*Updated again. See 12/6 post.*

I've been wanting a Bobtail Commander in .45 ACP, and I've narrowed it down to either the C-BOB or V-BOB from Dan Wesson.

Both can be found new for around the same money (with the V-BOB being ~$75 more in stainless and a couple hundred more in black).

Feature-wise, they seem nearly identical on paper, with the exception of different rear sights, different grips, and a checkered backstrap on the V-BOB. (I know the C-BOB is an older model that has mainly been kept around due to being CA-compliant.)

But some folks online claim that the V-BOB is supposedly higher quality. Has anyone compared a recent production C-BOB and V-BOB side-by-side? Is the V-BOB noticeably nicer/better in any way?

Any other pros/cons to either of these models that I'm missing?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RogueJSK,

Same gun

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
I've been wanting a Bobtail Commander in .45 ACP, and I've narrowed it down to either the C-BOB or V-BOB from Dan Wesson.

Both can be found new for around the same money (with the V-BOB being ~$75 more in stainless and a couple hundred more in black).

Feature-wise, they seem nearly identical on paper, with the exception of different rear sights, different grips, and a checkered backstrap on the V-BOB. (I know the C-BOB is an older model that has mainly been kept around due to being CA-compliant.)

But some folks online claim that the V-BOB is supposedly higher quality. Has anyone compared a recent production C-BOB and V-BOB side-by-side? Is the V-BOB noticeably nicer/better in any way?

Any other pros/cons to either of these models that I'm missing?

Its the same gun except for the bobtail.

quote:

Originally posted by venenoindy:
Its the same gun except for the bobtail.

I'm not sure what you're referring to.

The C-BOB and V-BOB both have identical bobtails.

VBOB.

I wanted the classic bobtail when it was still the unsung deal in handguns, but they were hard to get. Everybody wanted one. The VBOB today is pricier, but still an excellent pistol. The bob does make for a surprisingly comfortable grip.

I had a C-Bob about 10 years ago but sold it. I'd thought a lot about it over the past years. This year I bought a blackened V-bob. It sure seems to be the same gun as the C-bob and it is very accurate and smooth!

The Dan Wesson 1911's caught my eye a few years back when someone posted pics of theirs in 'The Gallery' in a 1911 pictures thread.

When I eventually purchase one it will likely be a V-BOB (or C-BOB) model as that is what is most asthetically pleasing to my eye.

That said, in my 'due-diligence' research on a popular 1911 forum, many were of the opinion that the staight (non-bobbed) back-strap offered a more positive 'grip' on the firearm, as more of one's palm is in better / more direct contact with the grip.

Ideally, it would be nice to shoot models of each at the same range session.

Good luck with your choice!

Rob
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I have a Dan Wesson Guardian and several full gripped 1911's. I haven'tnoticed any real difference in the ease of gripping the bobtail vs. the full.

I marginally prefer a full, arched MSH for fast accurate shooting, but I run the bobtail just fine, with no repeatable difference on a shot timer.

I've carried a CBOB for the last ten years. My understanding is the VBOB is simply the latest iteration of the classic pistol. Couple of upgrades, but no real difference. I had a DW Valor which was once the cats meow. Sold it and kept the CBOB.

Either will likely scratch your itch.

RMD

Thank you for sharing your experience regarding the grip configuration dogmush!
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quote:

Originally posted by dogmush:
I haven't noticed any real difference in the ease of gripping the bobtail vs. the full.

I marginally prefer a full, arched MSH for fast accurate shooting, but I run the bobtail just fine, with no repeatable difference on a shot timer.

I'm the opposite. I do find the bobtail to be marginally more comfortable (and better looking, and slightly easier to conceal), although I haven't had a chance to compare shooting a standard vs. bobtail side by side on a timer.

And an arched MSH is the least comfortable for me. I definitely prefer flat.

That's one of the great things about the 1911... The grip is so customizable, to fit each personal preference.

Mmmmm...blackened VBOB. I lust after that creature!

Can't speak to the VBOB, but the CBOB I bought ~8 or so years ago is the bomb, love that gun.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

I'm the opposite. I do find the bobtail to be marginally more comfortable (and better looking, and slightly easier to conceal), although I haven't had a chance to compare shooting a standard vs. bobtail side by side on a timer.

And an arched MSH is the least comfortable for me. I definitely prefer flat.

That's one of the great things about the 1911... The grip is so customizable, to fit each personal preference.

Totally agree and FWIW the bobbed frame doesn't print as easily when carried concealed.

Love my CBOB although to be honest my CCOs have taken over the CCW role.

CCO-CBOB-RZ45 Heritage

I had been on the hunt for a bobtail commander, but stumbled across an incredible deal on a different version and ended up getting that instead.

It's a 2018 production Dan Wesson A2 with the matte blue finish. 1 of 200 produced this year.



For a new A2, MSRP is $1,363.00 and street price is ~$1200. But I got this one that's a few months old, in pristine shape, with 100 rounds through it, for $650!

Hand-fitted semi-custom 1911 for the price of an entry-level factory gun? Yes please!

Even though it's a 5", not a bobtail, and not stainless, I couldn't pass that amazing deal up. (It's destined to be a range gun and not a carry gun anyway, so the bigger size and pretty but less rugged finish aren't issues.)

It'll be getting outfitted with some fancier Fusion ranger pattern cocobolo grips, and a checkered Wilson Combat flat mainspring housing, then I plan to shoot the heck out of it. I'll get some actual photos posted once the upgrades are complete.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RogueJSK,

Wow, incredible deal. I like the bobtail as well, but not that much!

RogueJSK,

Man you STOLE that one!

Fantastic deal on a fantastic pistol! I've got an A2 Commander that's been sitting unfired since last spring; I need to correct that situation.

I was actually looking for the Gov't version, which showed up on the dealer's shelf about two days after I walked out with mine.

The only thing I don't like about the A2s are the 3-dot sights, which are easily corrected. I think they're my favorite DW model.

quote:

Originally posted by mesabi:
The only thing I don't like about the A2s are the 3-dot sights, which are easily corrected.

Agreed. With the $500+ I saved, I think I can spring for some new sights.

Since it's just a range toy, I'm going to keep the plain factory sights for a bit. In the future I might explore something like a Dawson or 10-8 fiber optic front sight, or perhaps something extra classy like a gold bead.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by mesabi:
The only thing I don't like about the A2s are the 3-dot sights, which are easily corrected.

Agreed. But with the $500+ I saved, I think I can spring for some new sights.

Since it's just a range toy, I'm going to keep the plain factory sights for a bit. In the future I might explore something like a Dawson or 10-8 fiber optic front sight, or perhaps something extra classy like a gold bead.

I swapped my Valor and Vbob over to the 3 dot sights from the Straight 8's they shipped with.

At one time i had 7 danwesson 1911's I am down to just two now. The Vbob and Guardian 9.