Dan Wesson ECO Question

1842 Views 55 Replies 14 Participants Last post by DHCARMS, 5 mo ago

DHCARMS

Discussion Starter · 5 mo ago

Hi Folks - my first post on 1911 Addicts and it's a question. Yes, sorry in advance...I will also caveat that I am a small small dealer. I have seen a few posts on the Dan Wesson ECO. I just recently picked up a brand new one (manufactured in 2013) from an auction, at what I think was a great price. I normally only deal/collect in Colt and some Wilson Combat. I know nothing about these guns. I am looking for feedback on performance and also demand. Any thoughts? The one I picked up is in 45 ACP. I know Dan Wesson is a great brand and product. I am just wondering about this specific model. Any input is welcome.

Thanks
Dan

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Madcap_Magician

· #2 · 5 mo ago

These are popular and missing niche in the 1911 market now. True Officer's 1911s are a bit sparse in that quality range.

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DHCARMS

Discussion Starter · #3 · 5 mo ago

Madcap_Magician said:
These are popular and missing niche in the 1911 market now. True Officer's 1911s are a bit sparse in that quality range.

Thank you sir.

Greg M.

· #4 · 5 mo ago

I had 2 in 45 acp and 1 in 9mm neither ever had an issue. They are great little carry guns. A Chen or Wilson magwell add a little length for folks with bigger hands as well.

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Dwvalor

· #5 · 5 mo ago

I think they were and are currently ( though no longer in production) the best quality for dollar in the officer sized class in 1911s
My 9mm example of the ECO has been amazingly reliable and the finish is still perfect despite years of holster duty.
In short I would take it to the range you just might find out that you have bought your new carry piece!
welcome to the forum

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Saltlakeyankee357

· #6 · 5 mo ago

welcome to the forum! To piggy back on what everyone has said they are a phenomenal pistol for the cost, they are accurate and look pretty dang good if you ask me. I have a V-Bob in 9mm and that thing shoots insane!

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DHCARMS

Discussion Starter · #7 · 5 mo ago

Dwvalor said:
I think they were and are currently ( though no longer in production) the best quality for dollar in the officer sized class in 1911s
My 9mm example of the ECO has been amazingly reliable and the finish is still perfect despite years of holster duty.
In short I would take it to the range you just might find out that you have bought your new carry piece!
welcome to the forum

Thank you sir. I appreciate it. It is always a struggle for me to decide what to keep and what to sell. I think you put up a good argument for keeping it, especially since they are discontinued.

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DHCARMS

Discussion Starter · #8 · 5 mo ago

Greg M. said:
I had 2 in 45 acp and 1 in 9mm neither ever had an issue. They are great little carry guns. A Chen or Wilson magwell add a little length for folks with bigger hands as well.

Thank you sir. I would definitely add a Chen magwell. I just put one on a Colt Defender for a customer. They are not only a great practical addition, but I think they look great as well

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DHCARMS

Discussion Starter · #9 · 5 mo ago

Saltlakeyankee357 said:
welcome to the forum! To piggy back on what everyone has said they are a phenomenal pistol for the cost, they are accurate and look pretty dang good if you ask me. I have a V-Bob in 9mm and that thing shoots insane!

Awesome, thank you sir. I appreciate the input.

Dwvalor

· #10 · 5 mo ago

DHCARMS said:
Thank you sir. I appreciate it. It is always a struggle for me to decide what to keep and what to sell. I think you put up a good argument for keeping it, especially since they are discontinued.

For a small pistol it shoots really well 👍

Reactions: 1

Dwvalor

· #11 · 5 mo ago

DHCARMS said:
Thank you sir. I would definitely add a Chen magwell. I just put one on a Colt Defender for a customer. They are not only a great practical addition, but I think they look great as well

I was just on Wilson’s site looking at magwells for my ECO trying to determine if I want the Chen or the Wilson . WC has a sale right now so … I might got that way as a member put one on his ECO and it looked outstanding

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DHCARMS

Discussion Starter · #12 · 5 mo ago

Dwvalor said:
I was just on Wilson’s site looking at magwells for my ECO trying to determine if I want the Chen or the Wilson . WC has a sale right now so … I might got that way as a member put one on his ECO and it looked outstanding

Oh nice. I will check them out as well. I have not purchased any of their magwells yet. I have purchased and installed their bullet proof slide stops though. Much better than the factory ones I have replaced. I do like Chen Customs though. Great customer service and his video he put together on installing the magwell was awesome.

