Talk to me about a Dan Wesson Specialist

[navyman8903]

I'm already swimming in perfectly performing 45 acp's. (2 USP45s, 4 HK45's, 2 HK45c's, and 1 MARK 23). I was brought up on the 1911 when I was learning to shoot with my uncle (before the Navy), so I feel the need to have one. I also shoot the lights out with one. Now, I don't think I'd ever carry it in a serious capacity. But I do want a light rail. I'm between this and a sig. The Forged part really speaks to me, I want quality, but don't necessarily want to spend precision rifle money on a pistol. Which I know is strange coming from a guy who owns a MARK 23. But I'd be happy not owning a pistol that cost me over $2K (also funny because I want a Tan MARK 23 to keep my black MARK 23 company).

I ignored the Dan Wessons like the plague for no reason at all. Ignorance mostly, but I think I can get one, and keep it stock, maybe change the sights to Trij HD's down the road if need be. But other than a holster, and a shit load of Wilson combat mags. Won't be doing anything crazy to the pistol. Just buy it, clean it, feed it, and run it.

Just wanted to know if anyone had any experience with one and if they're good to go. I trust you guys run your guns so, that's why I'm asking and care for the opinions. Merica.

[Papalapa]

I have one in 9mm. Love it! It's a dedicated range gun but sometimes you want to shoot for fun. If I was still carrying 1911's I'd have zero issue carrying any Dan Wesson 1911. Imho for an off the shelf production 1911 they are one of if not the best manufactures of 1911's. They are no Heirloom, Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, etc.... But they are also in a whole different price point. Dollar for dollar I think they are an outstanding value.

[Robinson]

IMO Dan Wesson pistols are a good value for the money. The build quality, fit, and finish are a slight step up from a Colt for example. They are not quite as problem free as some might suggest, but they have a good reputation for quality and working as they should for the most part.

My 1911s are all Colts but if I were to choose another brand Dan Wesson would be pretty high on my list.

[Cory]

I've handled a Specialist, and currently own a Valor. I also grew up one town over from their shop in Norwich.

My Valor is the Duty Treat model. It has 800 rounds through it so far. The finish is outstanding. Any wear marks of any kind wipe off with a microfiber cloth. I am careful not to use airesol oil on it. It passes the 10-8 extractor test. Thus far i've done that to it 4 times. Most recently being last time I shot it, so around 750 rounds. Checkering is great, I love it. Fitment of bushing is tight. At first i needed a bushing wrench, but that stopped around 300 rounds in. The sights are hienie straight 8 style, but i think made by DW. My front sight was slighly knicked during hurricane bug out, so finish must be different on them I'm guessing. No complaints on accuracy. Feeds really well for me with Wison 47D. My DW mags no longer lock back on empty. I tested and its definitely the two provided mags. Likely just need new springs.

I've heard of galling issues in the past. Likely limited, but with the potential for trouble and the ruggedness of Duty Treat i would not consider stainless.

-Cory

Edit: 45Acp.

[MedServ60Driver]

If I hadn't found a screaming deal on a TRP, I would have a DW Specialist right now.


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[ReverendMeat]

Had a couple thousand rounds through my DW Valor, only issue was it wouldn't lock back with a Wilson 47D. When I had to sell it to pay rent I almost cried.

[Sensei]

IMO Dan Wesson pistols are a good value for the money. The build quality, fit, and finish are a slight step up from a Colt for example. They are not quite as problem free as some might suggest, but they have a good reputation for quality and working as they should for the most part.

My 1911s are all Colts but if I were to choose another brand Dan Wesson would be pretty high on my list.

My N of 1 suggests that you get a pretty good return on the investment by spending the $200-300 more to get a Specialist.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?26573-Colt-Combat-Unit-9mm-Review-and-Initial-Impression

The Ionbond finish on my CCU was excellent, but the beaver tail fit sucked a giant donkey dick (to quote the late Pat Rogers). Moreover, it was sent back to the factory for warranty work NINTY days ago for frequent FTEs and I still can't get an estimated return date. I should have gotten a Specialist...actually, I should have gotten another Wilson. ;)

[Matt O]

The only stainless 1911 I have is a Dan Wesson Specialist and I appear to be a victim of the galling issue. Took it to the range today and it locked up hard on the second mag. Took a bit of effort to get the slide off and fully disassembled. Also only N of 1 here, but I'm not imbued with confidence thus far.

