Dan Wesson Handguns

[TBT]

I was browsing and came accross a name I always forget. Dan Wesson. I know of the Alaskan Guide (I love the looks of that gun) but was suprised to find he makes the 1911.

Does anyone here have any experience with Wesson guns? They are pricey, but are they worth it? What about his 1911 ... any good?

["DoubleAction"]

TBT; I've heard some very good things about Dan Wesson's venture into the 1911 market. I'm kinda wondering who ain't making the 1911s these days, seems everyone wants a piece of the pie. The funny thing is; A couple of years ago when William Keyes took over as Colt's CEO, he stated that Colt would be looking toward increasing their 20% percent share of the 1911 market. You will find that the Dan Wesson 1911s are commanding top prices for the quality that they're putting into some of their pistols.
Can we even begin to name all of the 1911 manufacturers ? I'll give a few that most of us already know of; Colt, Kimber, Springfield, Smith & Wesson, Sigarms, Charles Daley, Rock Island Armory, Rock River, Wilson Combat, Les Baer, STI, Strayer Voit, Auto Ordinance( Kahr ), Nowlin, Griffon, Golan, Para Ordinance, just to name a few.

I wonder if Ruger will ever introduce a version of the 1911 ? If they do, I'll buy into it.

[TBT]

DoubleAction said:

TBT; I've heard some very good things about Dan Wesson's venture into the 1911 market. I'm kinda wondering who ain't making the 1911s these days, seems everyone wants a piece of the pie. The funny thing is; A couple of years ago when William Keyes took over as Colt's CEO, he stated that Colt would be looking toward increasing their 20% percent share of the 1911 market. You will find that the Dan Wesson 1911s are commanding top prices for the quality that they're putting into some of their pistols.
Can we even begin to name all of the 1911 manufacturers ? I'll give a few that most of us already know of; Colt, Kimber, Springfield, Smith & Wesson, Sigarms, Charles Daley, Rock Island Armory, Rock River, Wilson Combat, Les Baer, STI, Strayer Voit, Auto Ordinance( Kahr ), Nowlin, Griffon, Golan, Para Ordinance, just to name a few.

I wonder if Ruger will ever introduce a version of the 1911 ? If they do, I'll buy into it.

A lot of the Wessons are pricey, but he does have several more affordable models. They seem to go around $6-700 on Gunbroker.com, which really isn't all that bad.

From what I've heard, the accuracy is guaranteed to 1.5" at 25 yards. Not sure if that is true ...

EVERYONE is making the 1911s now man, and really that is a good thing. Competition should award us a better selection and more competitive prices (in theory).

I was just thinking the other day that Ruger should get in on it. It would prolly be a $400 gun that shot like a $700 gun. I would no doubt own one.

["DoubleAction"]

TBT; No doubt about it, the 1911 is to pistols what the SUV is to the modern family mode of everyday commuting; Everyone seems to be making one.

["DoubleAction"]

TBT; I passed the thoughts of Ruger making a 1911 on one of the monster forums ;D. In less than 12 hours it recieved almost 300 views, and rides the top of the page. I still have a few responses regarding the forgings in reserve; these boys seem to think that Ruger would cast their own frames and slides, rather that contract that work out, as most do. ;D
www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=88747

[TBT]

I don't get why people wouldn't want more options with the 1911 and every gun really. I understand that there might not be a share in the market for Ruger (though I think there would be), but that is Ruger that could lose on the deal, not the shooter.

The average shooter can only be better off with more options and choices within hands reach.

Nice topic though DA ... it's a hot one over there.

[TBT]

BTW ... Dan Wesson offers a 10mm version of the 1911 on his site. What is the deal with the 10mm? Why isn't it more popular? Would seem ideal for the 1911 ...

[TBT]

The Dan Wesson 10mm Razorback ... this thing just looks nice.

[TBT]

Wesson 1911s all seem to be very easy on the eyes. This is his cheapest model, the PM that can be had for around $600.

[TBT]

Love the black hardware on the stainless with the wood grips ... man, I wonder if I could do that to my Ultra Carry ...

