New Dan Wesson CCO Bob thoughts? First 1911?

[Thlax]

Looking to get my first 1911 this summer and believe I have it narrowed down to the new CCO Bobtail.

http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/dan-wesson-cco-bobtail

I'm looking to spend ~$1000-1500

Thoughts ? Have considered a SA and Colt.

I have my G23 for EDC. I may carry the 1911 every now and then. Mainly for HD and Range.

Please unload THR massive 1911 knowledge upon me!

-D

 

[Auto426]

Dan Wesson sure does make some nice firearms, and you can't go wrong buying one. If you have the money and are willing to spend it, then go ahead, you won't be disappointed.

However, you may want to rethink you choice of model. The CCO is designed for concealed carry (CCO stands for Concealed Carry Officer's). It features a shorter, aluminum grip frame and a shorter barrel than a standard 1911 which reduces weight and helps the gun print less. It's great for a carry gun, but not as good as a range gun.

If you are looking for a range gun that can also serve HD duty, then you may want to look into a full sized, all steel model like the Valor. The full sized guns are going to be softer shooting and a little easier to handle due to the longer grip. They also gain an extra round in capacity, and can still be carried pretty easily with the right belt and holster should you ever want to.

 

[Thlax]

Dan Wesson sure does make some nice firearms, and you can't go wrong buying one. If you have the money and are willing to spend it, then go ahead, you won't be disappointed.

However, you may want to rethink you choice of model. The CCO is designed for concealed carry (CCO stands for Concealed Carry Officer's). It features a shorter, aluminum grip frame and a shorter barrel than a standard 1911 which reduces weight and helps the gun print less. It's great for a carry gun, but not as good as a range gun.

If you are looking for a range gun that can also serve HD duty, then you may want to look into a full sized, all steel model like the Valor. The full sized guns are going to be softer shooting and a little easier to handle due to the longer grip. They also gain an extra round in capacity, and can still be carried pretty easily with the right belt and holster should you ever want to.

Such as the RZ45 Heritage ?

The valor is out of the range ha.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The features of the Dan Wesson CCO make it my dream production gun for regular carry...if only we could get them in CA...but then I already have a custom 5" 1911. I'd pick the DW over anything offered by Brown, Wilson, Baer and Nighthawk. The fit of the DW, in my observation, is fully equal to the more expensive high-end production 1911s

I've always like the balance, both in weight and visuals, of the 4.25" barrel and the OACP grip frame fits my hand perfectly. I don't need any extra length or capacity (having grown up with the Colt 7+1.


They main thing you'll have to decide for yourself is if you really want an alloy frame

 

[Husker_Fan]

I've been looking at a lot of CCO patern 1911s and the DW is my the one I really like. There are others though for less money. There is a recent thread on CCO 1911s with lots of good info.

I don't think it would be a problem to get one as your first 1911. Some suggest (and rightfully so) that you should get used to a full size gun as your first 1911, but the DW CCO has a barrel bushing, commander slide and seems to be very reliable. It really acts more like a full size in those regards than a 3 inch micro.

As for the aluminum frame, my own bias is towards barrels with integral feed ramps (like the DW CCO). I've read of the aluminum frame feed ramps taking a beating.

 

[Zerodefect]

Excellent choice. Your not going to find a better 1911 in that price range. The newer DW's are right up there with LB and EB 1911's. Excellent parts quality.

The Valor and Vbob are also in your price range. The SS finished models should have dropped to around $1500-1700. The SS models do show holster wear quickly, but I'm refinishing mine in Hardhat next year anyways.

The Heritage models are often only $200 away from the V models.
But I haven't seen a stock Heritage in a while. DW has been rolling out some really nice black coated Razorbacked Heritage's.

Get Tripp Hybrid magazine followers right away. In fact order them now before you even get your CCO. Wolff mags springs would also be a wise spare part to have on hand.

Learn to recognize the 2010 and 2011 model years. The serial # and type of thumb safety reveals this. The new DW's have the nicest thumb safety I've ever seen. Don't get duped into paying 2011 higher prices on a 2009 or older model. Which is unlikely, those are probally all sold by now.

Mine likes Federal 230gn FMJ and Winchester Ranger T JHP. Regular Winchester white box JHP works fine as well. Haven't tried to many other types of ammo in mine yet.

