Which 1911 is better? S&W 170344 or Dan Wesson CCO?

[Shahman]

Hi folks,

I'd love to know your opinion on which is better, for target/shooting fun and concealed carry? I have felt and dried fired the S&W, and loved it. A friend recommended i try the CCO.
Anyone here try both? What are your thoughts?

Thank you kindly for your thoughts!

-S

 

[handgunner356]

Concealed carry and target just don't together very well. Both the guns you mention would make good CCW, the Dan Wesson has a shorter grip, both are alloy framed and fixed sights. Things that make for a good target gun work against concealed carry like longer sight radius, heavier weight and adjustable sights.

 

[Shahman]

Understood. Let's stick to concealed. What are your thoughts apart from dimensions of the guns. I'm looking for build quality and mechanics.

 

[JJEH]

Understood. Let's stick to concealed. What are your thoughts apart from dimensions of the guns. I'm looking for build quality and mechanics.

Depends...

The S&W has a Govt. frame, the CCO has an Officer sized frame.

On the other hand I dislike the S&W external extractor.

It might be easier to conceal an Officer size frame, but if you have big hands you might want to stick with the Govt. size frame.

 

[Iggy]

Pair of 10's
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/Iggy25/RZs.jpg
Dan Wesson Govt Model and CCO
The CCO has a steel frame unlike current versions.

I don't have any experience with the S&W 1911s, but I sure like this pair.
I carry the CCO model a lot of the time in town, and the Gummint model when I'm on the ranch.

 

[Shahman]

Depends...

The S&W has a Govt. frame, the CCO has an Officer sized frame.

On the other hand I dislike the S&W external extractor.

It might be easier to conceal an Officer size frame, but if you have big hands you might want to stick with the Govt. size frame.

Jorge - Thank you. I do not have big hands. I would consider my hands to be on the smaller side of medium. I appreciate your input.

 

[Shahman]

Pair of 10's
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/Iggy25/RZs.jpg
Dan Wesson Govt Model and CCO
The CCO has a steel frame unlike current versions.

I don't have any experience with the S&W 1911s, but I sure like this pair.
I carry the CCO model a lot of the time in town, and the Gummint model when I'm on the ranch.

Iggy - Thank you for the input. You're a lucky dude! I am leaning towards the CCO.

-S

 

[Badquaker]

I shot this using a S&W 1911pd Gunsite (commander size) and an STI Gaurdian (CCO size) at 20 yards. They are both more than capable at shooting decent groups.

 

[Shahman]

thanks Badquaker!

 

[Kadonny]

CCO all day long.

 

[BigCityChief]

I don't know much about the Smith but the Dan Wesson CCO and ECO are GREAT pistols.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lhump1961]

The CCO is $500 to $1000 more than the Smith, right? I suppose that depends on what you compare but more none the less. For conceal and carry I would be looking for 3 things:

1) Is it reliable? If you don't trust it to go "bang" every time then pick another gun.
2) Do I shoot it well? Most any gun will be defense accurate but most of us have guns we shoot better than others.
3) How does it carry? Not just weight and dimensions but am I comfortable with the safeties or lack thereof? (The 1911 is cocked and locked...some folks don't like that for carry). If I don't like the way it carries then I am less likely to carry it.

We all probably have some guns that cost north of 1K or more and I am no exception. Some of them would make good carry guns...but I ask myself, "Self, if I use this gun to protect myself or my family I can expect this gun to go bye-bye for quite a while (months...years?) to the evidence locker at the PD. How much $$ do I want to deposit there and have etched as evidence?" There are BBQ guns and there are working guns. I carry a 6904 that cost less than $400. It is 100% reliable, I shoot it quite well and love the way it carries. I might carry my BBQ guns to the BBQ but not too much else...but I do shoot 'em whenever I like.

I only throw this up there for your consideration and you may disregard any of it at your discretion as it is JMHO I see you just joined so welcome to the forum.