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DHCARMS

Discussion Starter · #13 · 5 mo ago

DHCARMS said:
Oh nice. I will check them out as well. I have not purchased any of their magwells yet. I have purchased and installed their bullet proof slide stops though. Much better than the factory ones I have replaced. I do like Chen Customs though. Great customer service and his video he put together on installing the magwell was awesome.

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DHCARMS

Discussion Starter · #14 · 5 mo ago

Dwvalor said:
I was just on Wilson’s site looking at magwells for my ECO trying to determine if I want the Chen or the Wilson . WC has a sale right now so … I might got that way as a member put one on his ECO and it looked outstanding

Wilson Combat also has some great flat bottom grip choices. I did put them on with the Chen magwell. I was particular about having the grips sit flush on the magwell versus keeping the beveled ones. I know some folks won't care, but I do
Here is what I did on a Defender.

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JoeDice

· #15 · 5 mo ago

I have a .45 ECO and it has been totally reliable. I have never had a bit of trouble with it … Carry it often , and conceals very well in a pancake style holster . Very high quality firearm , and accurate. I have no idea why Dan Wesson no longer manufactures them. I understand they are in demand but not easy to fine in the used market..

Vertebrate Air gun Wood Trigger Gun barrel

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DHCARMS

Discussion Starter · #16 · 5 mo ago

JoeDice said:
I have a .45 ECO and it has been totally reliable. I have never had a bit of trouble with it … Carry it often , and conceals very well in a pancake style holster . Very high quality firearm , and accurate. I have no idea why Dan Wesson no longer manufactures them. I understand they are in demand but not easy to fine in the used market..
View attachment 1156789

Thank you for the input sir. I love the grip color....nicely done

Rick McC.

· #17 · 5 mo ago

4

This is currently my favorite sub-compact 1911; a Sig Ultra .45 Tribal.
It came with night sights, FLGR and flat wire recoil spring, magwell, slim-line carry beavertail GS, and some unusual engraving/markings.

It’s been 110% reliable, accurate, and throws brass into the next county (I guess; never saw over 50% of it again).

Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Gun accessory Machine

Handgun holster Hunting knife Wood Tool Gun accessory

Wood Auto part Automotive exterior Motor vehicle Metal

Bicycle part Bumper Automotive exterior Tool Musical instrument accessory

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JoeDice

· #18 · 5 mo ago

DHCARMS said:
Thank you for the input sir. I love the grip color....nicely done

Thank you … They are Cool Hand grips and not expensive . I have several of their grips and have never been disappointed .
Respectfully
JoeDice

Reactions: 1

Snatch13

· #19 · 5 mo ago

Dwvalor said:
I was just on Wilson’s site looking at magwells for my ECO trying to determine if I want the Chen or the Wilson . WC has a sale right now so … I might got that way as a member put one on his ECO and it looked outstanding

I'll just drop this right here.........every time I think about selling it, I'm reminded how much they have been selling for and how hard it might be to replace. For the price, nothing comes close IMHO for all of the machine work and features that come standard. This one has busted the myth that guns being smaller than a commander are unreliable, at least for me anyhow.

Air gun Trigger Wood Gun barrel Gun accessory

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DHCARMS

Discussion Starter · #20 · 5 mo ago

Snatch13 said:
I'll just drop this right here.........every time I think about selling it, I'm reminded how much they have been selling for and how hard it might be to replace. For the price, nothing comes close IMHO for all of the machine work and features that come standard. This one has busted the myth that guns being smaller than a commander are unreliable, at least for me anyhow.
View attachment 1157001

Beauty Sir....I do like to think about replacement costs as well when deciding. You guys are making this decision easy for me

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