Dan Wesson 1911 ECO pistol

Oldjarhead · June 20, 2019, 11:08 AM

Anyone own, shoot, or have carried the Dan Wesson 1911 ECO? 9mm, or 45acp? Looking for a quality carry 1911. Thanks

IDbound · June 20, 2019, 09:54 PM

They are one of the best semi-custom guns around. PERIOD!

I have had three different models before settling on an ECO in .45acp. I did change to fiber optic sights but that was more of a personal preference. If my wife had not bought me a Springfield EMP in 9mm, I would have added an ECO in 9mm to give my 45 some company. They are a great gun and they come with good customer service to boot.

MC 1911 · June 21, 2019, 06:55 AM

Have both and you can't go wrong with either one!

jr24 · June 25, 2019, 09:49 AM

Dan Wesson makes a fine, perhaps the best, production 1911. Tool steel parts with no MIM, good triggers, good quality.

The ECO does, however, have some reputation for teething problems with the tight springs to start with and need some time with quality, hotter, ammo to get a broken in. I also prefer such a small gun in 9mm as the .45 gets jumpy with such a light gun and if follow up shots are important to you, 9mm with run faster. The Colt Defender is also a pretty nice tiny 1911 for a little less, but I'd take the DW every day myself.

Another option to consider would be the Vigil CCO. Longer barrel and a bit heavier but better reliability and a longer sight radius with the short grip (good for concealment). If you carry IWB you likely won't notice much of a difference in concealability.

June 20, 2019, 11:08 AM	#1
Oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: July 4, 2008 Posts: 508	Dan Wesson 1911 ECO pistol Anyone own, shoot, or have carried the Dan Wesson 1911 ECO? 9mm, or 45acp? Looking for a quality carry 1911. Thanks

June 20, 2019, 09:54 PM	#2
IDbound Member Join Date: February 28, 2010 Posts: 52	They are one of the best semi-custom guns around. PERIOD! I have had three different models before settling on an ECO in .45acp. I did change to fiber optic sights but that was more of a personal preference. If my wife had not bought me a Springfield EMP in 9mm, I would have added an ECO in 9mm to give my 45 some company. They are a great gun and they come with good customer service to boot.

June 21, 2019, 06:55 AM	#3
MC 1911 Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 373	Have both and you can't go wrong with either one!

June 25, 2019, 09:49 AM	#4
jr24 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2011 Posts: 870	Dan Wesson makes a fine, perhaps the best, production 1911. Tool steel parts with no MIM, good triggers, good quality. The ECO does, however, have some reputation for teething problems with the tight springs to start with and need some time with quality, hotter, ammo to get a broken in. I also prefer such a small gun in 9mm as the .45 gets jumpy with such a light gun and if follow up shots are important to you, 9mm with run faster. The Colt Defender is also a pretty nice tiny 1911 for a little less, but I'd take the DW every day myself. Another option to consider would be the Vigil CCO. Longer barrel and a bit heavier but better reliability and a longer sight radius with the short grip (good for concealment). If you carry IWB you likely won't notice much of a difference in concealability.