 

[ESW]

As far as the Smith goes, I've read where it's consider $1000 under priced at $1539. I own one and love it. It is as accurate as any pistol I own, even my longer/heavier pistols. It's a beautiful gun and has super tight fit. I don't have any input on the CCO, sorry.

I use it at the range, but would not carry it as it would get scratched up. To me my M&P 40 would be my #1 choice. It won't scratch up as bad, it's light, the same size as a commander, no external safety, it shoots very well, it's quick it aim, hold 15+1 and is just a great self defense gun. That's my opinion.

I don't personally think a 1911 is the best carry gun, but that's just me. If you are a 1911 guy and have shot many 1000's of rounds and are super used to it's safety it's good to go.

 

[Electraclyde]

Of the two you mentioned, Dan Wesson all the way.

 

[Shahman]

The CCO is $500 to $1000 more than the Smith, right? I suppose that depends on what you compare but more none the less. For conceal and carry I would be looking for 3 things:

1) Is it reliable? If you don't trust it to go "bang" every time then pick another gun.
2) Do I shoot it well? Most any gun will be defense accurate but most of us have guns we shoot better than others.
3) How does it carry? Not just weight and dimensions but am I comfortable with the safeties or lack thereof? (The 1911 is cocked and locked...some folks don't like that for carry). If I don't like the way it carries then I am less likely to carry it.

We all probably have some guns that cost north of 1K or more and I am no exception. Some of them would make good carry guns...but I ask myself, "Self, if I use this gun to protect myself or my family I can expect this gun to go bye-bye for quite a while (months...years?) to the evidence locker at the PD. How much $$ do I want to deposit there and have etched as evidence?" There are BBQ guns and there are working guns. I carry a 6904 that cost less than $400. It is 100% reliable, I shoot it quite well and love the way it carries. I might carry my BBQ guns to the BBQ but not too much else...but I do shoot 'em whenever I like.

I only throw this up there for your consideration and you may disregard any of it at your discretion as it is JMHO I see you just joined so welcome to the forum.

I hear what you're saying. From my dealer the DW/CCO is approx. $100 more than the SW/PC 1911.
I already have a fantastic carry gun (Walther PPS -9mm); however, I am looking for another, where the .45 caliber can be more useful. Such as outdoors/ camping, and possibility of bears etc. Having said that, I've also found a renewed love for the 1911 design and style. I have a really nice 1911 .45ACP for the range, The one I'm looking for is more for the ocassional carry as mentioned above. I have a 3" 1911 that's a great carry gun, but I'd like a longer slide/barrel, but not full size. The
4.25" speaks well to me. Therefore, I'm selling my 3" and looking to buying a new 4.25".... and hence my query on this forum. I appreciate your input! thank you.

 

[geddylee10002000]

I would vote on the DW/CCO

 

[wlp624]

Hi Shahman,

I saw your original post on the 1911 forum and was not surprised at all to see the folks there lean fairly heavily toward the Dan Wesson. S&W products tend to have a smaller following on the other forums, and that's normal because most people tend to congregate into groups of like-minded end users. I am surprised, however, to find many of the same sentiments over here. I have several older model Dan Wesson semis, the Pointman Major, Seven, Patriot and Aussie, but no experience with the new models, and I have collected S&W Performance Center guns for some time. Both are fine guns with excellent workmanship. From a Fit & Finish point of view I think they are equal. The only noticeable differences are the external extractor, the size of the frame, and how the gun feels in your hand. I think you said earlier that you had been unable to look at the CCO first hand. That will make all the difference in the world, and in fact probably should be your deciding factor. I own one or two legendarily great performance center semi autos that I don't find particularly comfortable in the hand. Others are so good they feel like an extension of my arm, as Fast Eddie Felson famously observed in "The Hustler". I would be hesitant to buy a gun for carry purposes that I hadn't handled. 99% of the opinions you get on which is best are personal and subjective, sort of like asking the waiter, "What's good?" The answer will be what he likes, and not necessarily what you will like. Bottom line - get your hands on a CCO before you decide, then pick the one that feels best. They will both function extremely well. And btw, welcome to the forum.

