Dan Wesson Specialist 9mm Review and Impressions

[TOTS]

Same. Over 7K rnds through my 9mm Valor using a combination of ETM and the two factory CM mags. No bobbles using the slide release with my off hand thumb or dominant thumb.

[Bucky]

By "this platform" do you mean Dan Wesson 9mm 1911s specifically? Or 9mm 1911s in general?

Slide lock reload as in what pretty much everyone always does when practicing/training?

I perform slide lock reloads with my WC 9mm all the time and haven't had any issues, but I'm not sure that helps with your question.

Specifically single stack 9mm 1911s.

Do you use the slide stop to release the slide? That is the method I use. Also, the issue seems to show itself more likely during a match. I guess under the stress of the timer, I’m probably inserting the magazine a little more aggressively. Still, it’s only the 9 mm 1911 that shows any issues. I owned four different brands, somewhere better than the others, but even the best occasionally show the issue. I’ve also borrowed others and I’ve had the same problem. I typically use my .40 now, with downloaded ammo. No issues.

[Bucky]

Are you looking for issues with stoppages related to using the slide release as opposed to sling shot? I have north of 8,000 rounds through my Specialist 9mm using ETM magazines, not a single issue with the gun. I use my non-dominant hand to release the slide release on reloads.

My TCP 9mm has periodic magazine induced stoppages when performing reloads with the slide release. I use the sling shot method with the TCP.

Slide stop. I can see where slingshot would give it a better release on the platform.

[Robinson]

Specifically single stack 9mm 1911s.

Do you use the slide stop to release the slide? That is the method I use. Also, the issue seems to show itself more likely during a match. I guess under the stress of the timer, I’m probably inserting the magazine a little more aggressively. Still, it’s only the 9 mm 1911 that shows any issues. I owned four different brands, somewhere better than the others, but even the best occasionally show the issue. I’ve also borrowed others and I’ve had the same problem. I typically use my .40 now, with downloaded ammo. No issues.

Ah. Yes I release the slide using my support hand thumb. I've had no problems at all doing it that way, but then I'm still under 1000 rounds with the WC 9mm so it's just getting started.

[TC215]

I sold almost all of my 1911’s off about 5 years ago, but I’ve really been missing them lately. Just bought a brand new 9mm Guardian and put 150 rounds through it today (100 rounds of 147 grain Lawman and 50 rounds of 147 grain Winchester Ranger).

The good:

- Ran great, good ejection.
- Sights were right on. I used to have to put a taller front sight (.180) on all my Guardians because they shot high. Looks like they finally got that fixed.

The bad:

- the slide will not lock back on an empty magazine. When I tried it manually, I could see the slide stop was just barely engaging the notch in the slide. The slide stop has to be physically forced up into the notch.
- the magazine won’t eject most of the time.
- the thumb safety is pretty stiff/gritty when disengaging.

I’m pretty disappointed. I’ve already submitted a warranty claim.

[Sensei]

I would disassemble it, clean it, reassemble with generous lube, and try 50 rounds with other mags before sending it back.

[TC215]

I would disassemble it, clean it, reassemble with generous lube, and try 50 rounds with other mags before sending it back.

Unfortunately I sold off all my 9mm 1911 mags . I may be able to find some to borrow.

I think this is Dan Wesson number 24 or 25 for me, and these are the most significant issues I’ve ever had, by far.

[gtmtnbiker98]

I sold almost all of my 1911’s off about 5 years ago, but I’ve really been missing them lately. Just bought a brand new 9mm Guardian and put 150 rounds through it today (100 rounds of 147 grain Lawman and 50 rounds of 147 grain Winchester Ranger).

The good:

- Ran great, good ejection.
- Sights were right on. I used to have to put a taller front sight (.180) on all my Guardians because they shot high. Looks like they finally got that fixed.

The bad:

- the slide will not lock back on an empty magazine. When I tried it manually, I could see the slide stop was just barely engaging the notch in the slide. The slide stop has to be physically forced up into the notch.
- the magazine won’t eject most of the time.
- the thumb safety is pretty stiff/gritty when disengaging.

I’m pretty disappointed. I’ve already submitted a warranty claim.

If you are using DW OEM magazines, those are the problem. I had the same failures to lock back and terrible follower bind with the slide catch. The follower bind was so bad that it locked the gun up. I switched to Wilson ETM’s, no issues since.

[TC215]

If you are using DW OEM magazines, those are the problem. I had the same failures to lock back and terrible follower bind with the slide catch. The follower bind was so bad that it locked the gun up. I switched to Wilson ETM’s, no issues since.

Interesting. I’ve never had issues with the OEM magazines, but I know they’ve changed a lot of things in the last few years that I got away from 1911’s. I’m going to see if I can come up with some more mags in the next day or two.

I’m really kicking myself for selling all my 9mm magazines, I should have know I’d be back eventually.

[TC215]

If you are using DW OEM magazines, those are the problem. I had the same failures to lock back and terrible follower bind with the slide catch. The follower bind was so bad that it locked the gun up. I switched to Wilson ETM’s, no issues since.

I just found a 9mm ETM in the back of my safe that I forgot I had. It won’t even seat in the gun. It’s like it starts to engage the mag catch, but not fully.