Dan Wesson 9mm Guardian? A 9mm 1911?

Kimio · November 8, 2012, 09:25 AM

Well you learn something new every day I suppose, I was always under the impression that the only 9mm style 1911 was the Browning High Power (And even that, the High Power differs in a great many ways if I recall from the 1911 handgun) Goes to show my ignorance on the subject there.

So, while browsing around CZ USA' catalog drooling over what I've finally decided to be my first carry handgun (A lovely little CZ 75 compact)

I noticed towards the bottom they have several 1911 models for sale, so piqueing my curiosity I took a look at them. The Guardian immediately caught my attention, it being offered in BOTH 9mm and .45 ACP

I always enjoyed the 1911, and finding one in 9mm would certainly help offset the costs of ammunition not to mention as of now, a .45 ACP is still a little too powerful for me to handle (I don't want to develop a flinch).

The Dan Wesson name has floated across my screen several times before, and it appears they are pretty well known for producing a quality product, but I'd like to hear from those of you who have owned any of their firearms, including of course their Guardian model.

Fit and finish, accuracy, reliability anything in regards to their products would be appreciated. So far, other reviews seem to be positive.

I'm sure I'm likely wrong about the selection of 9mm 1911 style handguns, so if anyone has suggestions for others like the Guardian, I'd also be more than open to hearing of them.

hulley · November 8, 2012, 10:09 AM

My next 1911 will definitly be a 9mm. Nothing wrong with 45acp but I have tons of 9mm and I'm not one of those people that think there is a superior PISTOL round. I've been itching for a SA EMP9 for a little while now.

pilpens · November 8, 2012, 10:37 AM

There are several brands of 1911 9mm.
1. Kimber
2. STI
3. Springfield Armory
4. Dan Wesson
5. RIA
6. Dan Wesson
7. Wilson Combat.
8 S&W

I have a STI Trojan and Kimber Target Custom II. Both have 5" barrel and adjustable rear sights which allows me POA=POI.g
If I am to keep only 1, I would keep my Kimber because it fits my hand better than the STI.
If I am to add another 1911 9mm, I would look at STI Spartan IV, STI Spartan V or Springfield Armory Target. Then CZ/DW Guardian is nice but a little too expensive.
If I am starting out and allowed only one, I would get a 5" with adjusta
ble sights --- Kimber or Springfield (on a tighter budget - STI spartan V).

Caz83 · November 8, 2012, 10:54 AM

I own a Guardian and love it!! Offset color nite sights are great. FIt and finish is superb and found it at a gunshow for right at $1K.

pgdion · November 8, 2012, 11:05 AM

Nice choice for a carry gun there. I love that CZ 75 compact. I'm trying to scrounge the money to pick one up myself. Not sure it's any smaller than my Cougar but I sure do like the feel of it!

Venom1956 · November 8, 2012, 11:06 AM

I own 2 DW 1911s

The Valor and the PM9 they are both 5" guns.

I'd venture to say that you'd be hard pressed to find a superior 1911 to either for the price range. I could go into why but that would be a long post. Only thing about a 9mm 1911 is the slide is quite heavy and cycles slower then a .45 I think a commander size would run quicker due to less mass.

If you get a DW I doubt you'll regret it.

If you go cheaper skip mimb... ahem kimber, their pistols are not worth it. Especially the 'custom shop' ones.

Look into a Springfield Loaded its a 5" model but fantastic for the price. STI spartan is also supposed to be great.

loose_holster_dan · November 8, 2012, 01:49 PM

the STI Spartan is offered in 9mm, and it can be had for $600. very nice piece. i took some new shooters to the range a few weeks ago, and they preferred the spartan to my sig p226.

StainlessSteel215 · November 8, 2012, 02:20 PM

I literally JUST picked up a sweet lil Springfield Ultra Compact 1911 in 9mm because its unique and a gorgeous little carry gun. I know certain 1911 loyalists will turn their nose up at that for breaking a couple 1911 traidtions but the gun rocks! I say go get your hands on that DW!

StainlessSteel215 · November 8, 2012, 02:22 PM

Note quite a DW but still I love her! Just took this on Sunday

geetarman · November 8, 2012, 03:17 PM

Quote:

I'd venture to say that you'd be hard pressed to find a superior 1911 to either for the price range. I could go into why but that would be a long post. Only thing about a 9mm 1911 is the slide is quite heavy and cycles slower then a .45 I think a commander size would run quicker due to less mass.

I have both and I agree. Sometimes a 9mm round is slightly underpowered and I can feel the action cycle. The feeling is actually kind of strange.

I did shoot a loaded Springfield 1911-A1 in 9mm last Friday and it WILL give Dan Wesson a run for the money. Quite a gun and I am on the hunt for one now.

hulley · November 8, 2012, 05:32 PM

Whoa there SS215, that is a thing of beauty!

