Talk to me about a Dan Wesson Specialist

[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....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.

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.
Attachment 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?

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

[JohnO]

Is that a proclamation or an opinion?

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.
Attachment 20236

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