["DoubleAction"]

TBT; I do reckon that Dan Wesson has finally found a market they can sucessfully compete in; Those are very nice pistols, to say the least. I tried the two tone beavertail, slide release, and stop levers of my Satin Nickel Colt Commander back in '85, and grew tired of it after a few years. Funny how S&W and Dan Wesson is doing the same thing. That 10mm version would be a real good one because I like the high velosity bullets; you can get a good deal on the 10mm ammo through georgia arms, with new cases too. That is one cartridge I wish I had a pistol for, and if I did, I would want a 1911 for it. I have got to take a look at one of those new Dan Wessons, darn they're good looking pistols. Do you know what kind of barrels they are using? If you see one with a Nowlin Match barrel, it will be hard to beat.
The lack of popularity in the 10mm can probably be attributed to a lack of wide use in Law Enforcement and Military applications, not to mention personnal size semi-automatics with lightweight and alloy frames. The .40 S&W seems to fill the bill with the lighter 9mm size handguns in that bullet diameter. Still, there are those who keep it alive and well. Check out Georgia arms for the 10mm. ammo ( "Pistol" and "Shear Power Plus" )
www.georgia-arms.com

[TBT]

DoubleAction said:

TBT; I do reckon that Dan Wesson has finally found a market they can sucessfully compete in; Those are very nice pistols, to say the least. I tried the two tone beavertail, slide release, and stop levers of my Satin Nickel Colt Commander back in '85, and grew tired of it after a few years. Funny how S&W and Dan Wesson is doing the same thing. That 10mm version would be a real good one because I like the high velosity bullets; you can get a good deal on the 10mm ammo through georgia arms, with new cases too. That is one cartridge I wish I had a pistol for, and if I did, I would want a 1911 for it. I have got to take a look at one of those new Dan Wessons, darn they're good looking pistols. Do you know what kind of barrels they are using? If you see one with a Nowlin Match barrel, it will be hard to beat.
The lack of popularity in the 10mm can probably be attributed to a lack of wide use in Law Enforcement and Military applications, not to mention personnal size semi-automatics with lightweight and alloy frames. The .40 S&W seems to fill the bill with the lighter 9mm size handguns in that bullet diameter. Still, there are those who keep it alive and well. Check out Georgia arms for the 10mm. ammo ( "Pistol" and "Shear Power Plus" )
www.georgia-arms.com

The only thing they have info wise on the barrels is that it is a Forged One Piece Stainless Steel Match. If it was a Nowlin Match I'm sure they would say so.

Here is an interesting thing in their notes for the Patriot:

The Dan Wesson Patriot Series 1911s are targeted in our indoor shooting tunnel before shipping. While we only have 50ft indoor range, no Patriot is shipped unless it shoots 1.25in. or better.

We don't feel there is another 1911 in the Patriot's price range that can offer these features and accuracy.

www.danwessonfirearms.com/products/catalog/1/2

They don't offer a lot of info and the weapons are not real popular yet for whatever reason so I am having a very hard time getting info on these guns like a good review etc. There is an old reiew on the 1911 forum, but it's from 2000 and it is on a discontinued model.

I'm telling you DA ... I am really liking the looks of these pistols. Problem is, there are NO Dan Wesson dealers in Pennsylvania. This would be an internet shop and I would have to do so blind.

["DoubleAction"]

TBT; Alot can be told about a 1911 by picking one up, I cannot put it into words very good but it has something to do with the overall feel of the steel. I've picked up certain pistols that has the same solid feel when shooting the gun. My opinion is; If you like the Kimber or Springfield, you will love the Dan Wesson. Check out the warranty coverage; the slide to frame fit should be fine on a pistol with these accuracy requirements; The same goes with the barrel lock up and overall fit of all the parts. I've paid as much for my Stainless Gold Cup Trophy, and noticed that the slides and frames of these Dan Wessons are also forgings. The Adjustable rear sight places the pistol in a target grade class of pistol, as with the match barrel, so it will be proven, as it has, to be accurate from the factory. I should say, it looks to be a beautifully fitted pistol. This is my opinion.

[TBT]

DoubleAction said:

TBT; Alot can be told about a 1911 by picking one up, I cannot put it into words very good but it has something to do with the overall feel of the steel. I've picked up certain pistols that has the same solid feel when shooting the gun. My opinion is; If you like the Kimber or Springfield, you will love the Dan Wesson. Check out the warranty coverage; the slide to frame fit should be fine on a pistol with these accuracy requirements; The same goes with the barrel lock up and overall fit of all the parts. I've paid as much for my Stainless Gold Cup Trophy, and noticed that the slides and frames of these Dan Wessons are also forgings. The Adjustable rear sight places the pistol in a target grade class of pistol, as with the match barrel, so it will be proven, as it has, to be accurate from the factory. I should say, it looks to be a beautifully fitted pistol. This is my opinion.

I'm seriously thinking about picking one of these up. Now I just have to find one via internet, decide on the Patriot or the 10mm Razorback, and lie to the wife about the checking account.

