Dan Wesson (CZ) 1911 Questions

[Abflyboy]

I have a PM9 and a PM45. I will have more DW 1911's.

By far, the absolute best 1911's I have ever owned or shot and there have been many, including custom builds.

The PM9 has been used heavily in USPSA in excess of 20k rounds and is still as tight as it was when new.
The PM45 has been used lightly in USPSA and a few other matches, goes to the range every time I go, and is my main carry gun in cooler weather.

The PM7 is the CA legal version of the PM45 so as far as function, they are the same gun.

As mentioned above, they build them TIGHT. Gun grease is NOT your friend with these.

 

[Bigohio]

I just purchased a DW 1911 Vigil Commander in 9mm. Put 200 rounds through it and it worked flawlessly. Very well made. Extremely accurate. I'm now a fan of DW and will be adding more to my collection.

 

[CptCurl]

Enablers!

But really, what did I expect?

Yesterday I put on my serious face and thought about all the 1911 type pistols I now have - last count in the teens. I lectured myself to the effect that I don't need any more and should learn to be responsible. I dug out my 1969 vintage Colt National Match and told myself that was surely "good enough." It will certainly shoot better than I can hold it.

So now, I go back to reading this thread and all my mature resolve of yesterday is away like a breeze.

I am thinking about the PM-C. I only have full-size 1911 pistols, so this wouldn't really be duplication. Right?

Curl

 

[Abflyboy]

My suggestion:

Get both!

 

[Jack Flash]

Very interesting comparing this thread with the CMP threads. Others no doubt consider all the paperwork / hoops one needs to jump through to get a rebuilt piece of history well worth the effort. But speaking just for myself, a brand-new top-quality 1911 sounds like the direction I would go.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Dan Wesson has quietly gained a reputation for building high quality 1911 style pistols that are well made. They're built to last. They don't spend a lot on advertising like others. Word of mouth by 1911 lovers has done that for them.

All parts are machined from bar stock. Each gun is assembled by a master gunsmith. No assembly lines.

It is rare to experience a problem with their guns out of the box.

I like them because they look good but not flashy.

 

[44wheelman]

My brother has a gun shop. The stainless PM45 was on sale a couple years ago. He begged me to buy one. Now we have sequentially numbered guns. No complaints. Everything meets expectations, except two things. Barrel lock-up and slide to frame fit….way tighter than I anticipated. Like others said, next stop: Les Baer & Wilson.

I bought a PM-45 last year upon my retirement. The gun had absolutely everything I wanted in a 1911 (adjustable target sight, fiber optic front sight, Cocobolo double diamond grips, front strap checkering, and NO full length recoil spring guide rod). After a brief break-in period (to be expected in a pistol with tolerances this tight), it now runs like a top and is far more accurate than I am able to shoot it.

I recently had a Wilson Combat short trigger installed so I can reach with my stubby fingers, it is now perfection….

View attachment 525832

 

[S&W Fan]

First off I learned to shoot a handgun with a 1911 almost 53 years ago at the tender age of 12 lol. It's still my #1 pistol and over the years I've probably every major brand a number of custom builds.

I had a stainless Valor I bought used about 4 years ago. It was a good gun but just didn't "speak" to me. Lately I've taken the plunge in to the 9mm 1911 world. I bought a Vigil Commander and it's a great pistol. So great when I found a second at a ridiculous sale price I bought it and sold the other for more than I bought the second LOL.

Accurate, reliable, easy to carry and even easier to shoot. I like .45 in my all steel 1911s but in a lightweight frame I prefer the 9, easier on my aging hand. With Gold Dot +p 124gr I'm not concerned about the "minor" caliber.

The one downside, at least for me, is that their Duty Coat finish can easily be ruined depending on cleaning agent. DW recommends FP10 for this finish so as long as you use that no problem.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I bought my Pointman PM-9 about 18 months ago with the intent to convert it to 38 Super, which I did after breaking it in, and adding a few goodies.

I'm happy with it. Shoots great even with hot 38 Super (+P) loads.

I think I'll go to a red front sight instead of the green though.

.

DW PM-9 side view with new parts installed

-01b

.
.

DW PM-9 with EGW Carry Bevel Bushing & Wilson Combat FLGR & Plug

-01b

.
.

DW PM-9 with Pachmayr G-10 grips & Ed Brown Arched Housing & Magwell

-01b

.
.

DW PM-9 with Pachmayr G-10 grips & Ed Brown Arched Housing & Magwell

-02b

.

 

[dsf]

My suggestion:

Get both!

That's what I did, back when they were $800.00 each. I bought the CBOB first and then the PM 7. I also bought a 3rd model, called the Agent or Argent - don't recall, it's up in Oregon.

The DW 1911s are very spartan - not alot of lettering, slide slabs a cleanly brushed, no "spray paint" finishes or rounding like some other brands. Clean sights, excellent trigger pull.

 

[CptCurl]

Earlier I mentioned that I was trying to be a "responsible adult" and to realize I don't need another 1911. Didn't work.

Over the weekend I snagged a new DW Valor. It's a .45 and has the Black Duty Coat finish. It shipped yesterday, and I will see it in a day or two.

My resolve to "be responsible" evaporated as I watched YouTube videos about the Dan Wesson automatics.

There's a really bad side to this. At the range, my misses will all be on me.

I'll be interested to see how this new acquisition will compare to my 1969 Colt National Match Gold Cup.

Stay tuned!

Curl

 

[Golddollar]

Earlier I mentioned that I was trying to be a "responsible adult" and to realize I don't need another 1911. Didn't work.

In my post about my lastest acquisition of a Browning High Power I also said I was trying to be responsible. It didn't work there either.

 

[trashy]

I've had Five Dan Wesson 1911s over the years and all have been excellent. Fit, finish and performance right up there with the high end custom guns. Here's my current DW Guardian in 9mm.

DIBS on the DW Guardian Leo. I sorta been on the lookout for one. I have the Vigil and Valkyrie both 9mm commanders and they are both very good. Also have a blued pair of Valor's, one 9 and one 45. Again, both are excellent.

IMO, it's hard to go wrong with a DW.

 

[geen]

DIBS on the DW Guardian Leo. I sorta been on the lookout for one. I have the Vigil and Valkyrie both 9mm commanders and they are both very good. Also have a blued pair of Valor's, one 9 and one 45. Again, both are excellent.

IMO, it's hard to go wrong with a DW.

Love my DW Guardian. My tastes do change and I have sold a couple of 1911s (a sig carry anda kimber) but the Guardian is not going anywhere. Its my go to carry gun.