The Dan Wesson 1911 CCO (Concealed Carry Officer) combines a commander-length 4.25-inch slide and barrel with an officer-size lightweight alloy frame, creating a pistol that balances compact concealability with excellent shootability. Chambered primarily in .45 ACP, this single-action, semi-automatic 1911 offers a 7+1 capacity and weighs just under 29 ounces.
Its hand-fit components, match-grade barrel, and precision machining give it exceptional accuracy and reliability. Designed for the concealed carrier who demands premium craftsmanship, the Dan Wesson CCO delivers near-custom quality in a refined, everyday-carry package.
The Dan Wesson 1911 CCO stands as one of the most respected compact 1911 pistols available today. Built by Dan Wesson Firearms, a CZ-USA subsidiary known for its meticulous fit and finish, this handgun represents the company’s deep understanding of what serious carriers expect from a premium 1911.
The CCO configuration—Commander-length slide on an Officer-size frame—was originally conceived to blend the shootability of a full-length pistol with the concealability of a compact.
Dan Wesson refined that formula to perfection, crafting a lightweight, alloy-framed 1911 that carries comfortably all day without compromising balance or performance.
Intended primarily for concealed carry and defensive use, the Dan Wesson CCO is also a capable range or duty gun, bridging the gap between high-end custom 1911s and practical daily tools.
Its hand-fit construction, crisp trigger, and durable finishes make it equally suited to professionals and discerning enthusiasts seeking a lifelong sidearm.
Specifications
Design & Build Quality
The Dan Wesson CCO exemplifies the company’s meticulous approach to craftsmanship. Each pistol is hand-fit at the factory, ensuring a slide-to-frame fit that feels almost hydraulic.
Frame and Materials
The forged aluminum alloy frame keeps weight low while maintaining durability. This officer-length grip frame makes the CCO shorter than a Commander, aiding concealment under light clothing.
The chainlink-style front strap texturing enhances control without being abrasive, while the rounded mainspring housing and dehorned edges prevent printing or discomfort when carried inside the waistband.
The forged stainless-steel slide provides a perfect balance of mass for recoil control, finished in either bead-blasted stainless or the durable Duty Black nitride. The undercut trigger guard and beveled magazine well improve control and reloading speed.
Ergonomics and Controls
Like any true 1911, the CCO’s ergonomics are excellent. The beavertail grip safety with a raised memory bump ensures consistent engagement. The extended thumb safety provides positive feedback and smooth operation without snagging. The skeletonized trigger breaks cleanly at about 4 pounds with a tactile reset, while the slide stop and mag release are well-positioned and easy to operate under stress.
The pistol’s balance point—thanks to the Commander-length slide on the Officer’s frame—feels exceptionally natural, making it one of the easiest compact 1911s to shoot accurately.
Fit and Finish
Dan Wesson’s manufacturing standards are closer to those of boutique gunsmiths than mass producers. The slide glides smoothly on the rails, the barrel locks up perfectly, and the trigger exhibits zero creep.
The attention to detail—polished feed ramp, hand-fit barrel bushing, and perfectly blended grip safety—sets it apart from mainstream 1911s from Kimber, Colt, or Springfield Armory.
Variants & Model Differences
While the core concept remains consistent, Dan Wesson has produced several variations of the CCO to fit different user preferences:
Dan Wesson CCO (.45 ACP)
The original model features a forged alloy frame and stainless steel Commander slide. Offered in stainless or Duty Black finishes, it’s lightweight yet extremely durable—ideal for daily carry.
Dan Wesson Vigil CCO (9mm or .45 ACP)
The Vigil variant uses an anodized aluminum frame and includes modern touches like tritium front sights and G10 grips. It is often praised for its softer recoil and 9mm chambering option.
Comparable Models from Other Manufacturers
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Colt Defender – smaller and lighter, but less refined trigger.
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Kimber Pro Carry II – similar concept but uses more MIM parts.
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Springfield EMP – optimized for 9mm, but heavier overall.
