Magwell option for Dan Wesson 1911

[Rmiked]

If I were to buy a Dan Wesson 1911 without a factory magwell, wondering if any here have any suggestions for adding one? I would likely get a SS finish. I called Dan Wesson yesterday and they will install the magwell that is standard on the Specialist on a Heritage model (no factory magwell). Since the Heritage has front and rear serrations on the pistol now, I really like it. Can’t find a Specialist anywhere that I can physically inspect. The Valor advertises a Stan Chen SI magwell as a stock feature. Anyone have experience with it? Looks like it should fit perfectly with NO fitting. Stan Chen advertises it that way and has pic of it installed. Likely add the VZ flat bottom grips which covers the pin on the back corner. Don’t no how well the SS finish would match between the Heritage and the SI magwell. Not sure which model in pic?

[dsa]

That Chen SI is an excellent option. If my 1911's didn't already have a gunsmith fit magwell on them they would have one of these.

[JAD]

If I were to buy a Dan Wesson 1911 without a factory magwell, wondering if any here have any suggestions for adding one?

I can’t speak to your question but will note that I’ve spoken to several folks who have had DW do work on a stock pistol snd they’re universally happy.

[Rmiked]

Thanks! I like the Valor but can’t find one. Plus the new Valor have the vertical groove rear slide serrations and I prefer the angled forward serrations of previous Valor. I want front and rear grip serrations, plus a magwell and angled rear slide serrations. Seems the Heritage plus the SI magwell would fill all those needs. Just want to make sure it is not gaudy looking. Since DW uses the Chen SI on the Valor now, it should work.

[Robinson]

The Smith & Alexander parts generally work well with a variety of 1911s. They can be custom fit, blended, and contoured or simply installed as is if function is the only criterion.

[Trooper224]

I have an Ed Brown mag well on my Valor and I'm quite satisfied with it.

https://www.brownells.com/userdocs/skus/l_087000133_2.jpg

[JohnO]

I can’t speak to your question but will note that I’ve spoken to several folks who have had DW do work on a stock pistol snd they’re universally happy.

Their custom shop built me a Lightweight Commander to my specifications. Parts they did not have in their supply chain I had shipped directly from Brownells to DW. They did excellent work!

[Wingate's Hairbrush]

If I weren't having the magwell gunsmith fit, I'd go Chen. The reviews are (typically) excellent, and the transition from the magwell opening to the frame is reportedly near "fit" quality.

[TCB]

I’ve moved over to Tec-well TGOs on all my 1911s...no fitting required and make for an incredibly quick reload. Had a S&A for years and see no benefits of a one piece design over the two piece of the TGO.

[raydoctor]

I have a Stan Chen SI magwell on my Valor (duty finish though) and it fits great. Mine looks just like that image you posted regarding fitment. I also run flat bottom/magwell VZ grips on mine.

[theJanitor]

I personally will only use a magwell with the front enclosed, on a serious use pistol. After seeing a S&A type magwell pinch a mag after getting smashed, the unsupported sides make me nervous

[Coyote41]

I personally will only use a magwell with the front enclosed, on a serious use pistol. After seeing a S&A type magwell pinch a mag after getting smashed, the unsupported sides make me nervous

Kyle Lamb mentions the opposite in “Stay in the Fight”. His argument is that malfunctions requiring magazine removal are harder to clear on a 1911 if the front is enclosed. I’ve seen this happen several times on other pistols. Not enough people I know shoot 1911s with mag wells for me to have seen either scenario on a 1911.


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[theJanitor]

Kyle Lamb mentions the opposite in “Stay in the Fight”. His argument is that malfunctions requiring magazine removal are harder to clear on a 1911 if the front is enclosed. I’ve seen this happen several times on other pistols. Not enough people I know shoot 1911s with mag wells for me to have seen either scenario on a 1911.


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Kyle is of course, right. But a properly pinched magwell wont let a mag come out of the gun at all. The Navy SEAL that helped C&S develop the Trident model also told of the time his 1911 magwell got pinched, relegating the gun to a fixed mag pistol (I knew I should've saved that story). The later models of trident could be ordered with a weld-on magwell, with the front removed.

https://cylinder-slide.com/media/ecom/prodlg/8Trident-3.JPG