Dan Wesson Review: The Best 1911? - Specialist

Published on August 21, 2022
Duration: 9:06

This review of the Dan Wesson Specialist 1911 highlights its premium features and near-custom fit and finish at a production price. The presenter, Brett from Nightwood Guns, emphasizes its suitability as a duty-grade firearm and an heirloom piece. However, potential buyers should be aware of a strict break-in process and minor issues like hammer rust and ambi safety wiggle.

Quick Summary

The Dan Wesson Specialist 1911 is highly regarded for its premium features and near-custom fit and finish at a production price. It boasts excellent machining, forged steel parts, and a superb trigger. However, it requires a strict 500-round break-in period and may exhibit minor issues like hammer rust.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Intro
  2. 00:21World Wars Reference
  3. 00:34Welcome to Nightwood Guns
  4. 00:38Introduction to Dan Wesson 1911s
  5. 00:50Why Keep the Specialist
  6. 01:00Negatives of Dan Wesson
  7. 01:04Narrative Excerpt
  8. 01:30Author's Novel Promotion
  9. 01:42Channel Milestones & Engagement
  10. 01:521911 vs. Obsolete Debate
  11. 01:571911 Appeal
  12. 02:04Favoring Old 1911s
  13. 02:13Dan Wesson Specialist Chambered in .45 ACP
  14. 02:35Learning on 1911s
  15. 02:41Previous 1911 Ownership
  16. 02:51The Specialist is the Keeper
  17. 02:55Best Production 1911
  18. 03:01Staccato Comparison
  19. 03:06Premium Features
  20. 03:11Front Slide Serrations
  21. 03:13Night Sights
  22. 03:16Finish and Machining
  23. 03:23Checkering
  24. 03:27G10 Grips
  25. 03:30Beavertail and Grip Safety
  26. 03:33Slide Top Serrations
  27. 03:36Accessory Rail
  28. 03:38Ambi Safety
  29. 03:39Match Grade Barrel
  30. 03:42Accuracy Potential
  31. 03:46Rear Sight Ledge
  32. 03:53Duty Option Potential
  33. 03:58The 1911 Trigger
  34. 04:04Trigger Take-up
  35. 04:06Trigger Wall and Reset
  36. 04:13Trigger Performance
  37. 04:16Why 1911s/2011s are Popular
  38. 04:22Why Dan Wesson Over Springfield/Kimber
  39. 04:29No MIM Parts
  40. 04:37Forged Parts Preference
  41. 04:41Premium Feature
  42. 04:44Premium Fit and Finish
  43. 04:54Tolerances and Fit
  44. 05:05Tightly Put Together
  45. 05:08Next Level Tolerances
  46. 05:10Superior Fit and Finish
  47. 05:14Mimics Custom Hand Fit
  48. 05:19Sticker Shock vs. Value
  49. 05:23Absolute Bargain
  50. 05:28Second to None Fit and Finish
  51. 05:30Near Custom for Production Price
  52. 05:35Reason for Keeping
  53. 05:39Recommendation for One 1911
  54. 05:46Heirloom Gun, Duty Grade
  55. 05:50Nothing is Perfect
  56. 05:52Dan Wesson Issues
  57. 05:56Negatives Section
  58. 05:58Ambi Safety Wiggle
  59. 06:09Hammer Steel and Rust Susceptibility
  60. 06:14Rust on Hammer
  61. 06:28Recommendation for Black Hammer
  62. 06:31Renaissance Wax for Hammer
  63. 06:36Message to Dan Wesson
  64. 06:38Reliability of Specialist
  65. 06:42Runs Like a Top
  66. 06:45Price for Near Custom
  67. 06:50Strict Break-in Process
  68. 06:53Check the Manual
  69. 07:00Break-in Process Details
  70. 07:06Metal Shavings
  71. 07:08Hand-fitting by Shooting
  72. 07:15500 Rounds Break-in
  73. 07:18Ammo Availability in 2022
  74. 07:21Consider Break-in Round Count
  75. 07:28100% Reliable During Break-in
  76. 07:35.45 ACP Price
  77. 07:39100% Reliable Post Break-in
  78. 07:42Mileage May Vary
  79. 07:45Finicky First 500 Rounds
  80. 07:49User Experiences
  81. 08:02Flipping a Coin
  82. 08:06100% Reliable After Break-in
  83. 08:07Best Production 1911
  84. 08:12Recommendation
  85. 08:14Obvious Answer
  86. 08:16The One Kept
  87. 08:20Wholeheartedly Recommend
  88. 08:22Budget Tier vs. Dan Wesson
  89. 08:27Tisas/Rock Island Armory
  90. 08:32Save Up for Dan Wesson
  91. 08:34Properly Break-in
  92. 08:35Heirloom Piece, Duty Grade
  93. 08:40Ready for Hard Use
  94. 08:40Call to Action: Like, Subscribe, Comment
  95. 08:43Would You Get a Dan Wesson?
  96. 08:48Support the Channel: Books & Reviews
  97. 08:53Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Dan Wesson Specialist 1911 stand out from other production 1911s?

The Dan Wesson Specialist is praised for its premium features and near-custom fit and finish, which are often found on much more expensive hand-fitted 1911s. It avoids MIM parts, utilizes forged steel, and boasts excellent machining and dehorning.

What is the recommended break-in procedure for a Dan Wesson 1911?

Dan Wesson 1911s require a strict break-in of approximately 500 rounds. It's crucial to clean the firearm, especially the rails, every 50 rounds to remove metal shavings, as the tight tolerances necessitate this process for optimal reliability.

Are there any common issues with Dan Wesson 1911 pistols?

Two noted issues are a potential slight wiggle in the ambi safety on the non-functional side and the hammer, made from a different steel, being susceptible to rust. Regular maintenance and protective coatings are recommended for the hammer.

Is the Dan Wesson Specialist 1911 worth the price?

Yes, the presenter considers the Dan Wesson Specialist an excellent bargain, offering near-custom quality and features at a production price. It's recommended as an heirloom-quality, duty-grade firearm that can be run hard.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Nightwood Guns

View all →