StainlessSteel215 · November 8, 2012, 05:35 PM

Thanks, she's a cutie alright and shoots like a dream

Sorry to hijack the thread in any way...but Im now a converted SUPERFAN of the 9mm 1911 model. My first Springfield 1911....Im in love

Bill DeShivs · November 8, 2012, 07:41 PM

9mm 1911s and Commanders have been made for about 50 years.

BigJimP · November 8, 2012, 07:50 PM

You're not the first person to realize that there are a lot of very good 1911's produced in 9mm.....

I think Dan Wesson makes a pretty good gun ...

As you look around your area at 1911's ....you'll probably find more than you realize in 9mm...new and used....from Springfield and Kimber especially ..../ many of us practice with 1911's in 9mm and carry 1911's in .45 acp....especially if we like shooting 6 or 8 boxes a week ...it keep the cost of ammo down a lot !

StainlessSteel215 · November 8, 2012, 08:36 PM

Bingo Jim.
Having a compact 9mm 1911 leaves me the option of a backup carry gun...a fun range gun...or just a safe queen to use on occasion. Either way it shoots dirt cheap ammo and accurate as hell!

KyJim · November 8, 2012, 11:00 PM

I own a small collection of 1911 pistols in 9mm. My favorites are my STI Spartan and my Dan Wesson Guardian. The STI is nothing pretty to look at -- billboard ad on one side and a mediocre finish -- but it is fit right, has been 100% reliable, and is dead nuts accurate. It is all steel which is great for range use but may be heavy for a lot of people for a carry gun (I'm okay with a steel 1911):

The Dan Wesson Guardian is finished very nicely, fit right, and accurate. I initially had issues until I realized I was placing my weak side thumb on the slide stop lever. Once I slightly re-positioned my thumb, it has been 100% reliable. It has an alloy frame so is more suitable for carry than all-steel guns like the Spartan:

The STI is about half the price of the DW.

Venom1956 · November 9, 2012, 02:08 PM

nice how much you get that springer 4? I've been hunting for a friend. the 9mm ones are IMPOSSIBLE to find.

November 8, 2012, 09:25 AM	#1
Kimio Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2011 Location: Utah Posts: 621	Dan Wesson 9mm Guardian? A 9mm 1911? Well you learn something new every day I suppose, I was always under the impression that the only 9mm style 1911 was the Browning High Power (And even that, the High Power differs in a great many ways if I recall from the 1911 handgun) Goes to show my ignorance on the subject there. So, while browsing around CZ USA' catalog drooling over what I've finally decided to be my first carry handgun (A lovely little CZ 75 compact) I noticed towards the bottom they have several 1911 models for sale, so piqueing my curiosity I took a look at them. The Guardian immediately caught my attention, it being offered in BOTH 9mm and .45 ACP I always enjoyed the 1911, and finding one in 9mm would certainly help offset the costs of ammunition not to mention as of now, a .45 ACP is still a little too powerful for me to handle (I don't want to develop a flinch). The Dan Wesson name has floated across my screen several times before, and it appears they are pretty well known for producing a quality product, but I'd like to hear from those of you who have owned any of their firearms, including of course their Guardian model. Fit and finish, accuracy, reliability anything in regards to their products would be appreciated. So far, other reviews seem to be positive. I'm sure I'm likely wrong about the selection of 9mm 1911 style handguns, so if anyone has suggestions for others like the Guardian, I'd also be more than open to hearing of them. Last edited by Kimio; November 8, 2012 at 09:42 AM.

November 8, 2012, 10:09 AM	#2
hulley Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2008 Location: Hoschton, Ga. Posts: 659	My next 1911 will definitly be a 9mm. Nothing wrong with 45acp but I have tons of 9mm and I'm not one of those people that think there is a superior PISTOL round. I've been itching for a SA EMP9 for a little while now. __________________ Nov 2, 2011 sent form 4, SS Sparrow. Arrived May 29, 2012. Jan 30, 2012 sent form 1 for SBR. Arrived July 12, 2012 Jan 22, 2013 Sent form 4, 762-SDN-6, check cashed Jan 25, 2013.

November 8, 2012, 11:05 AM	#5
pgdion Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2010 Location: MPLS, MN Posts: 1,037	Nice choice for a carry gun there. I love that CZ 75 compact. I'm trying to scrounge the money to pick one up myself. Not sure it's any smaller than my Cougar but I sure do like the feel of it! __________________ 597 VTR, because there's so many cans and so little time!

November 8, 2012, 11:06 AM	#6
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 2,286	I own 2 DW 1911s The Valor and the PM9 they are both 5" guns. I'd venture to say that you'd be hard pressed to find a superior 1911 to either for the price range. I could go into why but that would be a long post. Only thing about a 9mm 1911 is the slide is quite heavy and cycles slower then a .45 I think a commander size would run quicker due to less mass. If you get a DW I doubt you'll regret it. If you go cheaper skip mimb... ahem kimber, their pistols are not worth it. Especially the 'custom shop' ones. Look into a Springfield Loaded its a 5" model but fantastic for the price. STI spartan is also supposed to be great. __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph.

