of the biggest businesses in the state.

You can bet that this was the start of a long and prosperous relationship between Blackwater and Para.