Charles Daly Compact , or Full size 1911

C

cplane

New member
I was trying to make up my mind between the full size Daly and the compact. Maybe some one can help with some insight. I looked at both models and I layed away the full sized model but I could change it to the compact if I decide to. They are both the same price. The full size holds 8 rds. and the compact holds 6. I don't like the lesser capacity but I did like the looks of the bull barrel on the compact.Just what advantage would the Bull Barrel have , If any, over the standard full size barrel? Also, the full size barrel is longer so it should be more accurate, right? I think I read on the firing line awhile back that the colt compact 1911 was not as reliable as the full size colt.I am curious if the Daly's would have those bugs worked out of them. Even though it's a compact, it's still a big pistol, so why not just get the full size to start with?(see?, I answered my own question! :)) Seriously though, I would appreciate any comments on this choice of fine looking pistols.
 
I'm considering a Charles Daly as well. I believe the only reason for the bull barrel in the CS is so that it has comperable stability to the FS. I don't currently have a 1911, and I am guessing that you do not as well (maybe I'm wrong) but personally I would opt for a full size the first time around. I have heard others complain that they cannot shoot the CS comfortably.
I personally am waiting for the FS SS Empire model with the hardwood grips and target sights. All told it should retail for about $460 or so, a screaming deal if it is as good as people have been saying the latest batches of Daly's have been. Also something to think about it that soon all models of CD's will be coming with certain improvments. This is from the 1911 forum site which has a section for CD's:
"Our service, just like our pistols, are improving every month. In late July, look for our 1911's to include new hi-rise beavertail grip safeties, slimmer paddles on our ambi-safeties and a slimmer paddle the extended slide release of the FS (5") models. By the end of August, look for double diamond hardwood grips as a standard feature on all of our 1911's."
Here is a link directly to that forum: http://www.1911forum.com/cgi-bin/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&forum=Charles+Daly&number=33&DaysPrune=20&LastLogin=
 
You guessed right RCS , I don't have a 1911 but I have been wanting one for quite awhile. I guess the full size would be the one to go for but I already have a couple of larger handguns (a super redhawk and Beretta 92) and I was thinking something easier to carry for concealed carry would be nice. I was at a gun show not long ago and a dealer was selling the pager pal system and he was carrying a compact star 45 that looked like it wouldn't be too uncomfortable to carry. Thanks for the reply
 
I own the FS model. It is one hell of a gun for the money. Right now I have 200 rounds thru it and haven't had a problem. If you have any questions just e-mail me.
 
Hello. Right now I would recommend neither!
From the posts I've read and the one Daley I've seen on the range, there are some problems. The full size Daley 1911 I watched a fellow shoot would not make a full magazine without either a jam or failure to extract.
Best.
 
Richard-

The link you posted is for a guy who purchased his over a year ago. From what I understand, it is pretty common to have problems with the older CD guns. Also from what I understand, the newer guns are actually much improved, not jamming at all. So perhaps there is a lack of quality control, or perhaps they have cleaned up their act. All I know is that I have heard lots of good things about current production Daly's. It may not be a Kimber or a SA, but then again, I can't even come close to affording one of theose in stainless.
 
Yes, KBI did have problems with their first run of .45's. The newer ones with the serial numbers beginning with CD are the improved line. Here in my area there are 2 shops that sell them, and neither have heard of problems, or had guns brought back to be sent to KBI for repair work. If you want to knock a pistol for a few complaints of jamming, we should also search the archives for topics such as "Kimber Jammamatic" and so forth.
 
cplane, first off, congrats on whichever one you get. Even though I personally have no experience with CD's, I just looked at their website and they look good. I guess whatever you intend to use it for dictates which one you get. For CC, I'd opt for the compact. As far as the accuracy goes, the full-size will give you the longer sight radius, probably making it more accurate when shooting offhand. I know the short sight radius on my little Ultra Carry demands the utmost concentration to get good groups. That's just my opinion, though. Either way, good luck and good shooting.
 
I did not knock Charles Daly 1911A1s; I advised Cplane to look at the postings before making a purchase. I have taken raps for my 1911A1 of choice but it works for me. What is it? I like Norinco 1911A1s and I own two of them. Mine will shoot with any Gold Cup and I don't have $500 in either. Regards, Richard.
 
There is a reason why the Charles Dailey 45 doesn't cost much. What you pay for is realiability, not looks or goodies. All of them that I have seen in matches have not functioned correctly, and all the owners believe that only a few hundred $$$ at the smith will fix them. Do yourself a favor, and get a gun that functions, like a Sig, H&K, Glock, or S&W revolver....
 
If you all recall, CD came to market with exactly the same strategy as Kimber- build a quality weapon with all the bells and whistles at a reasonable price. The latest run of pistols seem to be a vast improvement over the earlier run and the company admits this. They seem genuinely interested in making good on their promises. Even my colts and kimbers have had problems right out of the box. The dealers I have talked to said while the CD is not their first choice of 1911's, they have had few returns and the customers seemed satisfied for the most part. The examples I have played with have been sound and reliable. They go for $350-$375 at the local show. I bought an FEG HP clone that shoots better then any Browning I have had the opportunity to shoot, deep blued, and it was $200 nib. Inexpensive isn't always the same as cheap. I prefer the Commander size (actually slightly smaller then the commander). The examples I have seen seem to be tighter in build and lockup. Just my 2 cents.
 
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