[TC215]

I'm mandated by department policy to carry a 1911 for SWAT, and have been using a duty treat Specialist for that for 3 or 4 years. I have 6,000+ rounds through mine. It runs great, and the duty treat holds up extremely well. Here are some current pics of mine. It still looks basically new.

https://i.imgur.com/IXTggRf.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TylPFlq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9rQEVA0.jpg


The only issue I've ever had with it was in May of this year, and I noticed that the right-side safety was a little loose and wasn't sitting flush with the frame. DW sent me a prepaid label and I had the gun back in a week and a half with a new safety, no questions asked.

https://i.imgur.com/auemmER.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jZoJpsK.jpg


For the price, and the features on the gun, I think the Specialist is one of the best values in the 1911 world (ambi safety, magwell, rail, Clark rib, ball end mill cuts, Straight 8 sights, etc).

I like to collect 1911's (and S&W revolvers), and have had a LOT of DW 1911's-- like 18 of them. I've also had/have multiple Wilsons, Les Baers, and an Ed Brown. I like the DW's as much as any of them, and more than the Baers. Even with all those DW's, I've never had any problems with any of them functioning, but I can't say the same about the others. I did have a few DW's that shot high, but Dan Wesson put a new front sight on them each time with no charge.

In 2015, there were some issues with the bare stainless DW's galling, but you don't here about it much anymore. Usually, when you hear about it now, it's because the gun wasn't being run wet enough, which is a must with a tight stainless on stainless gun.

You mentioned you were also thinking about a Sig-- If you're talking about a Sig 1911, I would pick the DW without a second thought. I'm issued a Sig 1911, and I do not care for that gun at all.

[navyman8903]

I'm mandated by department policy to carry a 1911 for SWAT, and have been using a duty treat Specialist for that for 3 or 4 years. I have 6,000+ rounds through mine. It runs great, and the duty treat holds up extremely well. Here are some current pics of mine. It still looks basically new.

https://i.imgur.com/IXTggRf.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TylPFlq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9rQEVA0.jpg


The only issue I've ever had with it was in May of this year, and I noticed that the right-side safety was a little loose and wasn't sitting flush with the frame. DW sent me a prepaid label and I had the gun back in a week and a half with a new safety, no questions asked.

https://i.imgur.com/auemmER.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jZoJpsK.jpg


For the price, and the features on the gun, I think the Specialist is one of the best values in the 1911 world (ambi safety, magwell, rail, Clark rib, ball end mill cuts, Straight 8 sights, etc).

I like to collect 1911's (and S&W revolvers), and have had a LOT of DW 1911's-- like 18 of them. I've also had/have multiple Wilsons, Les Baers, and an Ed Brown. I like the DW's as much as any of them, and more than the Baers. Even with all those DW's, I've never had any problems with any of them functioning, but I can't say the same about the others. I did have a few DW's that shot high, but Dan Wesson put a new front sight on them each time with no charge.

In 2015, there were some issues with the bare stainless DW's galling, but you don't here about it much anymore. Usually, when you hear about it now, it's because the gun wasn't being run wet enough, which is a must with a tight stainless on stainless gun.

You mentioned you were also thinking about a Sig-- If you're talking about a Sig 1911, I would pick the DW without a second thought. I'm issued a Sig 1911, and I do not care for that gun at all.

Thank you or the input and detailed response. I appreciate it and I think I'll be adding one to my safe as soon as possible. Yours is the exact model I'll be picking up.

Thanks to everyone else as well, I appreciate the responses and time taken.

[TC215]

Thank you or the input and detailed response. I appreciate it and I think I'll be adding one to my safe as soon as possible. Yours is the exact model I'll be picking up.