Some CCO's had the wrong height front sights. My Valor had a front sight that was too tall. But sights aren't too hard to swap outon these. DW has fixed a few with good turn around times and good service. I installed a Dawson front sight myself instead.

You may have to sensitise the grip safety. It's set a bit "safe". With a little work any kind of problems with actuating the grip safety can be fixed, if you even have any trouble. It's an Ed Brown grip safety. Really good high tang grip for recoil control, but not quite as comfortable as a regular grip safety like on a Kimber.

Also, keep your DW lubed very well. Tight fitting SS will lockup otherwise.

I also trimmed the thumb safety to fit my hand. Trimmed the trailing edge of the paddle down.

Keep in mind. I'm really picky. My V has been 100% with no failures at all.

 

[RSVP2RIP]

I think the Valor is a great deal. I got a 2010 Valor stainless for $1400 ($45 shipping) from a listing in Gunsamerica.com. The seller was Guns4Sale. The guy is a stocking dealer out of Florida and he is really great to deal with. Mine shoots 1.75" at 25 yards with Rem UMC ball.

 

[Thlax]

Thanks for the thoughts! I think ill have to hold a full size vs CCO to truely decide but I still am leaning towards the CCO! Don't know why

Dan Wesson really did have the best options in my range I believe from what I've been searching and reading.

As this would be my second pistol (with plenty....plenty..... more to come, as I'm only a college student now), that's leaves a world of doors open about getting maybe a colt full size later or such. Ugh the options

Keep um coming!

 

[Thlax]

They main thing you'll have to decide for yourself is if you really want an alloy frame

What are my biggest pro /cons of each. Is it mainly weight savings?

I see the Heritage or Valor Full are both forged steel and the Vbob is as well (@$1457 on buds)

Where as the cco bob is forged aluminum (which I would suspect would be close to $1000)

 

[Zerodefect]

What are my biggest pro /cons of each. Is it mainly weight savings?

I see the Heritage or Valor Full are both forged steel and the Vbob is as well (@$1457 on buds)

Where as the cco bob is forged aluminum (which I would suspect would be close to $1000)

On a DW, mostly weight. A little bit more recoil/flip with the lighter AL frames. More of a carry 1911, less of a shooter.

On lesser 1911's AL ramps may wear quicker.

The VBOB is for those who shoot thier CCW alot at the range or IDPA etc. Or if your recoil sensitive. The V and VBOB's are fitted better, have no play in the slide/frame and very smooth actions. If you allready have a lightweight CCW, I'd go with the heavier V or VBOB.

You can't get AL frames that tight or smooth. Which is why they choose to use SS on the higher end VBOB. AL expands quicker when it warms than steel. My Kimber AL framed CDP deos slow down after 100+ rounds when it's really good and hot.

Nothing wrong with the CCO or AL frames. But if your going to go out of your way to produce a halo 1911 that showcases your build skill, you can't start with a AL frame.

 

[red rick]

I would try to find a used Commander Bobtail for range and sometime carry.

 

[rellascout]

CBOB is a great gun. They were IMHO even better when they were sub $900 guns even with the old cast frame.

Dan Wesson 1911s are some of the best production guns on the market. They blow away Kimber, Colt, SA etc... However, when you get to their duty coated Valor you are getting closer to a Les Baer TRS and other semi-custom guns.

They used to be the bet 1911 under $1000 now I guess they are the best 1911 under $1500. The CCO Bobtail is a great looking package but they are spendy.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

I have a CBOB, now I have to lust after a CCO Bob.

 

[rellascout]

I really debated getting one of these vs getting my Colt CCO customized. I chose to get my Colt CCO gun worked on by Wild West Guns. I hope to have it back in a month or so. I will get the features I want without over paying...



IF I did not already own the Colt CCO I would have gone with a DW CCO.

 

[Thlax]

The Vbob is looking very purdy ahhh have to find a dealer close to check it out.

 

[tiro6]

Just for thoughts, but a vbob in your price range, you should look into getting a blem dw. I saw a blem black vbob at the gun show this weekend for around 1500. The only blem was a tiny pin sized chip on the slide. It was being offered by damascus gun shop in va, i'm sure if you contact them, they should still have it.

 

[Tim Pierce]

I have both a CBOB, and a CCO. They are my 2 favorite guns to carry and shoot. You cannot go wrong with the Dan Wesson/ CZ 1911s.

