[PilotPhill]

Hi All,
I am considering a new 1911 for concealed carry (this will be my first cc pistol). Full size 1911s are my favorite firearms to shoot and they are fairly thin as well so I thought a smaller version (like an officers model) in 9mm might make for a great cc pistol. Based on some preliminary research I came upon three models that I think would fit the bill:

Dan Wesson ECO 3.5"
Kimber Ultra CDP 3"
Springfield RO Compact 4"

The DW is the most expensive at around $1300 and I've heard nothing but good things about DW
The Kimber is $1000 and looks super good but I am not quite sold on their reliability
The Springfield is the least expensive at around $800 but does not have tritium sights like the other two.

Size is one thing I am a little worried about. Obviously to CC, the smaller the gun the better. But for shooting, usually the larger the better - less recoil and longer sight radius. I am quite a tall but very thin guy so was leaning more towards the DW and Kimber due to their smaller size and slightly more contoured form factor. What are you thoughts?

Thanks, Phill

 

[azguy1911]

I've owned all 3, the DW is a step above, no doubt. I think you'll hear from everyone here that DW is the best bang for the buck in 1911 world. Also, besides the ECO look at some of their bobtailed 1911's like the guardian or vbob, great for non-printing in the CCW world

 

[WWB]

The ECO is hands down the best of the 3 and worth the extra $..

 

[Integrity Arms]

I'll Chime in with the ECO as well.. I have one and have had each of the others as well. The CDP uses the frame as a feed ramp and it is alum. Many have went as far as putting steel inserts in there. The ECO has an integrated feed ramp. As does the RO Compact. I would def buy the RO compact before I bought the Kimber. But, as stated by other the ECO well worth the difference. Finish is better, fit is better, CS is good if needed. Mine is pretty accurate within reason, and has been very reliable. Of course the RO compact is actually a CCO pistol and I'm sorry but, I didn't have one of those. I forgot I hate CCO pistols lol. Just my 2 cents, but I ain't nobody~!

 

[walleyemonster]

Can't argue the DW. Seems to be the consensus here. I own a RO Compact in .45 I carry all day everyday in the summer. It runs flawlessly. I did a couple minor upgrades. An EGW firing pin stop to keep the extractor from clocking. Ed Brown magwell, and night sights. Hides under a t-shirt well in the summer. Is a good option if price is an issue.

 

[Kip]

No contest....

 

[Ethanol Red]

I had an ECO in .45 and miss it. I’d like to get one in 9mm one of these days. Great little pistol.

 

[adktv1911]

I can almost hear the booing and catcalls..
CDP II have been around awhile. I've owned two of the Pro size 4" and one of the Ultra size.
They are "Full House". Stainless slide over alloy frame, the Ultra has fully supported ramped barrel. Details are complete and well excecuted. CDP II are VERY popular. Not inexpensive. Purpose built for carry, they are accurate and reliable, regardless of Kimber bashers banter. You can be confident if you choose the CDP II you'll love it.
No experiance with ECO. Nobody has experiance with ECO.
I bought a Guardian 9mm before Christmas, I bought CCO after Christmas. I have one of the "200" premier Valors. Dan Wesson builds exceptional weapons.
Quality is way past the price point. Not every pistol is for every hand, I like CCO, but will probably pass on the ECO. Once they have "hit the street" and proved themselves, I'm sure DW has a winner with the ECO.
You have a tough choice to make.

 

[Kip]

Uh,my ECO is 5 years old....
And yeah it's experienced!

 

[zipper046again]

View attachment 136407
No contest....

Kip...is that thing PURPLE!? :eek1:....LOL

 

[zipper046again]

OP...DW is heads above the other 2. I had a Kimber Tactical Ultra years ago...nothing but headaches...wasn't consistent and had a host of issues. I was able to rectify some of them, but it was never 100% reliable.

I don't have any of the others...but do have a DW CCO. Great carry gun. Similar to the ECO, but a longer barrel (4.25"). Seems when you get below 4", there have been issues with cycle rates and such...I believe the Colt Officer models that were pretty good were 3.5"....Wilson Combat doesn't really make 3" barreled compacts anymore and I remember reading an article by Bill Wilson explaining some of the issues with a 3" 1911. With that said, some manufacturers have figured it out...

But, I'd go with the DW...3.5" barrel that works, great fit and finish in the product, good Customer Service...

 

[PilotPhill]

Right, seems like we have a clear winner here! Thank you all so much for your input - Dan Wesson it will be then!

Though, don’t hesitate to continue boosting my confidence in DW

 

[Stromburg]

I had an ECO in .45 and miss it. I’d like to get one in 9mm one of these days. Great little pistol.

I’m carrying it everyday RED

 

[Ethanol Red]

Lookin’ good!

 

[2sharp2]

Have not owned two of your three choices. I do own a CDP Ultra .45 it was my first Kimber. It is my EDC 95% of the time, sometimes I carry a Kimber RCP Ultra or a Charter Arms Bulldog .44spl just because I can and for a change of pace. For the record never had a problem with any of the Kimber's. If I didn't have the Kimber's I would probably roll with one of the DW's.

 

[gps man]

ECO all the way. I have them in 9 and .45.

Great carry guns, but I carry a Commander size most days.

 

[skipper49]

Haven’t had the Kimber or the SA, but have had the ECO in .45 and 9mm. Arthritis is forcing me into smaller calibers, so so recently traded my .45 ECO for a new ECO in 9mm. They are just drop dead beautiful, quality, reliable pistols. I have other DW’s and they are all wonderful guns.
Skip

 

[TheDoaner]

For 5 years I received these shirts for free, along with a Pepper Blaster, and up to 50% off one Kimber annually. I carry an ECO...and gladly paid the asking price.

 

[BuckyP]

The ECO is hands down the best of the 3 and worth the extra $..

+1

 

[Yellowsupersport]

Phil, not to derail your thread, but you mentioned this was your first cc firearm. This made me think how are you going to carry it ? OWB ? IWB ? Appendix ? Reason for asking is just like there is a gun type for every hand, there is a carry position and holster for every body type. It’s a “system”, so you need to have gun, holster, belt, and body type all in sync.

For example I’m a tall skinny guy. So anything OWB on my hip is very noticeable. Similarly I don’t have chesticles so a Miami style shoulder holster also sticks out. What works for me, and my body type, is AIWB.

Where I’m going with this is that your carry style may influence what weapon you’re carrying. In many cases it’s the butt that prints and is harder to conceal, and not barrel length. Don’t feel you have to give up your full size 1911. As was mentioned above, a bob-tailed butt goes a long way more for concealabiliy than taking an inch off the barrel.