My New 45: Dan Wesson Commander Classic Bobtail

Status
Not open for further replies.

Zaydok Allen

Member
Joined
Feb 12, 2011
Messages
13,274
Just sharing.

Today I bailed this here girl out of jail. I’ve wanted a bobtail commander 1911 for a long time and a few months ago I traded my way into a Dan Wesson 38 Super. I like that gun so much that when my dealer put this one under glass I had to move on it.

I traded two older guns that were being neglected towards it and a small windfall made bringing it home today possible.

Fit and finish is perfect. Grips are beautiful. Front strap is wonderfully checkered. Feels great in the hand. Safety lever has a very positive feel and cycling the slide is very smooth. Trigger breaks very cleanly. Night sights are an added bonus.

Assuming it functions properly I’m probably going to pick up an OWB holster for it from Nightingale and carry it some in cooler weather and in the woods.

Sure can’t wait to shoot it.

35511DDF-151C-459E-A093-AEBB4DEBAF65.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Wow! That puts some Wilson and Les Baers to shame!
Honestly speaking, I’ve now gotten to handle a few Ed Browns, a Les Baer, and a Nighthawk Custom. The Dan Wessons IMO have just as nice of fit and finish as any of the stainless Baers, Browns, and the Nighthawk, that I’ve seen. Can’t speak for the rest.

The DW triggers were so close to the Baer and Ed Browns I’ve handled I can’t tell the difference. I'm not saying they aren't better, just that I'm not discerning enough to tell. The Nighthawk did have a noticeably nicer trigger in that it was a touch lighter and crisper. It also had a $800 price jump for a used gun.

I have no doubt a real aficionado and actual owner of the higher end semi custom guns could list a host of legit reasons they are better in general, but I’m not one of those people fortunately. Which means I get to be happy and content with less expensive guns. Again, that’s assuming good functionality.
 
Last edited:
I have been looking for a DW for some time but they don’t show up in this small town. I may have to buy one blind.
Honestly that’s why I haven’t bought until now. My LGS just started carrying them this year. Hadn’t encountered them so had no reference as to value.
 
I have no doubt a real aficionado and actual owner of the higher end semi custom guns could list a host of legit reasons they are better in general, but I’m not one of those people fortunately. Which means I get to be happy and content with less expensive guns. Again, that’s assuming good functionality.

"Better" is pretty subjective. They are great production guns, why not leave it at that?
 
This is one of only two Dan Wessons we can buy in California. I bought mine a couple of years ago. My buddy bought the Ed Brown Kobra after shooting my gun. We both prefer the Dan Wesson when comparing and shooting them side by side. I love the feel and balance in my hand. I know you will enjoy yours.
 
Always liked those. If DW brought them back, good.

Based on my experience, the bobtail helps concealment. Even if it prints, it prints more like a lump than a handgun grip.

Congrats.
 
Just sharing.

Today I bailed this here girl out of jail. I’ve wanted a bobtail commander 1911 for a long time and a few months ago I traded my way into a Dan Wesson 38 Super. I like that gun so much that when my dealer put this one under glass I had to move on it.

I traded two older guns that were being neglected towards it and a small windfall made bringing it home today possible.

Fit and finish is perfect. Grips are beautiful. Front strap is wonderfully checkered. Feels great in the hand. Safety lever has a very positive feel and cycling the slide is very smooth. Trigger breaks very cleanly. Night sights are an added bonus.

Assuming it functions properly I’m probably going to pick up an OWB holster for it from Nightingale and carry it some in cooler weather and in the woods.

Sure can’t wait to shoot it.

View attachment 856370
I have an italian gun magazine with the review of this exact gun. I was impressed by just looking at the pics. The fit and finish seemed top notch and the writer confirmer it many times in his review. I think when speaking about a non-Colt 1911, Dan Wesson is a brand that can't be ignored.
 
Great pick up!

Just be sure to keep it well lubed when you start shooting, DW does have Galling issues sometimes, but they'll take care of it quick if you have problems.

Wow! That puts some Wilson and Les Baers to shame!

I routinely shoot my DWs better than my father's Wilson CQB. They aren't as well fitted (though close!) but they sure shoot!
 
Great pick up!

Just be sure to keep it well lubed when you start shooting, DW does have Galling issues sometimes, but they'll take care of it quick if you have problems.



I routinely shoot my DWs better than my father's Wilson CQB. They aren't as well fitted (though close!) but they sure shoot!
I’ve actually gotten in the habit of using Lucas Gun Grease on the rails and a drop or two of Hoppe’s oil in addition.
 
Been pining for one of those for YEARS.

NICELY DONE!
Same here. Found one at a good price last year, but missed out by a half hour on the purchase. Seems folks who buy 'em don't get rid of 'em, rarely see these on the used market, and finding new DW 1911s at a good price up here is akin to searching for Bigfoot.

In my opinion, the sweet spot in the Dan Wesson 1911 line-up. Just really nice pistols.

Ya gotta love how the DW slides and frames are free from stupid, huge or unnecessary rollmarks or laser-etched billboards. Classy.
 
Ya gotta love how the DW slides and frames are free from stupid, huge or unnecessary rollmarks or laser-etched billboards.
That's actually one of my favorite parts about the DW 1911s. The nearly naked slide just looks great, and the model designation is nice and small. I also like that on the Commander size guns they skip the forward cocking serrations. Forward cocking serrations are typically fine to my eye, but on a Commander, they just muddy up the appearance IMO.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top