First 1911 with a Barrel Less Than 4.25"

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carlson1

carlson1

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In my over 30 years of carrying 24/7 I have never carried a 1911 that had a barrel less than 4 1/4" barrel. The Dan Wesson ECO just got my attention. First picture is what it looked liked unboxed. The grips were a "little loud" for my taste so I changed them out and then holstered in my Milt Sparks holster. Hopefully over the next couple of weeks I can get in broke in and put it into my EDC.
ECO1_zpsz69m68yv.jpg
0fd91c38-f789-470e-8000-0bf6945c1d8b_zpsyphvwupn.jpg
ECO%20Holstered2_zpsnkfj0fmp.jpg
 
Says 3.5" slide...

Presenting the ECO, a true single stack officer size 1911 weighing in at only 25 oz. For years the officer 1911 has been criticized for reliability. We have taken care of that by using some of the latest technology as well as our background in doing what others say can’t be done. This gun has all the latest and greatest we have to offer.

The ECO wears tritium night sights with our tactical ledge sight on the rear of our lightweight 3.5” slide. The barrel is a flush-cut ramped bull barrel with target crown rather than the traditional barrel and barrel bushing. This makes the gun slightly more compact and easier to disassemble. The recoil system is quite unique for this style of 1911 as we use a solid, one piece guide rod and a flat recoil spring that is rated for 15,000 rounds in .45 ACP. That is 15,000 rounds! Not 500 rounds like most 1911 dual recoil systems are rated for. This is unheard of in a production 1911! This recoil system also gives the benefit of a smooth slide for easier operation and less felt recoil.
Click to expand...

CZ-USA


As the owner of a Kimber Ultra CDP II, I can tell you that these contemporary, abbreviated .45ACP-chambered pistols do in fact shoot. But this DW, with the 15,000-rd *single* recoil spring is indeed interesting.

Well played! sir. A superb acquisition.
 
carlson1

Very nice! Looks like you've got a real winner on your hands there! I have been carrying and shooting a Colt Officers Model for many years now and it's been totally reliable and durable over the long haul. I usually run 185 or 200 grain JHPs through it and accuracy is very good. Since I have smaller than usual size hands the shortened frame fits me perfectly. The all steel construction helps to reduce felt recoil though I wouldn't mind an alloy framed version for the lighter weight while carrying.

DSC01499_zpsfhkpr3i6.jpg
 
stoky

A couple of nice custom Officers Models you've got there along with some first rate leather goods!
 
thanks bannockburn
Yours is good lookin, yours too carlson1. I think I need a blue one.
 
stoky

Have had several Officers Models over the years (sold or traded a few of them), but typically found the blued all steel models to be well built and very reliable. Never did find an aluminum alloy frame version and have moved on to looking for a Colt CCO instead.
 
These Officer's models are reliable, I just thought I needed a blue one............you know.............for diversity. :p
I looked for an alloy Commander for a while, gave up and bought a Kimber. So far, so good. The lack of a barrel bushing concerns me though.
 
The officer size 1911's have been known to be a little more finicky than the commander and full size, I don't think that's some unheard of secret. However each gun is its own and can't be judged by others. My luck has been a lot better with commander and full size 1911's but I have a buddy who swears by 3" 1911's. He's carried them and shot them his whole adult life and he's in his mid 50's. On our last range outing together his over $2400 custom officers sized Springfield had a malfunction and he couldn't understand why. I think he just chopped it up to limp wristing if I recall correctly. The eco and cco have good reviews and are not only beautiful guns, but excellent performers as well. Congrats and good luck
 
I don't consider this a problem yet. I ran 150 rounds of Federal 230 FMJ. Well THEN I tried to run 50 Federal HST and this is what happened. I will continue to break it in with the Federal FMJ for a couple of more 100 rounds before any more HP.
I don't consider this a problem yet. I ran 150 rounds of Federal 230 FMJ. Well THEN I tried to run 50 Federal HST and this is what happened. I will continue to break it in with the Federal FMJ for a couple of more 100 rounds before any more HP.


 
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For all the dire warnings about small 1911s having problems, my Colt Compact (3.5") and Sig Ultra (3.3") have been more reliable than my full-sized 1911s (Ruger, Springfield, RIA). The Sig is my daily carry.

Carlson1, that is one fine looking piece of machinery. Someday I'll move up into the DW price range. Anybody wanna buy a cat?
 
Mechanically, 3" 1911s have less room for error in manufacturing. My 3" 9MM EMP runs like a Swiss watch. My 3" Kimber .45 does as well.

Not all of the short guns do. But some improperly made 5" 1911s don't run either.
 
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