DAN WESSON CLASSIC
Posted Jun 16, 2023
BOBCAT
Since its inception in 1968, the Dan Wesson Classic Bobcat has seen many changes, but has remained one of the most iconic handguns of the last five decades. Developed as an improvement over the popular .22LR Colt Woodsman, the Bobcat was Dan Wesson’s attempt to bring a reliable, accurate handgun to the market that offered the convenience of a revolver. To this day, the Bobcat remains a highly desired handgun and is seen as a classic.
Dan Wesson Classic Bobcat is a single-action/double-action revolver chambered in .22LR. It was originally produced in 1968, however, over the years it has received a few updates, making the modern version more reliable and user-friendly than the original. The Bobcat has a 2.2-inch barrel and is constructed from stainless steel with an adjustable rear sight, making it easy to zero it for accuracy and precision. The revolver also has a shapely frame with a stippled grip which makes it easy to handle and offers a comfortable grip.
The Bobcat offers an impressive set of features that other modern revolvers lack. This includes a ported barrel for reduced recoil, a coil spring-loaded safety lever, an integrated recoil reducer, and an adjustable sight. It has a smooth trigger pull that allows for accurate and consistent shooting.
One of the defining features of the Bobcat is its size. The entire revolver is just over 6 inches long and weighs a mere 13 ounces, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry or personal protection. Despite its small size, the gun’s robust design and double-action revolver operation mean that it can handle a wide range of loads, from target to more potent hunting rounds.
In terms of performance, the Bobcat is surprisingly accurate and reliable. The adjustable sight and 2.2-inch barrel mean this revolver will remain accurate at both close and medium distances, making it a great choice for target shooters or small-game hunters. Additionally, the Bobcat has proven to be a reliable gun that is easy to maintain and operate.
One of the biggest benefits of the Bobcat is its affordability. Prices can vary significantly, however, you can expect to pay around $500 for a new model. This makes the Bobcat a great option for those who are looking for a reliable handgun on a budget. Additionally, with its short barrel and overall low-profile design, the Bobcat is ideal for those looking for a concealed carry handgun.
Overall, the Dan Wesson Classic Bobcat is an impressive handgun and a great choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable revolver that is ideal for concealed carry, personal protection, or target shooting. It is robustly designed, highly accurate, and features several modern upgrades that make it easier to operate and maintain than the original version. Additionally, the Bobcat’s small size and light weight makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a convenient concealed carry handgun. While not the most powerful or modern handgun available on the market, the Bobcat is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, reliable, and accurate revolver.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Durable construction using the highest quality parts and materials.
-Wide selection of revolvers with a variety of features, calibers, and barrel lengths.
-Highly accurate and smooth to shoot.
-Eliminates the need to readjust sights due to the fixed barrel feature.
-Very reliable and easy to maintain with little effort.
Cons:
-Relatively expensive compared to other revolvers.
-The fixed barrel feature can make it difficult to site in the weapon.
-The guns tend to be heavy and bulky due to their size.
-Heavier recoil than semi-automatic pistols due to the larger rounds.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who enjoys shooting and appreciates the craftsmanship of an American-made heritage classic should buy the Dan Wesson Classic. Those who want to save money or are looking for something more modern and flashy may want to look at other options. People who are not experienced in firearms should not buy this gun as it is a full-size, heavyweight 1911 with a powerful caliber and could be dangerous if mishandled.
Comparisons
| Feature | Dan Wesson Classic | Smith & Wesson Performance Center PC1911 | Wilson Combat CQB Tactical LE | Heckler & Koch HK 416 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56mm NATO |
| Barrel Length | 5" | 4.25" | 5" | 16.5" |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 | 8 | 8 | 30 |
| Finish | Black Nitride | Matte Black | Armor-Tuff | Black Cerakote |
| Overall Length | 8.7" | 8.7" | 8.7" | 33" |
| Weight - Unloaded (Oz) | 37 | 39.3 | 39.2 | 6.3 |
| Features & Components | Beavertail Grip Safety, Novak Rear Sight, Alloy Frame | Armscrote Slide Cut, White Dot Sights, Lightweight Frame | Beavertail Grip Safety, Wilson Combat Night Sights, Aluminum Alloy Frame | Flip-up Rear & Front Sight, Quad Picatinny Rail, Alloy Frame |
Features / Specs
• 6-Inch Carbon Steel DAC “Winder” Barrel
• Classic Undercut Patridge Front Sight
• Fully Adjustable Rear Target Sight
• Textured G10 Grips
• CNC-machined Steel Frame
• Forged Steel Slide
• Drift-adjustable Trigger
• 25-lines-per-inch Deep Checkering
• Matte Black Finish
• 12+1 Capacity 9mm
Popular Accessories
REVOLVERS
The most popular accessories for Dan Wesson classic revolvers include holsters, grips, night sights, lasers, speed loaders, spare cylinders, and custom trigger jobs.
Accuracy
The DAN WESSON CLASSIC is a highly accurate firearm. With a heavy barrel and a crisp trigger, the gun is designed to produce tight groups at medium to long distances. This accuracy is further enhanced by the top-notch materials used in the construction of the gun, such as aircraft grade aluminum and stainless-steel components. Furthermore, the fixed barrel design reduces inconsistencies in accuracy due to the barrel not heating up with repeat firing. Many owners report that the gun regularly produces groups of 1 inch or less at 25 yards with quality ammunition.