Thanks to everyone else as well, I appreciate the responses and time taken.

Are you still active duty? Dan Wesson/CZ has a military/LE program with pretty good discounts.

Also, just re-read your original post-- Dan Wesson uses a Novak cut for the rear sights, and a Springfield cut for the front sights. Trijicon doesn't make the HD sights for the Springfield cut. Just something to think about if that matters a lot to you.

[Robinson]

My N of 1 suggests that you get a pretty good return on the investment by spending the $200-300 more to get a Specialist.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?26573-Colt-Combat-Unit-9mm-Review-and-Initial-Impression

The Ionbond finish on my CCU was excellent, but the beaver tail fit sucked a giant donkey dick (to quote the late Pat Rogers). Moreover, it was sent back to the factory for warranty work NINTY days ago for frequent FTEs and I still can't get an estimated return date. I should have gotten a Specialist...actually, I should have gotten another Wilson. ;)

Yeah that definitely sucks about your CCU. Unacceptable really.

[Matt O]

In 2015, there were some issues with the bare stainless DW's galling, but you don't here about it much anymore. Usually, when you hear about it now, it's because the gun wasn't being run wet enough, which is a must with a tight stainless on stainless gun.

My 2017-manufacture Specialist was lubed liberally with Slip 2K and still managed to gall in under 20 rounds. Dan Wesson responded very quickly, but blamed Slip for being too thin an oil. I presume they'll fix it, but I would be careful with non duty-coated DW 1911's as the galling issue is still very much present.

[TC215]

My 2017-manufacture Specialist was lubed liberally with Slip 2K and still managed to gall in under 20 rounds. Dan Wesson responded very quickly, but blamed Slip for being too thin an oil. I presume they'll fix it, but I would be careful with non duty-coated DW 1911's as the galling issue is still very much present.

They do recommend using a thicker oil like FP-10 in the manual.

The first half of 2015 was when they were having the issues with a bad batch of guns galling. There were numerous complaints on the 1911forum about it. Now, pretty much the only time you hear about it is when someone doesn't use enough lubricant or uses a thin lubricant like RemOil, which they don't recommend. Most of my DW's have been duty treat guns, I think I've only had 2 or 3 that were bare stainless, but being worried about galling wouldn't keep me from buying another.

[JohnO]

Dan Wesson is the way to go if in the market for a 1911. I have had very good luck with my DWs and this is coming from a guy who had to have one completely replaced. I had a stainless Valor where the feed ramp was cut too deep and rounds would not feed properly. DW took care of me and replaced the gun.

I have a few Ed Brown 1911s and have played with, examined and shot others like Wilson Combat & Nighthawk. They are all quality guns and I guess you can find something to say about them that they have over a DW in fit or finish but you have to do some careful looking. I currently have two Valors and a DW custom shop Lightweight Commander. All three have been flawless. I talking about thousands of rounds through each pistol. One of the Valors is my primary training/range gun and it has well over 25K rounds and zero malfunctions. Still as tight as the day I got it and it will shoot into the X-ring of a NRA B-8 repair center at 25 yards no problem.

Truthfully I just can't justify spending more than what you can get a Dan Wesson for on another 1911. If I'm in the market for another 1911 it will be a Dan Wesson.

My LW Commander.
20236

[Matt O]

They do recommend using a thicker oil like FP-10 in the manual.

The first half of 2015 was when they were having the issues with a bad batch of guns galling. There were numerous complaints on the 1911forum about it. Now, pretty much the only time you hear about it is when someone doesn't use enough lubricant or uses a thin lubricant like RemOil, which they don't recommend. Most of my DW's have been duty treat guns, I think I've only had 2 or 3 that were bare stainless, but being worried about galling wouldn't keep me from buying another.

True, DW does recommend FP-10, but that doesn't mean it is or should be the only quality lubricant used. Sig recommends TW-25B, but a host of other options will work as well. I'm sure there are tons of stainless DW 1911's out there working perfectly. From my perspective, however, if my sample of one can't make it through two mags with a quality, non evaporative oil, I think that speaks to a broader QC issue. Ultimately we shall see.