The Dan Wesson CCO is frequently positioned as a “production custom” alternative—less expensive than a Wilson Combat or Nighthawk, but with a comparable level of fit and reliability.
Performance
Accuracy
Accuracy is one of the defining characteristics of the Dan Wesson CCO. The match-grade barrel and hand-fit lockup deliver exceptional consistency. Many shooters report 1.5–2” groups at 15–25 yards, a remarkable feat for a compact 1911.
Trigger Quality
Dan Wesson triggers are often cited as some of the best in the production market. The CCO’s single-action trigger breaks crisply with minimal overtravel and an audible, short reset. There’s no sponginess—just a clean, glass-rod break every time.
Recoil Management
Despite its lightweight frame, the CCO handles recoil impressively well. The Commander-length slide adds forward weight and slide travel, softening recoil compared to traditional Officer models.
The chainlink texture on the front strap helps maintain control during rapid fire, even with hot defensive loads.
Reliability
Real-world testing and user reports indicate exceptional reliability. Many owners report firing 1,000+ rounds without a single malfunction, regardless of ammo type. The polished feed ramp and tuned extractor handle both FMJ and hollowpoint ammunition flawlessly.
Ammunition Compatibility
The CCO thrives on a wide variety of .45 ACP and 9mm ammunition.
Recommended loads:
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Practice: Federal American Eagle 230-grain FMJ, Blazer Brass 230-grain FMJ
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Defensive: Federal HST 230-grain JHP, Hornady Critical Duty 220-grain +P, Speer Gold Dot 230-grain
Dan Wesson advises against +P use as a steady diet in alloy-framed guns, though the pistol handles them without issue for carry purposes.
Owners of the 9mm Vigil CCO note the pistol runs well with 115–147 grain ammo with no extraction issues.
Use Case Suitability
Concealed Carry
This is the CCO’s primary purpose. Its short grip, rounded mainspring housing, and lightweight alloy frame make it extremely easy to conceal without sacrificing control. The 4.25” barrel ensures a full sight radius for defensive accuracy.
Home Defense
While a compact pistol isn’t the first choice for home defense, the Dan Wesson CCO’s accuracy and smooth trigger make it capable. Its night sights and reliability give it credibility for defensive duty.
Competition
Though not a race gun, the CCO performs well in IDPA CCP or CDP divisions, providing the accuracy and speed competitive shooters demand in a carry-friendly setup.
Range or Training
It’s a joy to shoot. The CCO’s controllable recoil and predictable trigger encourage frequent range use. It’s a great tool for building 1911 handling proficiency.
Best Holsters for Dan Wesson 1911 CCO Guns
Finding a good holster enhances the practicality of carrying a CCO-sized 1911.
OWB Paddle Holster
Offers quick donning and doffing for range use or casual carry, providing fast access with adjustable retention.
Pros & Cons Summary
Pros
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Hand-fit craftsmanship and match-grade components
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Commander-length accuracy with Officer-frame concealability
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Excellent reliability and trigger quality
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Lightweight alloy frame ideal for EDC
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Superior fit, finish, and attention to detail
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Durable Duty Black finish resists wear
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Smooth recoil and fast follow-up potential
Cons
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Premium pricing ($1,500–$1,800 range)
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Limited grip surface for large-handed shooters
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Officer-length mags can be finicky
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Slightly reduced magazine capacity (7+1)
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Holster availability narrower than for full-size 1911s
Final Verdict
The Dan Wesson 1911 CCO embodies the perfect intersection of craftsmanship, performance, and practicality in a carry-sized 1911. It delivers custom-level precision in a pistol designed to be carried daily and trusted completely.
If you value refinement, reliability, and concealability, few handguns—at any price—match its balance of form and function. It’s accurate enough for competition, reliable enough for duty, and elegant enough for any collection.
At roughly $1,600, it’s not inexpensive—but every dollar is reflected in the quality of the build. For experienced shooters or first-time 1911 buyers wanting a lifelong sidearm, the Dan Wesson CCO remains one of the finest carry-oriented 1911s on the market.