First 1911 - DW CCO?

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Bobson

Bobson

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I've admired the 1911 platform for as long as I can remember, but I've never shot one. I always figured my first handgun would be a 1911, but when it came time to actually buy that first handgun, I went with a Glock 19, because I was trained with one and knew I shoot it well.

Well, I still want a 1911, and lately the itch is stronger than before. I've been reading up on Dan Wesson offerings in particular, because the VBOB and CCO have both really caught my eye, and because DW seems to be a mid-range, semi-custom manufacturer with excellent reputation for quality and reliability. Also, I'm not interested in committing to the Les Baer price range yet, even though the Monolith Comanche is downright gorgeous.

Would it be a bad idea to select a CCO as a first 1911? I've read that the 1911 platform is most reliable in the original Government/5" slide configuration, but I also haven't read a single negative thing about Dan Wesson's CCO, and like I said, I'm super drawn to it.

As an aside, this is the research stage in my upcoming purchase. I don't have the funds available yet, but I haven't found a single NIB DW CCO for sale anywhere either. Looking for advice, and if anyone here owns a Dan Wesson CCO, I'd love to hear of firsthand experience with them. Thanks.
 
For the price of a V-BOB or CCO, you can get a Les Baer. DW are nice guns, but their no in the same league as a Baer.
 
I have 4 1911's. A Colt combat commander, a colt defender, a springfield emp 40 cal, and a DW valor. The valor is by far the best out of the 4 I own. I have not handled an Ed Brown...However, IMO DW makes a damn fine weapon.
 
My second 1911 was a DW CBOB (the earlier one - around 2007, when they were less expensive). (My first 1911 was a Springfield Loaded, and the trigger was pretty bad for a 1911 - surprising, considering the make and model). I also have a DW CCO. In my opinion, the CCO is NOT a good first 1911 (it's my 5th). It has an alloy frame, so is a little more difficult to control. Since it is an officer's frame, it has a little less grip to hold on to. Don't get me wrong - I LIKE it. I like all the DW pistols. But a government (full) size or commander size would be a better first 1911. In fact, I have a Ruger SR1911. I highly recommend THAT for a first 1911. There are others in the same budgetary range.

If money doesn't matter, then that makes for a different set of selections :)
 
Your experience with Dan Wesson seems to be shared by everyone who owns one, coebam. I haven't read anything contrary to that, at least.

As far as the Les Baer, I understand they're a step up from the DW. The thing is, if I can have a Les Baer 1911, or the Dan Wesson CCO, I'd rather take the CCO.

I'm not necessarily trying to find the best 1911 for X number of dollars. I'm trying to determine if the CCO is a poor choice for a first timer to the 1911 platform, for some reason my inexperience prevents me from coming up with.

ETA: Thanks for your input, RFMan. Money matters, but I don't have a specific budget. I'll give some consideration to others, but if the CCO is recommended out, the VBOB is very likely taking its place. What do you think of that for a first 1911?
 
I am pretty sure it will spoil you :) The VBOB is the current replacement/upgrade for the CBOB. It comes with slim grips; I have small hands, and I have been thinking of changing my CBOB's grips out; the jury is still out. I DID change my CCO grips to slims. If you find and swing a VBOB, you will NOT be disappointed...and I think you will be sold on the 1911 platform forever :)
 
I got my first 1911 almost 40 years ago and it was a Colt GM, because it was the only game in town.

Based on my experience with the platform, the CCO is very close to the ideal carry gun with the combination of the Commander length slide (the shortest I'd go in a .45ACP 1911 frame) and the OACP frame. There are things I'd change about it, but it is more personal preference than anything else.

However, the CCO wouldn't be what I would recommend as a first 1911. I thing the VBOB, or even the older CBOB, would make a better learning 1911. It's combination of a bit more weight and a bit more to hold onto does make a noticeable different in shooting.

I wouldn't even think twice before picking a DW over a Baer
 
I second 9mmepiphany's post, while my primary CCW is a CCO sized SIG 1911, I would recommend a full size or Commander size as a first.
 
I wouldn't even think twice before picking a DW over a Baer
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Same here, and I have had several of each. I'll echo the sentiments of others, the CCO is primarily a carry gun. For just plain shooting, a full size or a "commander" size would be the way to fly. I have a stainless V-Bob and it's a pretty good pistol.

Baer, Wilson, Nighthawk, Brown, etc., are darn nice 1911s, but I have shot a variety of lesser priced 1911 guns (Rugers, STI, SA, Colt, etc.) that could take a capable shooter deep into the upper levels of USPSA with nothing more than the addition of a magwell, decent sights, a trigger job, and grips of choice. Heck, even the Baers I used to shoot needed those changes. ;)
 
I picked up a Ultra Compact a couple years ago. I was worried the shorter stack might jab me in the hand. It DOESN'T. Even the most die hard 1911 enthusiasts agree that the 4.25" barrel is fine for reliability. I say.. go hold one.. even better shoot one. I think you'll like it just fine.
Then prepare for what the SECOND 1911 will be. One will have to be a 5 inch..
For my 4th, I'm looking for a Commander length in 9mm, steel frame.. and bob the tail. Unfortunately the Dan Wesson version in 9mm is AL framed. (just a choice I am making)
 
I have full size Colt Government models, a slightly shorter Combat Commander and Lightweight Commander, an Officers Model, and a New Agent. My all time favorite pick from these would be one of the Commanders. Great for the range, home defense, concealed carry, and just about anything in else in between.
 