[TC215]

True, DW does recommend FP-10, but that doesn't mean it is or should be the only quality lubricant used. Sig recommends TW-25B, but a host of other options will work as well. I'm sure there are tons of stainless DW 1911's out there working perfectly. From my perspective, however, if my sample of one can't make it through two mags with a quality, non evaporative oil, I think that speaks to a broader QC issue. Ultimately we shall see.

It's really only an issue because DW uses the same type of stainless for their slides and frames. Most other manufacturers use different types of stainless, or a carbon steel slide and stainless frame, to reduce chances of galling.

[Robinson]

Dan Wesson is the way to go if in the market for a 1911.

Is that a proclamation or an opinion? :confused:

DWs are good, and a good value for the money. They are not infallible.

[JohnO]

Is that a proclamation or an opinion? :confused:

DWs are good, and a good value for the money. They are not infallible.

Just one man's opinion. (mine.) And it may be worth exactly what you paid for it!

[navyman8903]

Are you still active duty? Dan Wesson/CZ has a military/LE program with pretty good discounts.

Also, just re-read your original post-- Dan Wesson uses a Novak cut for the rear sights, and a Springfield cut for the front sights. Trijicon doesn't make the HD sights for the Springfield cut. Just something to think about if that matters a lot to you.

I am still active duty, that's information I did not know, thank you for the heads up.


Dan Wesson is the way to go if in the market for a 1911. I have had very good luck with my DWs and this is coming from a guy who had to have one completely replaced. I had a stainless Valor where the feed ramp was cut too deep and rounds would not feed properly. DW took care of me and replaced the gun.

I have a few Ed Brown 1911s and have played with, examined and shot others like Wilson Combat & Nighthawk. They are all quality guns and I guess you can find something to say about them that they have over a DW in fit or finish but you have to do some careful looking. I currently have two Valors and a DW custom shop Lightweight Commander. All three have been flawless. I talking about thousands of rounds through each pistol. One of the Valors is my primary training/range gun and it has well over 25K rounds and zero malfunctions. Still as tight as the day I got it and it will shoot into the X-ring of a NRA B-8 repair center at 25 yards no problem.

Truthfully I just can't justify spending more than what you can get a Dan Wesson for on another 1911. If I'm in the market for another 1911 it will be a Dan Wesson.

My LW Commander.
20236

Thank you for that rundown and feedback. I appreciate it, definitely increases my confidence in my future purchase.

[Gio]

I have a stainless Specialist I bought a couple years ago to shoot USPSA single stack with that I never got around to doing. The gun is outstanding though and the extraction and reliability is on par or even better than my Springfield Professional. The trigger is also outstanding out of the box. I will probably end up selling it one of these days because I just don't carry or shoot a 1911 anymore, but it would be the only brand I would consider for anything short of a custom shop gun.

[JHC]

It's really only an issue because DW uses the same type of stainless for their slides and frames. Most other manufacturers use different types of stainless, or a carbon steel slide and stainless frame, to reduce chances of galling.

And here I thought SS galling had long past into history as gun makers learned about the material.

[OlongJohnson]

Getting one or both parts with Duty Treat will eliminate the issue, AFAIK.

[JTQ]

Getting one or both parts with Duty Treat will eliminate the issue, AFAIK.
Then you've got to deal with what chemicals damage the Duty Treatment finish.

Like JHC mentioned, I was pretty sure galling was figured out in the early 1980's, but there are an awful lot of recent complaints about it concerning Dan Wesson 1911's.

I used to be convinced the galling/Duty Treatment problems were user created, but I now think Dan Wesson had a period (now past, I think/hope) where they had a bad batch of steel/slides/frames.

I'm a long time member on a couple of 1911 forums, but I don't follow the Dan Wesson's very much. However, over the past several months I've spent some time on the Dan Wesson sub-forums reading about these galling and Duty Treatment problems. While I now believe Dan Wesson did have some problems, I can't help but think some of the problems are either user caused or simply a lack of understanding by folks not familiar with the 1911.

