Colt v. Dan Wesson

I bought my DW CBOB back when DW was making approx. 3000 guns of all their models. Last I read they were going for 9000 this year.

The DW has a slight edge on my Colt Commanders in accuracy . But since I use as a carry gun .To me the difference is not worth worrying about. Both are more than accurate enough for SD.
They have had a problem with the guns locking up . Never had that with a Colt. Today I would go with another Colt . I am wondering about the quality of the work when you increase the production as much as DW has.
I remember when they did survey of owners . If we wanted a forge frame . Told us price increase be approx. $150 . That was a lie . Frame on 1911 isn't a high stress part and cast is more than enough. To get job done.

As for hand fitting Metro Arms is hand fitting some models . I have handled them and the fit and smoothness of slide . Is as good as my DW at a lot less money .
My DW is in safe I carry my LTW Commander a lot more.
 
Well there you have two pages of "expert opinion" each providing sound reasons for their suggestion and only a couple of ". Brand bashers" chirping in. The time to make your decision should come soon so report back....by the way I have a new series 70 Government model just moments away.
 
Ibmikey said:
Well there you have two pages of "expert opinion" each providing sound reasons for their suggestion and only a couple of ". Brand bashers" chirping in. The time to make your decision should come soon so report back....by the way I have a new series 70 Government model just moments away.
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Good choice if you are looking for a classic 1911.



One thing missing from this discussion is what is the OP going to use his 1911 for. Range use, home defense, carry, gun games etc....

Also does he want a modern enhanced version of the 1911 or does he want a classic styled gun. If you want a 1911 with classic lines then there is nothing better than the Colt 70 series. IMHO. The fact the OP already has a GI style gun caused me to assume he wants a more modern example but I could be wrong.
 
IMO neither are a poor choice. My next 1911 will be a DW Guardian, most like.

I am hesitant because Dan Wesson is a CZ product and I find CZ a bit overrated online vs. my own personal experience/observations.
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I have the exact opposite experience. The internet says whenever 1911's come up as "Get a Colt!!!" to the point of annoyance, and in my experience I haven't found anything special about them to set them ahead 1911's at a similar price point.

All of my 1911's (no Colts, but I harbor no hate) are dead-reliable, accurate and a pleasure to shoot.
 
I wasn't really talking about the 1911 platform in particular, I just mean the heaps of praise lauded on the 75-series. Good guns, but in my experience not as good as they're reputed to be. Accurate but not super reliable.

Again, just my mileage, yours and others' may vary. :)
 
Well there you have two pages of "expert opinion" each providing sound reasons for their suggestion and only a couple of ". Brand bashers" chirping in.
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So, that's your opinion, that's the best you got.
 
I wasn't really talking about the 1911 platform in particular, I just mean the heaps of praise lauded on the 75-series.
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But Dan Wesson wasn't always tied to CZ and has some history making 1911s.

Good guns, but in my experience not as good as they're reputed to be. Accurate but not super reliable.
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I've actually had pretty good luck with them. That said I've seen an issue firsthand with literally every manufacturer still kicking. I wouldn't let that sway my opinion of DW either way.
 
Colt vs. Dan Wesson

I have only experience with older Colts not Dan Wessons(except their revolvers) but you should get what you want, change what you need or like. Better yet get both and enjoy, life is short. I have modified even some of my series 70 Gold Cups to my personal taste even though it hurts the value on the market. I've learned never to sell any gun anyway since the early 70's, you end up kicking yourself down the road for getting rid of it. The value and fun is for you to enjoy ultimately.
 
I've owned a Gold Cup Nat Match. IMHO, it may be the prettiest production gun made. And it's fantastically accurate. It is not on the level of a DW though. Also owned a DW PM7. It too was very accurate. Not as pretty as the NM. But a nicer gun overall. I think the rule of diminishing returns comes into play once you get to the level of a DW. I wouldn't pay more for a semi custom. It's just not enough difference to justify it. Of course YMMV.
At some point I may have to buy a Valor.:cool:
 
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