Million Dollar 1911 Question

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SeanMTX

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I'm about 2-3 months from pulling the trigger (rimshot) on a new 1911.

Why am I set on the 1911? Cause I've never owned one. I've got a few polymers, and a steel .380, but I think I'm ready for the plunge.

Question....Dan Wesson Commander (4.25" barrel) Bobtail or Kimber Ultra CDP II (3")

I'm really looking for a good, reliable shooter, doesn't NEED to be a CCW weapon, but the more roles this gun can play, the better value I'll get.

I'd prefer used, just cause of cost and I can have someone else break it in for me, but new doesn't bother me a ton.

Anyone have any opinions (around here that's a stupid question) on either of the above?
 
The DW would be my choice - just peruse this forum or the 1911forum for a quick take on Kimber's QC over the last 5 years. All manufacturers turn out some lemons; hoiwever, the odds of avoiding one appear better with the DW. Quality components throughout in addition to more conscientious fitting.
/Bryan
 
I think the 3" is just too small for reliable, long term use. Remember, for CCW, the length of the barrel is not what is difficult to conceal, the frame is. A bobtail is a nice way to help conceal the grip. Bobtail or not, between you're choices, I'd go with the DW.

On the other hand, if you're going used, I wouldn't limit myself to just a Kimber or DW. There are lots of great 1911 makers out there (Brown, Nighthawk, Wilson, Baer, etc). When you have the cash, keep an open mind, handle lots of guns and you'll find one that feels right and has the design and features you want...and even if it doesn't you can always have a pistolsmith mod it.
 
I'd hardly call your question a "million $ question" -more like $1000.

Get the Dan Wesson Commander Classic Bobtail for the price & attention to quality. Read my comments on the other thread where you posted this question.

BTW a 4.25" DW Bobtail is not the same as a 3" Ultra CDP. If you want to compare apple to apples, you should compare it to the 4" Compact CDP. If you are really are set on a kimber, save yourself the money and get either the Ultra Carry or the Pro Carry.
 
I would agree that the 4.25" might be a better buy for your purposes, since you want it for multiple roles if possible.
 
Dan Wesson. You will not be disappointed, although if your have smallish hands as I do, you may need to change the factory grips to something a little bit thinner for comfort's sake.
 
Although I own one Kimber, my vote goes to the Dan Wesson as well.
My Kimber [a 3" Stainless Ultra Carry II] has NEVER given me a problem;
but the workmanship in the DW firearm is first class. And, for the price
difference- I think you can't go wrong~! ;) :uhoh:
 
I think the 3" is just too small for reliable, long term use. Remember, for CCW, the length of the barrel is not what is difficult to conceal, the frame is. A bobtail is a nice way to help conceal the grip. Bobtail or not, between you're choices, I'd go with the DW.
Click to expand...

Interesting point...I hadn't thought of the barrel as not as important as the frame for concealment, and I didn't think about long term differences in berrel length.



Get the Dan Wesson Commander Classic Bobtail for the price & attention to quality. Read my comments on the other thread where you posted this question.

BTW a 4.25" DW Bobtail is not the same as a 3" Ultra CDP. If you want to compare apple to apples, you should compare it to the 4" Compact CDP. If you are really are set on a kimber, save yourself the money and get either the Ultra Carry or the Pro Carry.
Click to expand...

Other good points.

Unfortunately, I was on here while on a conference call (who REALLY pays attention to those anyway), so I didn't see your response until afterward.

I'm definitely not set on a Kimber, in fact, from what I've been reading, I'm swaying toward the DW.

Plus...the DW just looks goregous.
 
SeanMTX I would go with the DW. I own both a DW bobtail and a 4" Kimber and the fit and finish is better on the DW. I had some trouble with the DW when I got it but their customer service is great and the gun is now completely reliable.
 
Stockett....what kind of problems did you have with the DW?

I've heard the stories about Kimber...just not DW.
 
I never owned a Kimber before, but my DW CBOB .45 has been an excellent 1911 pistol. Like others have mentioned, its fit, finish and looks are hard to beat for the money. I got mine from Bud's GunShop (www.budsgunshop.com), just do a search for "Dan Wesson" on their site. I have only put about 400-500 rounds through it so far (I know, not very much), but I have had no problems at all while shooting it and it has been fairly accurate (I'm sure it would be even more so, if I was a better shot;)). The only thing I did to mine was change out the grips and the mags (don't get me wrong, the stock grips and mags are excellent quality, I just wanted a slightly different look), other than than, this baby is staying stock.

Here's some pics of mine to push you over the edge on getting a DW CBOB.:D


CBOB_3.jpg


CBOB_4.jpg
 
I've got both, a Kimber Team match II and a Dan Wesson Bobtail. Either one is great. DW makes their full size .45 with those ridiculous forward serrations on the slide, and my Kimber has them too. The Bobtail doesn't, a huge plus for me.
 
I really want to shoot one of those Dan Wesson 1911's. I have read so many positive things about them and no negatives, There has to be something to this. I have a feeling that if I ever run into a used one, it will be mine!
 
If you're smart, you'll get the DAN WESSON.

If you're REALLY SMART you'll get it in 10MM!

Same size gun, more powerful round, and one more of 'em to boot.

I just realized today that 10mm ammo is the same price, sometimes even cheaper than .45 ACP.
 
Sean I had several problems. I wouldn't feed very well, the bushing cracked after about 300 rounds and sometimes when you pulled the trigger the hammer would fall to half way and stop. They actually helped me on the phone to fix the hammer problem, it was just a matter of shaping the saftey a little. They paid for all the shipping both times it went in and even replace a set of grips I had put a ding in.
 
I had a Kimber Ultra CDP. I never had any problems with it. Was an easy CCW. But I think if I was looking for another compact 1911 it would have a full size frame and a 4-4.25 barrel. I have small hands but like the full size.

For a little more money you could get a Bear or Wilson. Which both are far beyond the Kimber. Can't say on the DW never had one in my hands
 
Charles Daly

I haven't put my hands on one yet, but I've heard and read good things about the Charles Daly 1911's, and the price is hard to beat. I may let the $600 George Bush is sending me buy one of the officer size (3.5" barrel) models from them.
 
I've heard and read good things about the Charles Daly 1911's
Click to expand...

Spend a little more and buy a quality piece - like a Springfield Mil-Spec, or a S&W 1911.

You will find that very few folks will be interested in buying that CD when you try to unload it...no pun intended...
 
Dilbert, if you get a CD, get it used and don't pay more than $325. I've seen several at that price and even lower. There are a lot better guns out there, but they are good plinkers if you buy them right.
 
Of the two choices, I'd recommend the DW - sub commander sized 1911s are notoriously finicky and, while they are worthwhile to have, I wouldn't want that to be your only experience with a 1911.

What I'd really recommend for your first 1911 is a full size 5". That opens up the options a lot. One of the absolute best values out there is a Springfield Loaded model - it's a bit more than an entry level gun, about on par with that DW, but it's got all the bells and whistles out of the box and is dead-on reliable.

Dan Wessons are good too, they just have a more limited selection.

I like 10mm and .40s in the 1911 platform - heck 9mm is hella fun in a 1911, like shooting cowboy loads - but I've always felt that if you only have one it should be as JMB designed it; .45 ACP.

And, for carry, a 5" 1911 is not a problem at all. I carry one all day, every day. Get a good IWB and it's as comfortable as can be.

Joe
 
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