Dan Wesson or Kimber

[banjoman2255]

I have narrowed down my decision for my first pistol to either a Dan Wesson RZ-45 Heritage or a Kimber Raptor II. What would you guys choose?

 

[Brutz]

What's the purpose of the gun? will it be hd, cc, or just for some range time? I would personally go with the DW just from all of the things I have read about both firearms.

 

[banjoman2255]

It will be mostly for home defense and range shooting. I am about to apply for my ccw permit also.

 

[banjoman2255]

I have also heard great things about the DW

 

[Matrix187]

DW IMO, kimbers have had a little more problems.

 

[kentucky_smith]

DW easily. I've owned lots of Kimbers, only had DW's now.

 

[dairycreek]

I have a couple of Kimber's and recently purchased my first Dan Wesson, a Commander Bobtail (CBOB for short). I enjoy my Kimbers a lot and have had absolutely no problem with either of them over many, many K rounds put through each. Having said that the CBOB is just a much, much better gun - hands down. It is exceptionally well put together with outstanding fit and finish. With a choice between Kimber and Dan Wesson - the Dan Wesson would win.

 

[Pizzagunner]

DW--They make them like Kimber used to when they cared about quality.

 

[benderx4]

DAN WESSON! (This one was easy, now ask a hard question!)

 

[Mags]

Kimber, unless you pick up the Valor model from Dan Wesson.

 

[Cougfan2]

I have never owned a Kimber, but I own two DW CBOB's and they are awesome 1911's. Personally, I would go with the DW.

If DW ever comes out with a blued model (straght blue, not the coating the valor has), I will be first in line.

 

[Craig M. Arnold]

I own a Heritage as well as a couple other Dan Wessons. I also own several Kimbers, mostly pre-series II. I have never had any issues with my Kimbers and really like them. However, the Heritage has become my favorite 1911 pistol. I believe that it is the best buy in the Dan Wesson line up.

Best regards.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Sold a Kimber bought a Dan Wesson bobtail and have never wanted another Kimber
get a Dan Wesson

 

[kanewpadle]

Have owned five different Kimbers. Not one of them came close to the quality and reliablity of the one Dan Wesson that I own.

Kimber is ok. They just happen to be better at marketing then other gun makers. They are far from the best.

The only other gun that I have that compares to the Dan Wesson is a Springfield Operator.

 

[LancerMW]

i havent heard much bad bout DW whereas i hear problems bout kimbers frequently. now i personally think Springer is the way to go!

 

[maniak]

I've never had a Kimber, only handled them in gun shops.
They've never felt as comfortable as my DW Bobtail.
Very happy w/the Bobtail. At least a couple K rounds through it and I've never had a FTF, FTL or FTE. Happy enough that I'd like to get another, this time the CCO.
But for now, my "classic" is just fine.

 

[EAJ]

+1 dw

 

[paul45]

Dan Wesson

 

[glassman]

Dan Wesson

 

[9mmepiphany]

Dan Wesson for workmanship, reliability and value

 

[Matrix187]

I had one of the first Dan Wesson Pointman 7's ever made by Bob Serva. It was all hand fit and had a few parts that you dont find in todays production models. I sold it.... Great gun though.

 

[Dobe]

There are only three production 1911s I would purchase at this time.

1. Colt
2. Dan Wesson
3. Springfield

I am not sure, which I would put in first place, either Colt or the Dan Wesson. By the way. I own several Kimbers.
Kimbers quality control has deminished.

 

[Jason_G]

If you're talking about current production, DW, hands down IMHO.




I've got 1000+ trouble free rounds through my CBOB .45, which is not an immense amount, but I think any problems would have surfaced by now. It has never had a hiccup, even running extremely fouled up through some 300 round range sessions with nasty ammo. I've never had a problem feeding any JHPs I've tried, and it even passed the empty case feeding test, as long as the case mouths weren't way out-of-round. The fit and finish is on par with many expensive semi-customs, with the exception of the grip safety, which is fit slightly looser- although not sloppy or anything (and I heard this has been tightened up on the 2009 models). The barrel locks up nice and tight, the bushing is well fit, and the slide to frame fit is perfection. Even the mags that come with it are top notch Checkmate stainless 8 round mags.

I won't bash Kimber in any way, but I will say that after owning a DW, I have no desire to own any current production Kimber. That's not brand snobbery or anything, but I just feel that right now DW is the top dog of production pistols in terms of what you get for your money. I think right now Colt would be my second choice for a production pistol, followed closely by Springfield. Of course I am basing this on current production and NIB prices.

Again, JMHO, YMMV, etc.



Jason

 

[Noxx]

Never owned a Kimber. Had a Wesson Hi Power for a while, was unimpressed and sold it.