Bill

 

[Iggy]

Think of the CCO as an 7/8ths scale Government model.
If you have small hands, the CCO may fit perfectly.
Easy to carry and long enough barrel to be realiable.

You owe it to yourself to at least handle one before you make a decision.

 

[dakota1911]

I have S&W 1911s and DW 1911s. Not those models. Both companies make really great pistols. I would hope you could at least handle both before you plop down the money (or swipe the card). Your hands, not mine. Your pistol, not mine.

 

[Shahman]

I have S&W 1911s and DW 1911s. Not those models. Both companies make really great pistols. I would hope you could at least handle both before you plop down the money (or swipe the card). Your hands, not mine. Your pistol, not mine.

Would be nice! But don't think I will be able to get my hands on a CCO without putting a deposit down - which I lose if I don't go with the CCO.

 

[Shahman]

Hi Shahman,

I saw your original post on the 1911 forum and was not surprised at all to see the folks there lean fairly heavily toward the Dan Wesson. S&W products tend to have a smaller following on the other forums, and that's normal because most people tend to congregate into groups of like-minded end users. I am surprised, however, to find many of the same sentiments over here. I have several older model Dan Wesson semis, the Pointman Major, Seven, Patriot and Aussie, but no experience with the new models, and I have collected S&W Performance Center guns for some time. Both are fine guns with excellent workmanship. From a Fit & Finish point of view I think they are equal. The only noticeable differences are the external extractor, the size of the frame, and how the gun feels in your hand. I think you said earlier that you had been unable to look at the CCO first hand. That will make all the difference in the world, and in fact probably should be your deciding factor. I own one or two legendarily great performance center semi autos that I don't find particularly comfortable in the hand. Others are so good they feel like an extension of my arm, as Fast Eddie Felson famously observed in "The Hustler". I would be hesitant to buy a gun for carry purposes that I hadn't handled. 99% of the opinions you get on which is best are personal and subjective, sort of like asking the waiter, "What's good?" The answer will be what he likes, and not necessarily what you will like. Bottom line - get your hands on a CCO before you decide, then pick the one that feels best. They will both function extremely well. And btw, welcome to the forum.

Bill

Bill,
 
Firstly, I appreciate you spelling out  your thoughts and insights regarding my query and taking the time. As you mentioned, you saw my similar post on the 1911 forum; however, since I offered a firearm for sale to a guy who was looking for something I had, the administrator/moderator banned me for 2 weeks from being able to use the sight. (Which I thought was ridiculous, since not the whole rule book is memorized by new comers. They could have given me a onetime courtesy reminder, given that I had no prior 'violations' and was a new comer to the site. I think they operate under martial law on that forum). It's unfortunate because it was a useful forum.
I completely understand what you are saying. Each piece is very unique to the individual, there are very few generalities when it comes to fit, and 'extension of the hand'. Unfortunately, I don't think I will ever get my hands on a CCO to try it out. What I did do however, was go into a store locally, and asked them to show me an officer model and a commander model 1911. I held the officer model and it felt very good in my hands (my hands are on the smaller side of the 'medium' size category). I then looked at the commander model, to get a visual idea of slide. I have a full size 1911, and a 3". I use the 3" as an alt carry gun, but have been looking to get a slightly longer slide. The CCO and the SW are perfect contenders in that regard, with their 4.25" slide. The CCO however has a smaller (officer size) butt than the SW. While the SW felt very good in the hands, I like the smaller option with the CCO, for concealment factor. This was further backed by the fact that the Officer model felt very good in my hands too. It's butt is similar to my Walther PPS, which I use for conceal carry. They both have the same length butts. And the fact that I want a slightly longer slide, the CCO fits that bill too. I also wanted an alt carry option –with my Walther being a 9mm, I want to have a .45 option and the CCO fits that requirement too.
I feel that I may need to change the grips on the CCO, if I find them to 'swelly'/ bulky. I did that with my full size .45 and it feels excellent. They came with thicker wood/ cocobolo grips, and I got slimline G10/VZ grips, and it fits beautifully in my hand.
I am leaning towards the CCO, given everything I mentioned above, plus it's quality, and build, and the input I've heard so far from the various people.
The reason I posted my query on a S&W forum, is simply to pose the query to a group of people who I would assume would be based towards the S&W products, and when they're leaning towards the Dan Wesson CCO, then I think that says a lot.
Thank you for welcoming me to the forum… I hope to contribute as much as I stand to gain.
 
