choice one and only one 1911 .45ACP

JQIAN

JQIAN

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I am torn between the followings:
Dan Wesson Specialist Distressed, about $2000
Dan Wesson Vigil, about $1700
Smith Wesson Performance Center, about $2000

I have handled all above three, the feeling in hand is very similar. My hand cannot tell a big difference, except SW PC is a bit light because of the cutting.
Obviously I haven't shot any of them.

Aesthetically I like SW PC the best. However one big downside of SW is the sight. The black/iron kind of front and rear sights are so subtle that my poor eyes cannot even focus on the front.
DW sights are bright white (also night sight), that makes my ageing eyes more comfortable.

I would like to hear some advice, recommendations from you guys especially the ones that have handled one or more of them.

Thanks.
 
There are a lot more 1911 options on the market than just those three. Probably best to look for one that has the features you want out-of-the-box without having to do any refitting or gunsmithing. Especially if you're particular about sights, look for one whose sights look right to you.

Grips are the easiest thing to change on a 1911, so that's the one thing that wouldn't put me off a model that was right in everything else.
 
They'll all be fine. There are a lot of Dan Wesson fans here for good reasons. DW puts together really high quality packages. That is where I would lean. Nothing wrong with the S&Ws but I think DWs are a little nicer and will hold their value better than the S&W.

Between those DWs, it will then just boil down to aesthetics, which completely personal. Never liked the special finishes personally and wouldn't pay extra for it but ymmv. Not a huge difference in price between those.

If cost was a factor, I'd get a used DW Specialist off EE. There are a lot of 1911s so there is typically a good initial depreciation factor and gently used deals are not hard to find.
 
old303 said:
There are a lot more 1911 options on the market than just those three. Probably best to look for one that has the features you want out-of-the-box without having to do any refitting or gunsmithing. Especially if you're particular about sights, look for one whose sights look right to you.

Grips are the easiest thing to change on a 1911, so that's the one thing that wouldn't put me off a model that was right in everything else.
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Lol.

I’m sure the OP knows there are more options. He is asking about those specific 3 models.

OP, my vote would be the Dan Wesson specialist. Incredible quality for the price. I own the Valor and Specialist.

Kelly’s online has the distressed for 1899
 
Id look at a Kimber 1911 or a Springfield 1911 that has been worked on before any Dan Wesson 1911 . now that's only my opinion .
 
I would also go with the DW Specialist of the guns you mentioned. But if you are only going to have one, shouldn't it be a Colt Series 70 Mk IV Gold Cup?
 
Nork. Mine shoots to point of aim, it feeds and eats about everything, it does not break or wear out, it was low cost.
 
One 1911, strange, LOL. One I never had was a Ed Brown, hear good things , had colts, Kimber was great, But my main one now is a custom built Norinco.
 
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cement head said:
Id look at a Kimber 1911 or a Springfield 1911 that has been worked on before any Dan Wesson 1911 . now that's only my opinion .
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Funny I was thinking the same. Actually mine are totally stock and work exactly the way I want them, and bought both used, total was less than a DW new or used.

But if you want a DW, go for it. Happy for you.
 
easyrider604 said:
Funny I was thinking the same. Actually mine are totally stock and work exactly the way I want them, and bought both used, total was less than a DW new or used.

But if you want a DW, go for it. Happy for you.
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Am I missing something here ?? While it's great you got a good deal on a used one. The prices are not far off. IMO Dan Wesson is the best bang for your buck so to speak.

https://www.rangeviewsports.ca/product/kimber-1911-pro-aegis-ii-4-2-bbl-matte-black-slide-satin/

https://www.rdsc.ca/rifles-handguns...ldc-5-00-barrel-armory-kote-black-45-acp.html

https://www.gotenda.com/product/dan-wesson-specialist-5-pistol-45acp-dan-01856/
 
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