I carried a alloy framed CQB on duty from 2000 to 2005, only parking it for sentimental reasons.
From a standpoint of durability, accuracy, reliability, pointability and in no specific order, the SW CQB is one of the best DA first shot autos out there.
If I have anything negative to say about this particular model...
this is a weapon named CQB (Close Quarters Battle)...it should have come factory with night sights.
sharp edges-OUCH!!!! to be a quick handling weapon out of the duty holster....it needs to be dehorned. sharp corners are good for those who like those particular features....but CQB means fast handling.
hammer bite-having large hands, my web meat would get bit. I tried a 4516 hammer but had misfires. wanting it 100%...my only option was to dremel a factory hammer spur to maintain additional weight. I was planning to get an older heavier 645/4506 non mim/non skeletonized hammer if this did not work and have the spur reduced to avoid hammer bit. (but this was with any spurred hammer SW semi I owned)
grips/or factory slipperies. SW needed to utilize a 645 back strap design and tap for grip screws or bushings and have grip options. of course an application of grip tape or spray grit increases grip retention at the cost of looks. but CQB should be more functional than pretty.
light rail-not popular when this gun was manufactured and small full time weapon lights were hitting the market around that time. it would have been nice to have a true universal rail instead of a sw rail that would have limited your light options.
Since our Admin allowed full time duty carry 1911, I have not looked back only selling my CQB (sniff sniff) because it was sitting in a box, likely never going to shoot it being fully committed to 1911 (duty and competition), eye for and eye...meaning needed money for another 1911 and wanted someone else to enjoy a cosmetically shooter grade but function and accuracy was still well beyond production level.
being my duty carry and wanting a fast handling weapon...I dehorned myself. I also modified two larger frame mounted decocker grips (AKA palm swells) since they fit my larger hands better and of course grip tape and spray grit increased retention but was not pretty. My gun was not pretty and named the Hillary Clinton Special by my brother officers but this gun RAN!!!!!!!!!
its in the hands of another officer and hopefully it will bring him many years of good use as it did me.
I have a Shorty45, that I am looking for a decent plain clothes holster to carry on desk duties. Looking for a lighter carry and my COACP might be going to a gunsmith for machining and turnaround might be months.
My two cents
But its not for sale.