My first 1911 was a 2010 production DW CBOB....I haven't looked back since. In fact, I almost hate carrying my HK or Glock because of how comfortable I am with the DW. Most days the fact that I don't care about wear, sweat, scratches etc on the Glock overrides the pull of the DW.

All in all, I think it's a damn fine piece for the money, and a purchase I'm happy to have made. I got mine for under $1000 brand new though, and today's prices are considerably higher.
 
I would pick a Dan Wesson over a Les Baer based on the few accounts of owners having problems with their LB and one even going so far as to say their customer service was crap. Yeah, I know, it's the internet, but I haven't found anything as negative on the Dan Wessons.
 
DW all the way for me.

I'd carry a CCO instead of my RAMI if I could afford a CCO these days.
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I admire the guy or gal that can buy just one gun and keep to it.

The Guardian
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or other Commander sized grips might be better for shooting, but
I like the smaller guns with the shorter grips for concealment.
ECO-jan.gif
DWs ECO is also a nice little gun, and according to most testing a Mini 45 that actually works!

There has been some talk of DW offering.38 Super guns as well.
 
If their CCO is made like their Valor, it's a great choice.

My Valor is the best 1911 I've owned, and I've owned most brands--including a few customs made to my own specs.
 
I have the Guardian 9mm, and the CCO .45 for over a year now. They are both in my carry rotation. Both guns are incredibly well fit, and finished, and both have been totally reliable, and accurate. You simply cannot go wrong with a Dan Wesson.
 
You simply cannot go wrong with a Dan Wesson.
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If only that were true. My CBOB is a beautiful 1911, but was a nightmare from day one. About 2 1/2 years later, it now works as it should, but I still don't trust it enough to carry it. I have kept it, and kept putting money into it, because it is beautiful and I am stubborn.

In fairness, mine is a 10mm, but I don't see why that should make a difference. And mine is not a singular experience.
 
I don't have the funds available yet, but I haven't found a single NIB DW CCO for sale anywhere either
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Have you had the chance to fondle one?


I prefer the full size grip, but that it me....
 
tarosean said:
Have you had the chance to fondle one?
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I wish. I've actually never handled any Dan Wesson 1911. Never seen one in a shop that I recall. Then again, I've not gone to a shop specifically looking for 1911s in a long time.

Reason I was thinking I'd like a CCO is I really enjoy compact-size guns, even for punching paper at the range. Just not much for full-sized autos.
 
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I've had DW's and LB's, and several in between and other higher end's. If everyone's taste was the same, there would only be one kind and one brand. IMHO LB is way ahead of DW and every other production gun. The last DW I had, well let's just say I would take a Jennings to be more reliable then it. DW customer service would not give me the time of day, after several attempts I gave up and sold the gun. I did reveal to the buyer the problems. I have never bought a LB from the factory, just off gunbroker and gunshows. I called the factory 8 times to ask questions since this was my first hi end 1911. I talked to Mr. Baer 5 of those times. Not only did he take the time to answer my questions, he was in no hurry to get off the phone. I never once had a problem with any Baer pistol I have own. I can't say that about DW.
 
surjimmy said:
I've had DW's and LB's, and several in between and other higher end's. If everyone's taste was the same, there would only be one kind and one brand. IMHO LB is way ahead of DW and every other production gun. The last DW I had, well let's just say I would take a Jennings to be more reliable then it. DW customer service would not give me the time of day, after several attempts I gave up and sold the gun. I did reveal to the buyer the problems. I have never bought a LB from the factory, just off gunbroker and gunshows. I called the factory 8 times to ask questions since this was my first hi end 1911. I talked to Mr. Baer 5 of those times. Not only did he take the time to answer my questions, he was in no hurry to get off the phone. I never once had a problem with any Baer pistol I have own. I can't say that about DW.
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I don't think your experience is typical, you can easily find LB problems on the internet:

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=208769

Both are good guns, but my SS Valor cost $1,350 delivered, quite a bit less than LB.
 
I have three DW's. A Pointman7 (discontinued), CCO and Guardian in 9mm. All well made and worth the money. I wouldn't recommend the CCO as a first 1911, however. It has a chain link front/back strap that isn't as grippy as a lpi stipple and that makes it a bit more difficult to control in my hand. Combine that with the shortened officer frame and it compounds the problem, especially if you have big hands. I would say that any DW offering in a commander or full sized frame would be a better choice for a first 1911. I like the Guardian a lot and it comes in .45 as well as 9mm.
 
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