Dan Wesson Vigil 9mm??

[Trukinjp13]

Who here has experience with the Vigil in 9mm or 45? 9mm preferred buy would like to hear some feedback. All the 1911 threads have me itching for something with some soul.


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[gskip]

I have the Dan Wesson Valkyrie and it is just awesome. Basically just a pimped out Vigil. What questions do you have?

[Robinson]

No experience with that specific pistol, but the Vigil appears to be a lot of gun for the money relatively speaking. Lightweight alloy frame and rounded butt could make it a good choice for carry. In addition to the caliber you would also need to decide between Government, Commander, and CCO models.

If I wasn't already happy with my Colt 9mm Commanders I would seriously consider a Vigil 9mm Commander for a carry gun.

[Trukinjp13]

I have the Dan Wesson Valkyrie and it is just awesome. Basically just a pimped out Vigil. What questions do you have?

How it is compared to the more expensive models. Is there any important differences or is it just less options? I am not very knowledgeable on Dan Wesson’s only experience was with a specialist. Most everything I have seen is on their 5 inch guns. Was curious on recoil springs etc for setup.


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[TC215]

How it is compared to the more expensive models. Is there any important differences or is it just less options? I am not very knowledgeable on Dan Wesson’s only experience was with a specialist. Most everything I have seen is on their 5 inch guns. Was curious on recoil springs etc for setup.


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DW builds all their guns the same way with the same quality parts-- the main difference is the features/options.

The 9mm DW's are sprung a little on the light side. I've not had any issues, but some people go to a little heavier recoil spring.

[Artemas2]

DW builds all their guns the same way with the same quality parts-- the main difference is the features/options.

The 9mm DW's are sprung a little on the light side. I've not had any issues, but some people go to a little heavier recoil spring.

+1 to that. My 9mm specialist suffers FTRB on a fully loaded magazine, even after I left the mags loaded for a few weeks. The Wilson 12# recoil spring was an instant fix, also put in a 19# mainspring to level out the added snappiness.

I can't speak to any other DW models, but I have been very please with mine. Just over 2k with no issues other than needing to spring up.

[gskip]

So I was actually looking into getting a custom CCO 9mm 1911 built out with the Hi power cuts right when DW released the Valkyrie, so I was obviously super excited. It is an absolutely fantastic pistol. I've owned a Valkyrie, Specialist, CCO, Valor, Guardian, and have played with someone's PM-9. All have been comparable with their fit and finish and all have been absolute tac drivers.

If you want a 1911, get a DW.

[Trukinjp13]

The Valkyrie looks amazing. Just out of my price range. I love the hi power cuts on it. The Vigil seems like a hell of a buy for that price. I was originally looking at Springfields but my bud told me about the Vigil.


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[JHC]

A very experienced shooting buddy got a Vigil Commander 9mm. During one of the first few shots through it the slide seized locked up tight. He called DW CS and they were horrified and had him ship the gun for some TLC. They told him they'd give it some special tuning and fitting and turned it around pretty quickly. A couple of weeks or so.

I've shot it since and it's generally very nice. Reliable and very accurate. Superb trigger. It's thumb safety is very stiff and he says is working in. I found its effort to flick it back on/up with just my thumb very challenging.

[JAD]

A very experienced shooting buddy got a Vigil Commander 9mm. During one of the first few shots through it the slide seized locked up tight. He called DW CS and they were horrified and had him ship the gun for some TLC. They told him they'd give it some special tuning and fitting and turned it around pretty quickly. A couple of weeks or so.

I've shot it since and it's generally very nice. Reliable and very accurate. Superb trigger. It's thumb safety is very stiff and he says is working in. I found its effort to flick it back on/up with just my thumb very challenging.

A recent DW 9 (pointman carry) also has a very stiff thumb safety, but it is working in well through dryfire. I consider this a very acceptable fitting -- I like a positive safety.

[JHC]

-- I like a positive safety.

Me too. But I judge this particular example beyond positive and I wouldn't deal with it. The gun's owner is a stupidly strong young guy who is not that phased by it.

[Robinson]

I've shot it since and it's generally very nice. Reliable and very accurate. Superb trigger. It's thumb safety is very stiff and he says is working in. I found its effort to flick it back on/up with just my thumb very challenging.

That's usually a pretty easy thing to fix if one is so inclined. On Colts it's typically the sear interface lug that needs some attention, on other makes it's often the surface that meets the end of the plunger spring.

[MasterBlaster]

When I first bought my Valor, the safety was close to inoperable, it was so tight. However, after working it for awhile, it is now perfect--better, in fact than my Wilson Combat (which also has a great safety). I think it's just a thing with DWs.

[OlongJohnson]

Many, many reports elsewhere of initially stiff DW safeties. I concurr that it seems to be a thing. Some people tune them intentionally rather than just waiting for them to get better.

[TC215]

I’ve had 20+ DW’s, and never had one with a stiff safety.

I think the newest production DW I’ve had was a 2017 model, though, so maybe it’s a recent thing.

[ydennekb]

Sorry to drag this one up but I’m about to order a Vigil Commander in 9mm, I was wondering if anyone else has any commentary on the springing of these guns.

[TOTS]

Sorry to drag this one up but I’m about to order a Vigil Commander in 9mm, I was wondering if anyone else has any commentary on the springing of these guns.

Springs seem to be very good; ismi chrome silicon: recoil is 12 lbs from the factory. 18.5 lb mainspring. Source is Kieth at DW.