;D

["DoubleAction"]

Godspeed TBT; A wife can be very sensitive about those things, I've been married for over 33 years to the same woman, and purchased over 40 handguns.

[TBT]

DoubleAction said:

Godspeed TBT; A wife can be very sensitive about those things, I've been married for over 33 years to the same woman, and purchased over 40 handguns.

Any chance of your wife giving mine some lessons?

;D

["DoubleAction"]

Once she learns how valuable some guns are, she will prefer guns in the safe, rather than jewelry. The hidden secret is that she knows the appraised value, rather than the selling value. This can be done by showing her the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price, verses the price for which you are paying. If you get real lucky in a score from an individual, you will show a difference in as much as $400. dollars, or more, for one gun.
It pays to get her jewelry items out of the way during the early years. Many expenses and priorities will stand in the way of purchasing or acquiring new additions to a collection of guns. When the opportunity arises, I go into a pitch like I'm selling an investment. Sometimes I only tell her I found a gun that I'm thinking about buying, and she will respond with an urge to buy it, if I want it. Same goes for a bulk load of ammunition from an individual sale, it can cost almost as much as a handgun. Purchasing guns, ammunition, holsters, magazines, and accessories might sometimes be under pressure on the quick sale market, but it is worth it later. Guns are not speed boats, motorcycles, airplanes, hot rods, or a bad day at the horse track. Guns are very inexpensive in comparison, they do not depreciate like other habits, and they require very little storage space. Guns save lives? You bet; They are cash heavy, and that is the bottom line, no matter who freezes a bank account. That is what women understands, and it's our job to make sure they believe it. Making money on deals? Sure; I just traded a set of grips I bought on ebay two years ago for $20. dollars for $210. dollars worth of ink cartridges for my printer. I used the cartridges to print 20 wedding photos at $10. dollars each. I still have 2 color, and 2 Black cartridges left over, with $200. in the pocket.

[TBT]

DoubleAction said:

Once she learns how valuable some guns are, she will prefer guns in the safe, rather than jewelry. The hidden secret is that she knows the appraised value, rather than the selling value. This can be done by showing her the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price, verses the price for which you are paying. If you get real lucky in a score from an individual, you will show a difference in as much as $400. dollars, or more, for one gun.
It pays to get her jewelry items out of the way during the early years. Many expenses and priorities will stand in the way of purchasing or acquiring new additions to a collection of guns. When the opportunity arises, I go into a pitch like I'm selling an investment. Sometimes I only tell her I found a gun that I'm thinking about buying, and she will respond with an urge to buy it, if I want it. Same goes for a bulk load of ammunition from an individual sale, it can cost almost as much as a handgun. Purchasing guns, ammunition, holsters, magazines, and accessories might sometimes be under pressure on the quick sale market, but it is worth it later. Guns are not speed boats, motorcycles, airplanes, hot rods, or a bad day at the horse track. Guns are very inexpensive in comparison, they do not depreciate like other habits, and they require very little storage space. Guns save lives? You bet; They are cash heavy, and that is the bottom line, no matter who freezes a bank account. That is what women understands, and it's our job to make sure they believe it. Making money on deals? Sure; I just traded a set of grips I bought on ebay two years ago for $20. dollars for $210. dollars worth of ink cartridges for my printer. I used the cartridges to print 20 wedding photos at $10. dollars each. I still have 2 color, and 2 Black cartridges left over, with $200. in the pocket.

That sounds like a good plan DA, and all of it true as well. I joke around about selling the wife on things, but overall I can’t complain. She doesn’t have much to say about anything that I want really. Last weekend I went out and bought two guns because I had the urge and they were a good deal (an XD9mm and a Browning Buckmark .22). She didn’t bat an eye really. Occasionally I’ll get a “why … you already have yada-yada .. “, but more times than not she is fine with anything and everything. She knows that our children and her are more than provided for by me and she knows that she nor they will ever want.

She has actually mentioned to me a few times that she would like to get into shooting as she feels that it would be something that she could do with me. I’m into it because I would like her comfortable enough to carry and use one if ever the need did arise. Problem is she wants my Kimber lol. Not “a Kimber” but my Kimber … she has taken a liking to it.

A good wife isn’t something that can be purchased or found on a shelf. I’m really not sure where they come from or why they choose us, I’m just glad they are, and they do.

["DoubleAction"]

Children will always be first, even long after they are grown, and the grandchildren become part of the grand mix of things also.

[TBT]

Indeed ...