I’ve recently started to entertain the thought of going to .45 for EDC. I’ve always shot/carried 9mm for various reasons (mostly cost effective) but have recently been bitten by the 45 bug. I used to reload but haven’t done it do to time/no reload equipment constraint. I can afford 45 ammo now.
I keep coming back to DW ECO but still wonder about reliability issues with less than 4.25 barrels in that platform. It should be mentioned my budget is not unlimited. Is the DW compact reliable or should I just go with XDS or now the XD MOD2? I carry a XDSC 9 now (and have no reliability) issues but am just considering .45 and particularly the 1911 format at this time.
I guess what i’m asking is the DW ECO a proven platform or not. Just looking for input from folks that EDC them or reasons why they don’t.
Dan Wesson makes a nice 1911, but you always need to shoot your particular example enough to prove that it is reliable. Shorter barreled 1911’s can run but require even more attention to detail when it comes to their maintenance schedule. The ECO is a solid choice in a compact 1911. Personally, I’d look to the CCO instead as the extra barrel length is not hard to hide. Choosing to EDC a 1911 nilly-willy because you got bitten by a bug for a certain caliber is probably not going to end well. It takes dedication to the platform and knowing how they work and the patience to sometimes get a less then reliable gun to run properly. I think that you would be better served sticking with a compact 9mm gun but if you really want to EDC a 1911 you could do far worse then a Dan Wesson.
You will not get any XDS love here. I had one and no issues, except the post recall trigger sucks compared to the pre recall, but that was a sample of one. I liked the XDS for the most part. DW makes a quality firearm. IMHO there is no comparison between a sub and full size as far as shootability, and a full size is not that much more difficult to carry. I prefer at least a 4 inch barrel for all calibers especially 45. I have not given up on the 45/1911 but have converted mostly to 9mm. I will not do another 3 inch 45, it just did not work well for me. I feel I do not own one but am very interested in a 9mm 1911. The gun I am able to easiest carry and shoot is currently the PPQ 9mm 4inch. The biggest issues for ccw is grip length, thickness and weight, the difference in barrel length is not as big a consideration for carry as it is for accuracy. If you really like the XDS and want to stick with 45 the XDS 4.0 may be worth taking a look at.
Also if you can afford 45 ammo now, you can afford much more 9 to practice with.
Good points and thanks for taking the time to respond. The CCO is definitely on the list too. The XDS 4.0 is really what got me thinking about why not just go with a quality 1911. I really just need to put hands on these different platforms and real world compare. I had the chance to fondle and shoot a short barreled Kimber ultra .45 but was surprised at the very minimal difference in grip width and length compared to my XDSC 9. I appendix carry so barrel length is a bit of a factor. I’m not a big guy and just seem to be able to conceal and not print a little better aiwb. Again, I appreciate the input. Thanks.
I’m currently carrying an XDS 45…I bought it almost immediately after they were released and although I have tried a few smaller guns, I keep going back to it as my preferred EDC. One of the reasons seems to be the lack of a manual safety as found on 1911s or that style of pistol. The smallest one that I tried was a Sig 238 and I also checked out the EMP but was still more comfortable with the XDS.
I was not pleased with the Trigger post recall but I added the PRP Trigger kit ($15) and wow…what a difference that made. I also added the Talon Grip and it made it a lot more comfortable to shoot. Been extremely reliable too!
I carry AIWB or in the swell of my back as I drive a lot and it seems that the swell of my back has been a more comfortable option for sitting down.
Safety manipulation is a valid point. Thinking back, its been a looong time since i’ve shot with a manual safety. That would have been a 92 compact. My wife has since adopted that pistol.
I’ll do some research on the PRP trigger kit. Thanks for that suggestion.
I’ve never used custom grips, other than Hogues on a Smith revolver years ago. I’ll keep the Talons in mind. As you can surmise, i’ve landed firmly on planet earth back from my 1911 Odyssey and am now in rational/logical decision mode leaning heavily towards XDS land. I appreciate the input from everyone. As bjxds said early on, you don’t get much xd love here, but all the points brought up were solid in my opinion. It helps getting out of your own head occasionally and listening to others thoughts. Let the XDS hunt begin!
Just thought I’d mention…the Pearse grip extensions are worth their weight in gold, especially on the .45, and I have had no issues with concealment so I have added them to all of my mags.
I’ve got some nice AIWB holsters listed for sale as well as I have converted to carrying solely in the swell of my back in either a DM Bollard Leather Holster or Glock Mic style holster.
The grip extensions are something I’d be interested in. Behind the back carry is comfortable for me as well. I just don’t have a LH holster to make it work at this time. I’ll take a look at the two your using. 'preciate. I have a Remora clipless coming for my xdsc. It just might work with the XDS as well as offering me the opportunity to experiment with behind the back carry. Just need to snag the pistol first!