Best .45 1911 for the money? I would say a Dan Wesson. A few months ago my two friends and I bought 2 DW bobtails and one pointman7. These guns are outstanding in every way - looks (all stainless steel), functionality, accuracy, build quality, materials quality (no MIM parts). Each of these guns cost $1100 and change Cdn funds and are made in New York State by CZ-USA (this is not the Dan Wesson of yesteryear).
You can call the factory direct and talk to the guys actually making and servicing these guns. I spent half an hour asking questions before I even bought. They treated me like a king.
I bought a bobtail. It is stuffed with genuine Ed Brown parts borrowed from the Ed Brown bobtail stainless .45s, namely the Executive Carry (about $2700 US) and the Cobra carry (about $2500 US). Check out the CZ-USA and Ed Brown websites for yourself (prices have been changing since Obama).
My bobtail has no Metal Injection Molded parts, and has the following Ed Brown parts in it right from the factory: Ed Brown bobtail stainless mainspring housing, Ed Brown "Memory Groove" stainless grip safety, Ed Brown stainless thumb safety, and Ed Brown stainless slide stop.
The front strap of this pistol comes standard with checkering machined into the frame. Match grade barrel and bushing as well. This gun is tight and accurate in every way. Built with precision and they all shoot fantastically well.
BONUS: this gun (bobtail only) also comes with bona fide Trijicon three dot night sights with offset colours on the front and rear dots. This feature alone is worth upwards of about $200 installed. I never appreciated the radical advantage that quality night sights provide until I bought this gun.
As far as I'm concerned, these DW guns are several hundred dollars UNDERpriced. There is no downside here. In truth, regarding the bobtail, you're basically getting an Ed Brown Executive Carry bobtail for less than half price, with key parts being actual Ed Brown parts and the rest made and finished to top "production class" standards at minimum, and arguably at entry level "custom class" standards otherwise. Compare the DW bobtail with the Ed Brown Executive Carry bobtail for yourself on their sites.
We had no problem getting these fine DW pistols, and fast, from CGN Sponsor ARMSEAST. Walter there took 5 star care of us. I'm happy to refer you.
Of all my collection, my DW bobtail has become my favourite. Like with night sights, and the bobtail grip, I had my doubts about the commander length format of this gun, but as it turns out I totally fell in love with all three. I cannot say enough about this gun!
I encourage you to do your homework and actually try to at least handle, if not shoot, your prospective purchases. Don't rush it - buy right the first time and you'll be a happy shooter!
Good luck and keep us posted.
