Questions about Dan Wesson 1911

[SomeKid]

I am thinking about getting myself a 1911.

I know a guy who has one he is selling, it is a Dan Wesson 1911, it has a lot of customizations (night sights for example). He has shot it a few times, and said it had no problems. It appears VERY well kept (not surprising, I know the current owner) and in good shape.

About the current owner: He is my soon to be ex-boss. We got along well, and I think everything he said about the pistol is true. He is pretty well involved in firearms, and bought this pistol for carrying (it has a curved grip at the bottom, to make it easier to carry (is it bobtailed?)) but changed his mind. He also said it was a series 70 model.

My question, is $850 a fair price for a customized 1911? What should I look for the next time I look at it to ensure? Where can I learn details about 1911's, such as disassembly, re-assembly, and how to understand various customizations?

ETA: I looked for, and found this. http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=66 That appears to be it. Does anyone have one, and are they worth the money?

 

[mjrodney]

That's about the price for a Dan Wesson new (www.budsgunshop.com).

Nightsites would be extra, but, you have to want them to make their addition worthwhile.

I personally would worry when I hear that someone "customized" their 1911.

And particularly so when they now want to sell it.

And particularly so when I possessed little knowledge about a 1911.

My recommendation would be to buy new from a reputable dealer who will stand behind the sale.

 

[1911 guy]

Ditto what mjrodney said.

If your buddy/boss/all around good egg did anything to it himself and now wnats to ditch it, he probably screwed it up. Ask him if the "customization" came from the factory. If not, who did the work.

 

[rellascout]

If that is the gun he is selling then the night sights came with it.

The CBOB from Dan Wesson is a very nicely built factory guns with premium parts that comes semi-custom from the factory.

Ask him again what he did to the gun? My guess is that he has done nothing to it and that it is stock. If he has modified it in anyway ask him who did the work. If it was not done by a reputable smith then pass.

His price is too high unless real work was done by a smith. They are $865 new at Buds. I paid $799 for mine about a year ago.

Used now its worth maybe $700

 

[SomeKid]

He did not customize it himself. It came that way, with all the work done.

 

[HorseSoldier]

I've got a 10mm CBOB and have been quite pleased with it. Night sights are standard from the factory, though, for whatever that is worth.

Price seems reasonable for a new one but maybe a bit high for a used one like Rellascout said. Depends on what kind of customization was done -- the CBOB comes from the factory with a lot of features people put onto traditional pattern 1911s (beavertail, etc.), so don't end up spending money for factory-standard "custom" features.

 

[glassman]

I've had a pointman for over a year now and it just might be my favorite. Very accurate (if I do my part) and reliable. I agree with what everyone else has said. For that price, you can buy a new one and avoid any problems.

 

[Cougfan2]

Mine hasn't come in yet, but I had to special order it. $939 was the best price I could get out here, but it's still about $110 under list price. Everyone I have talked to thinks they are great pistols.

 

[JHansenAK47]

http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=66