Decisions Decisions! Colt CQBP or Dan Wesson Specialist Distressed

OfferArms

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Jun 12, 2019
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Ok guys I've run into a conundrum and figured I'd get some opinions from those who may have experience with these pistols. I've become addicted to Sportsman's Guide and am looking at my next purchase. I've narrowed it down to the Colt CQBP or the Dan Wesson Specialist with the distressed finish. Please keep in mind I'm not looking to be a poser with the worn finish look on the Dan Wesson. I just like the idea of beating the snot out of it and not be concerned about nicks and scratches right out of the box. I'm leaning towards the Colt for the collectibility factor but not sure if it's relevant with this gun or not.
 

rglassma

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Jul 31, 2018
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IF you are comparing colt to Dan Wesson, you would be silly to buy anything other than a Dan Wesson. It is a no brainer. As to the model, that is your call.
 

Blackbeard

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I like the look of the Dan Wesson....but I understand your desire to make it a used not a safe queen.

If it's too new, you might have the desire to keep it looking that good.
DW-Distressed-specialist-right.pngDW-Distressed-specialist-left.png
 

georgepugh

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Oct 23, 2019
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Still think the Norinco is better because of the steel. Price diff can pay for extra work. I like my Caspian with a Kart Barrel and accu-rail but still like the Kart Norinco better.
 

azben

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It is easy to see that I am in the minority but as a happy and satisfied Colt 1911 shooter for decades, I go for the CQBP.. you will love it and its value increases with age.
 

zb338

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A Colt is a Colt. As the years go by it will always be worth more than you paid for it.

Zeke
 

STI

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Of mine the STI is the most shot due to my eyes and sights, the Wilson next and so on down the line, my Colt has not been shot in awhile I admit. Due to being double stack my Para P14 will go to my match Sat, I do shoot it a lot also
 

xusmico

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Nov 20, 2018
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Ok guys I've run into a conundrum and figured I'd get some opinions from those who may have experience with these pistols. I've become addicted to Sportsman's Guide and am looking at my next purchase. I've narrowed it down to the Colt CQBP or the Dan Wesson Specialist with the distressed finish. Please keep in mind I'm not looking to be a poser with the worn finish look on the Dan Wesson. I just like the idea of beating the snot out of it and not be concerned about nicks and scratches right out of the box. I'm leaning towards the Colt for the collectibility factor but not sure if it's relevant with this gun or not.
THINK ABOUT A SPRINGFIELD.. NEXT DW. no more colts service as custom hop hav gone to crap
 

RStone

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Jan 28, 2019
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I would take the DW. I feel their attention to detail exceeds Colt these days. The only thing I was concerned with when I owned a DW was the magwell was held in place by a screw that kept backing out even with loctite used. They may have fixed that with the mainspring housing being one piece with the magwell.
 

LARRY

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Aug 16, 2018
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DAN WESSON, ANY MODEL.
BEFORE I BUY A GUN I CALL THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE.
YOU WOULD BE CONSIDERED LUCKY IF SOMEONE AT COLT ANSWERS THE PHONE.
 

Babboonbobo

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Excellent choice, I personally do not like Colts but would like to try an older gold cup or something similar.
 

John Galt

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A new in the box Colt 1911 is a collectible. A used Colt is broken (from a buyers perspective and particularly if it is mfgd since the 60s)

Colt 1911's are hit or miss out of the box functionally. You can spend the money to make the Colt a reliable working carry gun compared to the DW that will (mostly) work reliably right out of the box. Ultimately You will be in to the Colt a little more (or a lot more depending on the mods) but the Colt is more likely to retain it's value over time and increase in value over a long time. The DW will always be a user / market condition pistol.

I am a Colt fan and 40 year Colt collector but I would NEVER carry a Colt 1911 without having a professional 1911 gunsmith go through it and make it bullet proof and absolutely reliable AND shooting it to be sure it was.

Even as a user........or particularly as a user, the Colt will retain more value. People want the Stallion.

Note........you may get more satisfaction out of the Colt based on the WOW factor.

Note II..........note that the $$$ you spend on mods will likely not have the same appreciation as the Stock Colt pistol and may count against you in a resale...........and particularly depending on the smith that does your mods

Fwiw
 

xusmico

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Nov 20, 2018
Messages
25
Ok guys I've run into a conundrum and figured I'd get some opinions from those who may have experience with these pistols. I've become addicted to Sportsman's Guide and am looking at my next purchase. I've narrowed it down to the Colt CQBP or the Dan Wesson Specialist with the distressed finish. Please keep in mind I'm not looking to be a poser with the worn finish look on the Dan Wesson. I just like the idea of beating the snot out of it and not be concerned about nicks and scratches right out of the box. I'm leaning towards the Colt for the collectibility factor but not sure if it's relevant with this gun or not.
there have been some slide failures on the Colt CQBP. DW is OK. take a close look at Springfield and if you want to buy the best, Wilson. Colt service has become non existant. Their use of MIM on high stress parts is unacceptable in a life support device.
 

John Galt

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if I were buying one gun to customize, carry and use I would buy a pre 60's colt and start there. You can still find them NIB pretty easily if you look.

I would NEVER buy an "O" model or " custom shop" / blue box model.

Just to clarify........a recently manufactured 7th+ bankruptcy Colt would NEVER be in contention. A Colt from the days of quality craftsmanship is what I am talking about.
 
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