[Sauer Koch]

My 2017-manufacture Specialist was lubed liberally with Slip 2K and still managed to gall in under 20 rounds. Dan Wesson responded very quickly, but blamed Slip for being too thin an oil. I presume they'll fix it, but I would be careful with non duty-coated DW 1911's as the galling issue is still very much present.

I have a new DW A2, and started using the Slip 2000, EWL-30, and although I've only shot about 300 rounds through it using this oil, I'm liking it. It's very thick, and seems to stay put very well within the slide/rails. I want to up the round count without re-applying oil, and see how long it will stay wet. I bought some FP-10, and the EWL-30 is much thicker, and it seems that it would be a solid choice for the rails of a 1911. Has anyone else used this oil?

[TC215]

True, DW does recommend FP-10, but that doesn't mean it is or should be the only quality lubricant used. Sig recommends TW-25B, but a host of other options will work as well. I'm sure there are tons of stainless DW 1911's out there working perfectly. From my perspective, however, if my sample of one can't make it through two mags with a quality, non evaporative oil, I think that speaks to a broader QC issue. Ultimately we shall see.


My 2017-manufacture Specialist was lubed liberally with Slip 2K and still managed to gall in under 20 rounds. Dan Wesson responded very quickly, but blamed Slip for being too thin an oil. I presume they'll fix it, but I would be careful with non duty-coated DW 1911's as the galling issue is still very much present.

FWIW, I found this post from the VP of DW from 2016:


Never use slip 2000 on our stainless guns.

We tried using it a number of years ago and nearly every gun we tried it on failed. I rank it right up there with Rem oil and Hoppes elite, CLP etc. These may be fine for Colt but Colt has MUCH looser tolerances.

Follow your manuals.

Not all is lost, we can just refit your frame and slide and have it running good as new, with the right lubricant.

[Matt O]

FWIW, I found this post from the VP of DW from 2016:

That's good to know - unfortunate, but good to know. I wonder how much of this has to do with, as you mentioned in an earlier post, DW using the same type of stainless in both frames and slides. I've used Slip2k quite successfully in everything else, including my GI No Name, but it appears Dan Wesson's may need extra consideration.

[Sauer Koch]

About the Slip 2000. It appears that there are three grades (thickness) of oil: Gun Lube (CLP) > EWL > EWL-30, so it seems unfair to rule them (Slip) out, and not specify which particular grade they considered "too thin". I'd assume it was the Gun Lube (CLP)?

[Greg]

I continue to think a very tightly built 1911 is probably a better idea with blued steel.

[KneeShot]

I have 2 DW's. Both 45's. A duty treat 5" Valor and a Stainless V-Bob. I also had a DW guardian in 9mm. BLUF - I ended purchasing a WC and do not regret it. I'm not a gun smith and became tired of experimenting w/ mags, measuring mag feed lips, replacing springs, taking pics of feed way stoppages...and my V-Bob locked up due to galling. Yes - I lubed the hell out of it.

If I bought another DW, I'd do the same thing I did w/ my Colt S-70. Send it to a well reputable smith for reliability work (Severns, MARS, Harrison, BLR, WC,etc...)

Or save the shipping fee's, test ammo cost, finger crossing and buy a WC w/ WC mags. A DW w/ a reliability package and the "trust test ammo" will put you in the same ball park as a WC.

4000 rounds through the WC, 2 Feedway Stops. All kinds of ammo. 400 carry rounds of 185gn Barnes XTP. No issues. Cleaned every 1000 rounds, with lube added to the barrel hood every couple hundred rounds.

Hope I don't sound to judgey. Sharing a lesson learned to save another forum member time and money.

FWIW, I currently train/carry a G-19. That's what we are issued and good habits are important.

Jeremy

[Matt O]

About the Slip 2000. It appears that there are three grades (thickness) of oil: Gun Lube (CLP) > EWL > EWL-30, so it seems unfair to rule them (Slip) out, and not specify which particular grade they considered "too thin". I'd assume it was the Gun Lube (CLP)?

