Need help deciding...

[Dothefreddie]

Hi guys,

I’m purchasing my first handgun this week and thought I had my choice figured out and settled on the Dan Wesson Cbob. Unfortunately an LGS nearby that had the cbob in stock ALSO had some Les Baersand I HAD to feel it up. Both felt amazing in their own respect but now I really can decide between the two. I even went to the local range and tried out full size and commander 1911s. Slightly more kick on the commander but nothing crazy. These are my options:

1) Les Baer p2 $1900+tax (layaway for a month)

2) DW cbob $1680+tax (layaway for a month)

3) DW cbob used from this forum $1200 cash

4)Used cbob and put les Baer on layaway

I’m a little more drawn to the les Baer due to its traditional size, blues finish, and Ambi safety(wife is a lefty but will HARDLY ever touch the gun). Any thoughts guys? Is used a bad idea for a first gun? Putting Some of the balance on credit card is an option as well to avoid layaway

Thanks in advance
John

[Garv]

The advice given here at Calguns is to buy both.

Used can be an issue if you cannot inspect the gun enough to know it is in good shape possibly, but most of our sellers are honorable.

Maybe one of our members can comment on warranty issues with a used DW.

I shot a friends Les Baer, it was nice, but I am not a connoisseur.

[Dothefreddie]

The advice given here at Calguns is to buy both.

Used can be an issue if you cannot inspect the gun enough to know it is in good shape possibly, but most of our sellers are honorable.

Maybe one of our members can comment on warranty issues with a used DW.

I shot a friends Les Baer, it was nice, but I am not a connoisseur.

Both will definitely be had at one point or another. Thanks for your always detailed response Garv! Much appreciated. I contacted a user on here with 60+ positive feedback selling a barely used bob but haven’t gotten a response yet. Overlooking something due to lack of experience is definitely a concern for me buying used.

[Bushwack44]

First handgun and you're choosing a 1911? Kinda like just getting your driver's license and buying a Ferrari.

[aspenvalley]

[Dothefreddie]

First handgun and you're choosing a 1911? Kinda like just getting your driver's license and buying a Ferrari.

[mmlook]

for the amount you are going to spend $3k-$3.5k

why not look at a wilson or a nighthawk?
or something off roster, like a DW Valor

[Dothefreddie]

for the amount you are going to spend $3k-$3.5k

why not look at a wilson or a nighthawk?
or something off roster, like a DW Valor

[MosinVirus]

I would have expected more of a price difference between the two.

Is there a specific reason why you are considering a commander size?

[golfrj]

You are going about this Correctly, ask questions & for advice.. BUT in the end ALWAYS buy what YOU like best! Good Luck with your search..

[Tarmy]

First handgun and you're choosing a 1911? Kinda like just getting your driver's license and buying a Ferrari.

Go big or go home...

My first was a SA and that was great, so went into the Wilson compound and got the Protector

OP seems to indicate he is focused on the 1911...so as another mentioned, for the price point he is at maybe look into a Wilson, Nighthawk or similar fine shooter...DWs are nice as well...

[808@515]

4)Used cbob and put les Baer on layaway

If the budget allows I’d go this route. Except that I would just save up for the Baer instead of a layaway.
My budget did not allow so I went with that Baer.

[dummykid]

I would go for Les Baer since is a custom gun. I am not sure about if Dan wesson is production or custom. However, if you like the stainless look on Cbob, then you have no choice.

[Mayor McRifle]

For your first 1911, get a full-size model.

[FeuerFrei]

IMO used is a bad idea for the new to 1911 type owner/shooter. Even the high end builders screw them up, because so much needs to be correct.
I would sift the "for sale" ads, lgs, pawn shops some more for a good used Colt for low-ish $ and take it to a reputable 1911 smith and have him go nuts on it. Real world custom, "NOT OEM custom". When you're done with it you'll have a piece that'll need no break in period nor sighting in or reliability problems.
I choose function over form in my choices and have learned to drop my ego at the door when choosing brands of firearms. Specially 1911's.
Good luck OP. Choose wisely.

Sent using a long string and 2 used soup cans