 

[CZF]

Although my CBOB ran very well and others could shoot it with no problem..the bobbed grip didn't fit me right.

The CCO has more of a rounded butt than the raked CBOBs, so I'd like to own one in the future as well.

I've never read a bad thing about them other than the recoil is
more noticed than a steel framed gun.

Compact and fairly light like my RAMIs.
Being around 25 ounces is exactly where I like my guns to be.

Also the new range bags and t-shirts look ultra cool.

The new DW patches and decals are also looking good.

 

[MCMXI]

The newer DW's are right up there with LB and EB 1911's. Excellent parts quality.

Many of the parts in the Dan Wesson pistols are Ed Brown right? So anyone here have a Dan Wesson and an Ed Brown that can make an objective comparison of the two. I may be buying a Valor this week and am curious as to why they're $700 cheaper than a Special Forces. I ordered a Special Forces a couple of months ago and have a Special Forces Carry so I'm familiar with Ed Brown quality, but I've never seen or handled a Dan Wesson. CZ refers to the DW pistols as "production" whereas Ed Brown pistols are semi-custom. Does $700 get you nicer checkering and more fitting? Anyway, if the Valor is still available I'm looking forward to making my own comparison.

 

[Zerodefect]

Many of the parts in the Dan Wesson pistols are Ed Brown right? So anyone here have a Dan Wesson and an Ed Brown that can make an objective comparison of the two. I may be buying a Valor this week and am curious as to why they're $700 cheaper than a Special Forces. I ordered a Special Forces a couple of months ago and have a Special Forces Carry so I'm familiar with Ed Brown quality, but I've never seen or handled a Dan Wesson. CZ refers to the DW pistols as "production" whereas Ed Brown pistols are semi-custom. Does $700 get you nicer checkering and more fitting? Anyway, if the Valor is still available I'm looking forward to making my own comparison.

You may have to play with the Valors sights a little. And the ones I've handled need the grip safety sensitized a bit. Then rebuild the mags with Tripp kits. Those are the only flaws I've found on any.

Regular tweaks for production guns, no big deal.

 

[Thlax]

But the big question to me now is.

Full size really all that? Should I go CCO or fullsize.

Also, is forged steel visa forged aluminium worth the price difference?

 

[9mmepiphany]

So anyone here have a Dan Wesson and an Ed Brown that can make an objective comparison of the two.
... CZ refers to the DW pistols as "production" whereas Ed Brown pistols are semi-custom. Does $700 get you nicer checkering and more fitting?

I don't have both, but I have handled them have a friend who has worked on several of both of them...he's been in the 1911 business for 35+ years. I've come to the opinion that the main difference is the final polishing of the exterior and maybe clean up on the trigger. They had a CBOB in the shop a while back...clean up trigger, checkered MSH, replace slide stop (tool steel)...and it was just an appearance thing that made a difference (the parts fits were already comparable.

DW is a production gun (there are things even their Custon Shop doesn't offer on the Valor), but I believe the semi-custom tag has been applied by potential customers who don't like the more accurate term high end production

 

[MCMXI]

I've come to the opinion that the main difference is the final polishing of the exterior and maybe clean up on the trigger.

Take a look at the front strap checkering on this DW V-Bob shown in THIS thread. Notice how the checkering blends into the frame differently on each side of the pistol. Not a functional issue at all, but definitely an aesthetic one.

 

[MCMXI]

After reading extensively about Dan Wessons and Ed Browns, I come away with the impression that many DW owners try to justify why they didn't spend more for an EB, and many EB owners try to justify why they didn't spend less for a DW. I have a Special Forces Carry and have ordered a Special Forces. My plan was to order a Kobra and Kobra Carry but now have decided to buy a Valor first. I will draw my own conclusions about Dan Wesson 1911s. At worst, the Valor will make a very good USPSA gun and I'll still order the Kobras. At best, if the Valor is truly equal to an Ed Brown, it will save me some money since I'll buy more DWs rather than EBs.

 

[Zerodefect]

It's close. Some EB's I like better, some I don't. I don't think you'll be dissapointed.

I think that above grip/checkering pic only shows that the VZ grip is wrong. Too large or drilled crooked. that's why one side is so much closer to the strap checkers. I had a set of Alumagrips that were odd like that as well.

Unless I'm missing something else. Both sides of my DW are the same.