It was EWL.


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[JHC]

That's good to know - unfortunate, but good to know. I wonder how much of this has to do with, as you mentioned in an earlier post, DW using the same type of stainless in both frames and slides. I've used Slip2k quite successfully in everything else, including my GI No Name, but it appears Dan Wesson's may need extra consideration.

Interesting. I've been using Slip2K with great success on two hard fit guns, Caspian frame and slide on the Sams .45 and SA Operator customized by Sams. Not quite as loose as Colts as the DW exec was referring to. ;)

[Matt O]

Interesting. I've been using Slip2K with great success on two hard fit guns, Caspian frame and slide on the Sams .45 and SA Operator customized by Sams. Not quite as loose as Colts as the DW exec was referring to. ;)

Clearly you are flirting with disaster.

This sounds more and more like it has to do with the specific nuances (or shortcomings) of their own pistols as opposed to faults with Slip2k itself.


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[JTQ]

This sounds more and more like it has to do with the specific nuances (or shortcomings) of their own pistols as opposed to faults with Slip2k itself.

I agree.

I'm pretty sure Les Baer 1911's are fit tighter than anything Dan Wesson makes, and Les Baer recommends BreakFree CLP.

If they want to claim it's a stainless issue, and Les Baer doesn't use much stainless, Ed Brown makes bunches of closely fit stainless guns and doesn't seem to have the problems Dan Wesson is apparently showing.

[JV_]

I'm pretty sure Les Baer 1911's are fit tighter than anything Dan Wesson makes

IME: Les Baer's "tightness" is largely in their barrel and bushing fit. Assemble the slide and frame, sans barrel, and you'll see what I mean.

[TC215]

I have 2 DW's. Both 45's. A duty treat 5" Valor and a Stainless V-Bob. I also had a DW guardian in 9mm. BLUF - I ended purchasing a WC and do not regret it. I'm not a gun smith and became tired of experimenting w/ mags, measuring mag feed lips, replacing springs, taking pics of feed way stoppages...and my V-Bob locked up due to galling. Yes - I lubed the hell out of it.

If I bought another DW, I'd do the same thing I did w/ my Colt S-70. Send it to a well reputable smith for reliability work (Severns, MARS, Harrison, BLR, WC,etc...)

Or save the shipping fee's, test ammo cost, finger crossing and buy a WC w/ WC mags. A DW w/ a reliability package and the "trust test ammo" will put you in the same ball park as a WC.

4000 rounds through the WC, 2 Feedway Stops. All kinds of ammo. 400 carry rounds of 185gn Barnes XTP. No issues. Cleaned every 1000 rounds, with lube added to the barrel hood every couple hundred rounds.

Hope I don't sound to judgey. Sharing a lesson learned to save another forum member time and money.

FWIW, I currently train/carry a G-19. That's what we are issued and good habits are important.

Jeremy

My experience is different. As I posted earlier in the thread, I’ve had 18 different DW 1911’s with thousands and thousands rounds with no issues. Both of my Wilson Combats have had reliability issues- My newest WC went back TWICE before it reliably fed hollow points.

At this point, I doubt I’ll buy another Wilson or Ed Brown. To me, there’s just not enough return when spending the extra money over a DW.


I agree.

I'm pretty sure Les Baer 1911's are fit tighter than anything Dan Wesson makes, and Les Baer recommends BreakFree CLP.

If they want to claim it's a stainless issue, and Les Baer doesn't use much stainless, Ed Brown makes bunches of closely fit stainless guns and doesn't seem to have the problems Dan Wesson is apparently showing.

Ed Brown also shoots their guns up to 200 rounds when they’re finished. I think DW shoots a 2-3 magazines.

[StraitR]

IME: Les Baer's "tightness" is largely in their barrel and bushing fit. Assemble the slide and frame, sans barrel, and you'll see what I mean.

In my sample size of one Baer TRS, I completely agree with this.