Dan Wesson "Specialist"

[SW MP15]

I needed some ammo today. Stopped at local BIG store/range. And spied a Dan Wesson Specialist in the case. And asked to see it. It looked like every other 1911 I own or have every owned. It was stainless and looked like a nice gun? But what's so special about it? I know they say the Dan Wessons are good guns? But there's no way I could ever justify $1995 for it? No way, I'd trade my Stainless Colt Gold Cup National Match for it! The clerk said they're made by CZ? And He pointed out the night sights? What's that a $160 value?

I know, I know I've heard nothing but good things about Dan Wesson and CZ's in general.

But for less than $1400-$1500 I'd take a Colt National Match or a S&W Performance Center 1911! Or a top of the line Springfield for around $1100-$1200 or less?

I can't see the "Specialist" having great resale value over the years.

It made my head and wallet hurt, just thinking about it!

Am I missing something?

 

[Kanewpadle]

CZ/Dan Wesson makes the finest production guns available. No MIM parts.

Each and every gun is assembled and fit by one gunsmith. No assembly lines.

Sure there are less expensive 1911's with a rail such as Kimber and Springfield. Their quality doesn't quite compare to Dan Wesson.

Dan Wesson is as close as you will get to a custom gun from Wilson, Nighthawk, Ed Brown etc....Without spending $3000 and up.

 

[Hapworth]

Kanewpadle nails it.

If the Dan Wesson line doesn't speak to you that's fine -- those are some fine alternatives you own and prefer.

For my money and experience, Dan Wesson beats Colt, S&W and Springfield in parts and build quality. The only thing from any of the three you mention that rivals and perhaps surpasses Wesson 1911s is the actual top of the line from Springfield -- their Custom Shop offerings, but you'll pay more than you would for a Wesson.

Also, Wesson has a low-key semi-custom option, which is a bonus; they'll build it how you want it, with the configurations they're already tooled up for.

Needs and preferences vary, but I'll take a Dan Wesson 1911 before any of the others (and I really like a lot of the others) until you get to Wilson/Brown/Guncrafter territory, and for the money they're a bargain for what you get.

 

[UNCLE PAULY]

Bought my DW Specialist for $1400. Best gun money I ever spent.

 

[Fishslayer]

If I put that gun up on my local WTS board at $2K it would be gone in nanoseconds and my inbox would be full of higher offers.... Roster don'tcha know...


I own 3 of the "lesser" Dan Wesson 1911s and they are about as good as it gets in a production 1911.

 

[jimmyj]

Dan Wesson : Is this the same company that manufactured Revolvers ?

 

[UNCLE PAULY]

Dan Wesson : Is this the same company that manufactured Revolvers ?

Yes they are.

 

[Arik]

Dan Wesson : Is this the same company that manufactured Revolvers ?

The name ....yes.

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