I'm getting close to buying a 1911, probably within the next 3-4 months. I think my decision has come down to 2 pistols:

the Kimber CDP II Pro


and the Dan Wesson Commander Classic Bobtail


This is going to be my primary concealed carry gun.....so it needs to fit the bill. I know both companies have great reputations, but I want yall's opinions.

The Kimber is specifically geared towards concealed carry, it has bevelled edges to avoid snagging on clothes and/or holsters.

The Dan Wesson is all stainless, so it would be a little more rugged and durable when I carry it around in the woods from time to time.

Both have Tritium 3-dot night sights.

What are yall's opinions?

This is just an opinion (but that is what you asked for!) but I think the bobtail might help for concealed carry.

You might also look at the s&w1911PD. Much the same as the Kimber, but lt.wt. scandium frame. Very nice pistol for less than $850.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/we...rn=15709&isFirearm=Y

Check out the Les Baer Concept line first.

J_Zola,

The Les Baer's look nice, but they're a little out of my price range.

Eland they are a nice gun. I just checked myself because I thought the Concept line was priced like a Kimber. But they seem to have gone up in price since I last looked. I have a premier two which is a great shooter so far.

Stainless is nice but it is low mantenance not no maintenance. It still needs cleaned and oiled. Personally I'd pick blued steel over stainless. Lower cost, no galling (spelling?), not as reflective, less bling. Given the choice offered I'd go Kimber. If you were going full size I'd vote Springfield Armory.

i have them both - the officers model 45 are much easier concealed than the full sized, but the dan wesson out shoots the little guy. so if you're carrying alot pick the kimper or springfield ( I also prefer the springfield) if you're carrying with enough clothes on and the weight doesn't bother than the dan wesson gets the call

+1 for the CDP. I have the pro and really like it; however I have a Springfield Champion that I really like. The CDP is lighter, but I think the Champion is less expensive. Lou

ive got 2 cdps a 3 inch and a 4 inch and both are a 100percent reliable and very accurate. both will shoot right along side my 5 inch guns. Personaly i think the cdp is the best bang for the buck of any ccw gun. They come with many options that custom shops do for about half the price.

Well I finally made up my mind and I bought a Kimber CDP II Compact today. It's essentially the same as the Pro.....but with a shorter grip.

quote:

Originally posted by Eland Slayer:
Well I finally made up my mind and I bought a Kimber CDP II Compact today. It's essentially the same as the Pro.....but with a shorter grip.

Sounds like a great choice! You have an officer length grip, with commander length, yes?

Better known as the Colt CCO, my favorite size, not legal in Kali, except for Kimber.

I have two fullcustom Morris colts, just bought a Kimber 5" sas and just love it.

Just getting my CCW and thinking of a new carry gun. Definately a 45 but was thinking of the Kimber Crimson Carry in 4". Any opinions on the combo. Seems like a lot of support out there for Kimber but curious about the Crimson Carry Version. Is the laser adjustble enough?

Also, anyone with any 1911 for sale can PM me.

Thanks,

Larry

Eland Slayer, I have carried a Kimber pro-comp for over 15 yrs, it has never failed me. Its a double stack 13+1 shot w/trijicons. very accurate and dependable. I rotate loaded mags every 2 wks for reliability...Good Luck.

I just handled the Dan Wesson Bobtail today- it is a bit heavy- check the weight, and walked out of the shop with a Para 45 commander size lightweight for $200 less.

Between the Kimber and the DW, my pistolsmith, who knows his stuff, was leery of the DW- though he may not know of its current status, but according to him, Kimber and Colt are well proven compared to the "wanna be" 1911s (according to him).

BTW this is my 1000th post!

Having owned,sold, and worked on more than a few of both, I can say the latest Dan Wessons under CZ are phenomenal. If I didnt roll my own, I would buy a Dan Wesson. by a very narrow margin I might add. Kimber is a name and product you can bank on, I just like component quality better on the DW.

Congrats on a fine gun!