1911 question

[tazdevil]

Started looking at 1911's. Went to Bill's south and rented 2 (recommended by the counter guy, can't remember who but was curly haired younger average height, was very helpful on the 2 to try for carry/ccw). First was 4 inch Kimber, second was 3 inch Para. Fired 2 shots out of the para, and hated it. Fired 48 shots out of the Kimber, and other than the one casing that bonked me on the forehead (mental note, wear a friggin' baseball cap next time), loved it. So my question is after looking around upstairs, holding a bobbed Dan Wesson as well as a few others (and the Dan Wesson felt like it was molded from my hand), I'm left with this question what's the difference between the Dan Wesson and the Ed Brown? One better than the other? Or will this start another debate similar to the never ending and always flaming caliber debate?

[brado]

Ed Brown

[Stradawhovious]

One better than the other? Or will this start another debate similar to the never ending and always flaming caliber debate?

More than likely this.

[rukwikenuf]

the Dan Wesson is cheaper. and i really like the feel of it. the Ed Brown is a nicer feeling weapon, but i don't think i could shoot a $2,500 gun with an open concious. i'd be too concerned about possible scratches to shoot it to it's fullest potential. however, that Dan Wesson Guardian (the one you're referring to) is a friggin GREAT pistol.
the other thing to consider is that the Dan Wesson is a "semi-custom production" gun. they are no longer a small shop, like they were when i was in high school. they may still be smallish, but the fact is the company is now owned by CZ-USA. not that it's affiliation with CZ-USA is a negative, CZ is a great company. however, you don't have the custom shop prestige with them anymore

[Pat Cannon]

I'm sure they're both awesome, but the bobtail is way cool IMHO. And as far as wearing a hat when shooting 1911s, um, yep, been there.

(Reason # 11 to shoot revolvers )

[Ryan S]

Both are fantastic guns without a doubt. If i had to choose one it would be the ed brown hands down. Not to take anything away from the dan wesson, again great guns, but just not on the same level as ed brown. I do think you would be well served either way and the bobtail not only looks cool but will help a little if you carry it. One thing you may want to consider is the dan wesson gaurdian is an alloy frame, its lighter than steel frames, but feels and recoils differently when you shoot it. Just somthing to be aware of. If you can find a dan wesson classic comander bob tail it is very similar but with a steel frame (probably my next purchase)

[rukwikenuf]

i suppose it would be beneficial to ask what Ed Brown you were looking at. was it the Kobra Karry or the Centennial? the Kobra Karry is also bobtailed, but IMHO, those serrations are goofy

[tazdevil]

i suppose it would be beneficial to ask what Ed Brown you were looking at. was it the Kobra Karry or the Centennial? the Kobra Karry is also bobtailed, but IMHO, those serrations are goofy

No specific one as of yet. I was looking for the main differences between the two as far as quality etc. I am not looking to buy (yet) as the almighty dollar has to be in hand first (tax return--yey), and I like to research to the point of extreme nausea before buying anything (and then I still sometimes impulse buy, go figure). I do like the "bobbed" end as it appears that it would help reduce "printing", and it did feel much better in my hand-more fitting. Don't think Bill's (or anyone for that matter) would let you rent to test fire those guns though, and I don't blame them for that.

[rukwikenuf]

Bill's does have some nice rentals downstairs, but i don't think there's any Wessons or Browns. i KNOW there's a Nighthawk Custom, i think it's a GRP. Bill's North might have something else, too

[JoeH]

Both are very similar as far as quality. Both have forged frames and slides. Both use internal components of the highest quality. The Ed Brown has the name. That isn't a bad thing. I'm just not sure that there is an appreciable difference in quality between the two.

[Grgkng]

Bills Circle Pines has an EB Centennial and a Nighthawk T3 Comp if you want to get a feel for them.