-Shahman

 

[wlp624]

My sentiments exactly about the 1911 forum. I felt like I was back in grammar school and the nuns were giving me the evil eye, just daring me to step out of line!

 

[JJEH]

...since I offered a firearm for sale to a guy who was looking for something I had, the administrator/moderator banned me for 2 weeks from being able to use the sight. (Which I thought was ridiculous, since not the whole rule book is memorized by new comers. They could have given me a onetime courtesy reminder, given that I had no prior 'violations' and was a new comer to the site. I think they operate under martial law on that forum). It's unfortunate because it was a useful forum.

My sentiments exactly about the 1911 forum. I felt like I was back in grammar school and the nuns were giving me the evil eye, just daring me to step out of line!

Doesn't matter if you are a new comer or not. They have rules too over there and one of them is that they don't want to participate in firearms sales. They are pretty strict about that.

It annoys me quite a bit, but hey, it's their rules.

I got suspended from a local board in 2012 since they required a min. of 50 posts in order to post in the classified section. I posted anyways and got suspended. After the suspension I followed a thread were people talked very positive about Hitler and what good he has brought to the people (I'm serious!). After commenting and getting yelled at I logged out and never returned. Bottom line, just suck it up the 2 weeks (I know it's hard ) then return and have fun. It's a lot of knowledge there, just like here.

 

[lhump1961]

I hear what you're saying. From my dealer the DW/CCO is approx. $100 more than the SW/PC 1911.
I already have a fantastic carry gun (Walther PPS -9mm); however, I am looking for another, where the .45 caliber can be more useful. Such as outdoors/ camping, and possibility of bears etc. Having said that, I've also found a renewed love for the 1911 design and style. I have a really nice 1911 .45ACP for the range, The one I'm looking for is more for the ocassional carry as mentioned above. I have a 3" 1911 that's a great carry gun, but I'd like a longer slide/barrel, but not full size. The
4.25" speaks well to me. Therefore, I'm selling my 3" and looking to buying a new 4.25".... and hence my query on this forum. I appreciate your input! thank you.

I do occasionally carry this 4.25" 1911Sc...not a lot but occasionally.
I hear 'ya on having options.

 

[Shahman]

Guys,

I found a CCO, got my hands on it and loved it!! Guess who is going to be the proud new owner of a DW CCO?? Yeah baby! Me!... ordered it today, will be in on Wednesday! Loved the way it felt in my hands...the fit... a thing of beauty!!

 

[JJEH]

Congrats! Make sure you'll post pictures as well as a range report

 

[Shahman]

Congrats! Make sure you'll post pictures as well as a range report

Thank you & Will do!

 

[Kadonny]

Guys,

I found a CCO, got my hands on it and loved it!! Guess who is going to be the proud new owner of a DW CCO?? Yeah baby! Me!... ordered it today, will be in on Wednesday! Loved the way it felt in my hands...the fit... a thing of beauty!!

That is the correct answer. I owned one a year ago or so, but I sold it to buy a DW Guardian. I just liked the bobtailed bull size grip better than the officer CCO grip. Either way, both guns are amazing and the craftmanship is top notch for the money they cost. Fantastic gun, congrats you WILL love it.

 

[Iggy]

By Jove!! Jolly good show ol chap!!!

I'll bet you like it the more you handle it.

 

[geddylee10002000]

I have a DW VBOB with the duty coat. Have about 6K rounds through it. Sure like it. Then over Thanksgiving a NIB Ed Brown Executive Elite fell into my lap. Wow! You can never have enough 1911's. I do own 3 S&W 1911's. 108304, 108284, & 178020. I wouldn't mind a Les Baer, older Colt National Match, Wilson, etc.