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....ial-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.








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.






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.








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.






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.