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AR15.COM
2/19/2005 1:22:25 AM EDT
So I thought that I had my mind made up on buying my first handgun. I was set on a Kimber Stainless Pro TLE/RL II. Then I stumbled on the Ed Brown website and saw the All Stainless Executive Carry...DAMN!!!!! Well I quickly got over that right about the time I saw the mid 2k price tag. Then I came across the Dan Wesson website and saw the  PT-CBOB . I noticed that it is the same price as the Kimber is locally.
Is there a noticable difference in quality between the two?
What are the advantages/disadvantages to the Bobtail design of the DW?
Is the DW a better gun for the money?
How is the reliability of DW compared to the Kimber?
How is the customer service of these two companies shall I encounter any problems?

I realize this is alot of questions but I don't want to go out and spend a grand and be unhappy with my purchase.

Any and all help is appreciated

Thanks,
AF
2/19/2005 5:35:30 AM EDT
[#1]
It is my opinion the Dan Wesson is better than the Kimber.
2/19/2005 5:37:19 AM EDT
[#2]
Here's mine -


Is there a noticable difference in quality between the two? Both are very good companies and you probably wouldn't go wrong with either one.

What are the advantages/disadvantages to the Bobtail design of the DW? Looks cool, easier to conceal carry. Thats about it.

Is the DW a better gun for the money? In my opinion, yes

How is the reliability of DW compared to the Kimber? my DW runs like a champ

How is the customer service of these two companies shall I encounter any problems? DW has great customer service and will take care of you if the need arises
2/19/2005 1:06:11 PM EDT
[#3]
I have heard good things about DW.  I know that kimber makes an excellent product.  Either way, I think you'll be alright.  If it's a carry gun, the bobbed would probably be nice.  If it is a home defense, range or competition gun I would rather have the extra purchase on the grip afforded by an standard (flat or arched) MSH.  

One downside to the DW is that I've never actually seen one in a shop.  Few places seem to stock them.  I don't like  buying sight unseen.  
2/19/2005 4:52:38 PM EDT
[#4]
Also bear in mind that Dan Wesson has gone out of business at least twice.  Id feel better buying one of their guns if they could prove that they could stay in business for more than a few years at time.  Lots of people were stuck looking for revolver parts the last time they collapsed.  That might not be a serious problem if regular aftermarket 1911 parts fit the Filipino-made 1911s that Dan Wesson is selling this year.  But I'd sure find out before I spent any money on one.

Cheers,
DR
2/19/2005 4:59:01 PM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:
Also bear in mind that Dan Wesson has gone out of business at least twice.  Id feel better buying one of their guns if they could prove that they could stay in business for more than a few years at time.  Lots of people were stuck looking for revolver parts the last time they collapsed.  That might not be a serious problem if regular aftermarket 1911 parts fit the Filipino-made 1911s that Dan Wesson is selling this year.  But I'd sure find out before I spent any money on one.

Cheers,
DR



Anybody care to enlighten me???
2/19/2005 5:15:15 PM EDT
[#6]
Yes, it's true the OLD DW has gone out of business in the past. I truly doubt that the current DW will fold now that they're merged with CZ-USA.
2/19/2005 5:47:58 PM EDT
[#7]
I heard about the merger, but what about the Filipino made 1911's????

Wave--
Tell me about your gun. How long have you had it? How reliable has it been? Any problems? Would you recommend it for a first handgun? Hows the fit and finish?
2/19/2005 5:57:46 PM EDT
[#8]

Quoted:
Here's mine -
photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?iImageUnq=23460

Is there a noticable difference in quality between the two? Both are very good companies and you probably wouldn't go wrong with either one.

What are the advantages/disadvantages to the Bobtail design of the DW? Looks cool, easier to conceal carry. Thats about it.

Is the DW a better gun for the money? In my opinion, yes

How is the reliability of DW compared to the Kimber? my DW runs like a champ

How is the customer service of these two companies shall I encounter any problems? DW has great customer service and will take care of you if the need arises



That is SWEET!  
2/20/2005 5:26:27 AM EDT
[#9]

Quoted:
I heard about the merger, but what about the Filipino made 1911's????

Wave--
Tell me about your gun. How long have you had it? How reliable has it been? Any problems? Would you recommend it for a first handgun? Hows the fit and finish?



Don't know much about Filipino made 1911's, though I am curious about them

I've had mine for almost a year now. Dead nuts reliable, the only problem I ever had was magazine related and that was cured with a replacement set of Wolff Xtra power springs. I feed my pistol a steady diet of Winchester White Box, Fiocchi, and WOLF! I absolutely would recommend it as a first handgun. As for fit and finish it is fine out of the box however I sent my pistol out to Tripp Research, Inc for a Hardchrome Refinish, frontstrap checkering, total dehorn of the sharp edges, and trigger job. I also am working with Ed - "BDA" from Wicked Grips for some unique grips that I'm helping to design. It's all part of the fun for me.
2/20/2005 10:01:12 AM EDT
[#10]
It's too bad Dan died and the company went under. (Monson Mass.)
Seth, the son, (IIRC) tried to make a go of it and fell short. (Palmer Mass.)
The current owners look very stable and have a lot invested in new equipment to operate with, and a line up of interesting products.
I think it's only a name anymore, but Dan himself would be proud.
Noting, I have never heard of a lot of negatives about DW autos, the same cannot be said for some of the others, fwiw.
2/20/2005 2:05:47 PM EDT
[#11]
Wave--
Do you have anymore pictures???
2/20/2005 4:45:48 PM EDT
[#12]

Quoted:
Wave--
Do you have anymore pictures???



Blurry other side


With VZ Grips on
2/20/2005 7:43:37 PM EDT
[#13]
Both are EXCELLENT 1911's  I know for a fact that Kimber customer service is one of the best I have ever seen and Dan Wesson was also very speedy in their customer service also.  While Dan Wesson's run slightly cheaper and Kimber's slightly more, I think they are about equal in quality.