Colt Combat Commander vs. Dan Wesson Classic Bobtail

[Mac Attack]

As much as like Colt, I would have to say that anything from Ed Brown or Wilson tops anything non-custom coming out of Colt or DW. That being said, all my 1911's have the prancing pony on them.

[mike100]

I had a lot of trouble with my cbob. I will say that it only needed a couple of things to make it run better. I also voluntarily replaced the fps and extractor while I had it apart because the fit wasn't how I liked. Sure, maybe it only cost me $150-$200 in parts and misc. shop labor, but I must have burned 700-800 rounds testing it which leaves me with a sour taste-still a year later.

On my earlier production 'bob, I had to make a new bushing and have the chamber reamed to sort of "unmatchify" the chamber so it would be more tolerant of various bullet designs and cartridges of varying OAL. Shoots like a champ now. The trigger is still 5+ lbs so it doesn't make ragged holes at 10-15 yards, but it is a well made piece with all the stuff you would normally customize a base gun to.

The tight chamber was causing a lot of timing and feeding issues with brass to the face and frequent jams. I never could figure why they'd make a match tight gun with a 5.5 lb trigger (good for carry).

I really probably would recommend the Colt, but I also would probably recommend the PM7 fullsize DW over all of the 4.25" guns.

lastly- bear in mind that the frames of DW's are cast (really well cast and of the appropriate hardness as I have no frame to slide issues with about 2k rounds thru mine).

[FlyingPen]

Are Colt frames forged?

Any reason why you didn't send it back to DW to get your issues taken care of? From reading the m1911 boards, it seems like customer service is pretty good with about a 10 day turn around time.

[mike100]

Are Colt frames forged?

Any reason why you didn't send it back to DW to get your issues taken care of? From reading the m1911 boards, it seems like customer service is pretty good with about a 10 day turn around time.

Yes, the Colt frame is forged, it's the small parts that are suspect- just like all the rest of the 1911's for less than $1000.

anyways... it costs $50 to overnight a pistol anywhere and I chose to do my own tinkering and investigative testing rather than get my blood boiling in an argument about if DW would pay for the shipping or whatever. Customer service is a nice touch, but it would be better if the guns worked from day one- I know we are talking about 1911's, but still... personal choice- There is no wrong answer, I just value my time and aggravation with the phone tag and having to drive to the UPS hub etc. Back in 2005-2006, the turn around time to get them to answer the phone was 10 days, so maybe things are better now.

The upside is that I learned a lot about 1911's and after a bit of research, decided to pay $30 to have a nother good smith back east ream my chamber. I know there are a few good smiths in CA, but I don't want to take a chance as I have two places out of state I deal with on routine work.

I would still buy a fullsize DW. they tune those guns a little differently and I have liked what I have seen (and I got to shoot one once).

[FlyingPen]

Ok thanks for the info... so the stainless steel frames are forged as well not just the lightweight frames.

How hard is it and is it possible to mod a Series 80 1911 like an XSE to a Series 70 style action?

[tankerman]

If you don't like the Series 80 stuff, why not buy a Series 70 or
Pre-Series 70?

Forget "new".

[Knifemaker]

DBOB also hands down for me. Its one of the great 1911 deals out there. I have had and still own alot of Colts and still like them but the DBOB is a great pistol.

[dfletcher]

Ok thanks for the info... so the stainless steel frames are forged as well not just the lightweight frames.

How hard is it and is it possible to mod a Series 80 1911 like an XSE to a Series 70 style action?

Easy. Brownells sells parts that will fill the void, so to speak as well as Cylinder & Slide's slicked up replacement parts. Someone will correct me, but I believe you can just remove the firing pin block and the spring entirely, leave in the little dog leg part. I think some would advise a heavier spring and maybe titanium firing pin as a safety measure - correct me if I'm off base.

[FlyingPen]

Would that essentially make a Series 80 trigger feel like a series 70? Gotta hunt around for a How To on this...

[zippo]

Dan Wesson CBOB is have in some turner's U can try out how is it.
I handel CBOB and it very nice, good fitting,slide and frame fit is very good.
I vote for CBOB.

[dfletcher]

Would that essentially make a Series 80 trigger feel like a series 70? Gotta hunt around for a How To on this...

Yes. Remove the slide, remove the firing pin & the spring powered plunger will drop out.