Guns, Bows, Shooting Sports, and Hunting Dan Wesson

[jhenderson]

Does anyone here have any experience with Dan Wesson 1911 style pistols? I've been looking off and on, online but haven't laid hands on one. I have experience with an older 44mag and I'm impressed with the craftsmanship and the guns accuracy. I understand D W has ben bought out but I'm hoping for the best.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I've shot several but never owned one. Very tight, and handcrafted firearm. Just too deep for my pockets. Buy one and post up some pics

 

[FOXY005]

Go to the 1911forum and browse they have a sub forum for most manufacturers including Dan Wesson. Lots of info there.

 

[jhenderson]

Thanks, I'm a lurker. The problem is I haven't found a local shop that keeps any on hand.

 

[FOXY005]

I can relate to your problem, no one in my area is a stocking dealer either so it's gun broker or bud's or grabagun or another online sellers depending on who has the best $$$ with delivery to a local FFL holder to do the paperwork.

 

[Wayne M.]

You mean like this one?

I really attached to this baby. I would have bought it on the spot if I could own it.

 

[jhenderson]

I can relate to your problem, no one in my area is a stocking dealer either so it's gun broker or bud's or grabagun or another online sellers depending on who has the best $$$ with delivery to a local FFL holder to do the paperwork.

The shop I do business with is competitive with online prices as well as being very customer friendly. I'm sure they would be glad to order whatever I want but without putting my hands on the different models I'm hesitant. That's why I'm asking for personal experience to help me out.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Do you have any tactical type dealers in your area? That's the only sort of place I've seen DW's on the shelf. Most people won't/can't pony up the money for a DW, so they are not readily available.

 

[JMcCoy]

I owned and shot 1911s for over 23 years. I have never shot a Dan Wesson, but have held a few. Going by reputation, they are a fine firearm. When you get into the high end 1911s, you can't count Dan Wesson out. That said, unless I had sentimental loyalty to Dan Wesson, I would consider others as well. Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, and Night Hawk (probably the best) should also be considered. If you don't want to get crazy Sig Sauer probably makes the best 1911 for the dollar. For under a $1,000, you get an awesome 1911, that is actually smoother then my Colt Cold Cup. A premium 1911 though will feel like it's rolling on ball bearings. Let us know what you end up with.

 

[jhenderson]

I will admit to being sentimental about Dan Wesson. I own a 44 Mag and it's the most accurate handgun I've ever fired. I stopped at Kittery Trading Post on the way home from vacation. They had a Dan Wesson Guardian. It felt really good in my hand and was quite light. When I got home I went to the CZ website for a little more info. The Guardian is built with an aluminum frame. It still carries the same warranty as the steel frame guns and the reviews were good. One person stated they had more than 1K rounds through a Guardian and it was still as tight as new. It's also several hundred $ less than other DWs I'm considering. Even so, I think I'll look at a VBOB. It's the same gun with a highly checkered grip and a steel frame. I've seen them for about $15-1700. Not cheap but less than custom 1911s and highly rated on the 1911 forums.

 

[JMcCoy]

Unless you're carrying it for 12+ hour shifts, i think you will be happier with the steel frame, as the added weight will dampen recoil. With a proper grip and stance, muzzle jump should be almost non existent. Let us know how it shoots when you get it. I'm sure it will be awesome.

 

[jhenderson]

I took delivery on a very lightly used VBOB yesterday. Very nice. I put 100 rounds through it without a hitch. I'm shooting about 2-4 inches left at 25 yards with good elevation. The grips are quite thin for my x large hand. I'm going to try to find some thicker grips and see if that changes things before I fool with the sights. Right now it has Heinie Ledge 2 dot. What should I be checking in my technique? Any input from those who know 1911s better than me?

 

[The patriot]

I had a DW 44 magnum. It was a freakin BEAST! Seemed like the hotter I loaded it, the better it shot!
If I were going to a high end 1911 I'd be looking at the Wilsons, Nighthawks, Ed Brown and possibly the SA custom shop.
I dont think the DW's are quite that much though.
I've always fancied the 10MM round, and I'd like to own one in a 1911 some day.

 

[icman95]

I know I'm replying to this almost a year later, but I just found it and am a DW owner and lover. I can't tell you how much I LOVE my DW 1911. I got started with it because I own a DW .44mag and got hooked on DW instantly. The .44mag is a brute of a gun that can handle anything you throw at it. The build quality, accuracy, and reliability is second to none. No one builds (actually-built-as the .44 is no longer made. Only .357 is available new) a better out of the box revolver.

So when it came time for me to get a 1911 I went looking for a DW. A friend of mine has a couple of them including a Guardian 9mm and they are incredible. His Guardian shoots so well, it puts each shot through the hole from the last one. My wallet isn't as deep as I'd like it to be so I went shopping online for used ones, even though there are some stocking dealers locally. I found a Pointman .45acp on auction for $900 and ended up being the only bidder. I got it for that price and it didn't appear to have much use. To buy a new one would require about $1600+ or so. I took it to the range as soon as I got it and put 11 shots through the target you see in the pictures offhand, no wrist rest, standing at about 30 feet. Considering it was my first time using it, I was impressed.

DW hand fits and files all of the parts so that they fit perfectly and operate smoothly. You can feel the difference between it and a "normal" 1911 when you shoot them back to back. The trigger is light and smooth. I can't find one thing I'd change. If you haven't already found a 1911, be patient and wait to find a used one at a price you can swing.

 

[icman95]

My apologies. As I reread the thread I saw that you got a VBOB. I obviously missed that tiny little detail. After having it almost a year what do you think?

 

[JMcCoy]

There is no doubt DW makes a nice forearm and you cannot go wrong with them. In the world of revolvers though, I would still take a Colt Python or Anaconda, if you can find one. Smoothest action in any revolver. Unfortunately, the gunsmiths that hand fitted them have all retired or passed, taking their craft with them.

 

[The patriot]

Nice pistol!
Accurate too!
Good luck with it.

 

[jhenderson]

I think it's great. The only changes I may make are thicker grips( sarges handler series) for my XL hands and adjustable sights.