November 8, 2012, 01:49 PM	#7
loose_holster_dan Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2011 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 2,059	the STI Spartan is offered in 9mm, and it can be had for $600. very nice piece. i took some new shooters to the range a few weeks ago, and they preferred the spartan to my sig p226. __________________ Favorite range gun for the money - CZ 75B or STI Spartan V 9mm Go-to carry setup - Walther PPS or PPQ in FIST kydex holster 1AK Favorite .22LR - Browning Buckmark "A Sig is like a lightsaber - not as clumsy or random as a Glock."

November 8, 2012, 10:37 AM	#3
pilpens Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,087	There are several brands of 1911 9mm. 1. Kimber 2. STI 3. Springfield Armory 4. Dan Wesson 5. RIA 6. Dan Wesson 7. Wilson Combat. 8 S&W I have a STI Trojan and Kimber Target Custom II. Both have 5" barrel and adjustable rear sights which allows me POA=POI.g If I am to keep only 1, I would keep my Kimber because it fits my hand better than the STI. If I am to add another 1911 9mm, I would look at STI Spartan IV, STI Spartan V or Springfield Armory Target. Then CZ/DW Guardian is nice but a little too expensive. If I am starting out and allowed only one, I would get a 5" with adjusta ble sights --- Kimber or Springfield (on a tighter budget - STI spartan V).

November 8, 2012, 02:20 PM	#8
StainlessSteel215 Junior member Join Date: September 26, 2012 Posts: 250	I literally JUST picked up a sweet lil Springfield Ultra Compact 1911 in 9mm because its unique and a gorgeous little carry gun. I know certain 1911 loyalists will turn their nose up at that for breaking a couple 1911 traidtions but the gun rocks! I say go get your hands on that DW!

November 8, 2012, 02:22 PM	#9
StainlessSteel215 Junior member Join Date: September 26, 2012 Posts: 250	Note quite a DW but still I love her! Just took this on Sunday

November 8, 2012, 05:32 PM	#11
hulley Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2008 Location: Hoschton, Ga. Posts: 659	Whoa there SS215, that is a thing of beauty! __________________ Nov 2, 2011 sent form 4, SS Sparrow. Arrived May 29, 2012. Jan 30, 2012 sent form 1 for SBR. Arrived July 12, 2012 Jan 22, 2013 Sent form 4, 762-SDN-6, check cashed Jan 25, 2013.

November 8, 2012, 05:35 PM	#12
StainlessSteel215 Junior member Join Date: September 26, 2012 Posts: 250	Thanks, she's a cutie alright and shoots like a dream Sorry to hijack the thread in any way...but Im now a converted SUPERFAN of the 9mm 1911 model. My first Springfield 1911....Im in love

November 8, 2012, 07:41 PM	#13
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 6,457	9mm 1911s and Commanders have been made for about 50 years. __________________ Bill DeShivs www.billdeshivs.com

November 8, 2012, 07:50 PM	#14
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 9,962	You're not the first person to realize that there are a lot of very good 1911's produced in 9mm..... I think Dan Wesson makes a pretty good gun ... As you look around your area at 1911's ....you'll probably find more than you realize in 9mm...new and used....from Springfield and Kimber especially ..../ many of us practice with 1911's in 9mm and carry 1911's in .45 acp....especially if we like shooting 6 or 8 boxes a week ...it keep the cost of ammo down a lot !

November 8, 2012, 08:36 PM	#15
StainlessSteel215 Junior member Join Date: September 26, 2012 Posts: 250	Bingo Jim. Having a compact 9mm 1911 leaves me the option of a backup carry gun...a fun range gun...or just a safe queen to use on occasion. Either way it shoots dirt cheap ammo and accurate as hell!

November 8, 2012, 11:00 PM	#16
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 6,512	I own a small collection of 1911 pistols in 9mm. My favorites are my STI Spartan and my Dan Wesson Guardian. The STI is nothing pretty to look at -- billboard ad on one side and a mediocre finish -- but it is fit right, has been 100% reliable, and is dead nuts accurate. It is all steel which is great for range use but may be heavy for a lot of people for a carry gun (I'm okay with a steel 1911): The Dan Wesson Guardian is finished very nicely, fit right, and accurate. I initially had issues until I realized I was placing my weak side thumb on the slide stop lever. Once I slightly re-positioned my thumb, it has been 100% reliable. It has an alloy frame so is more suitable for carry than all-steel guns like the Spartan: The STI is about half the price of the DW. __________________ Jim's Rules of Carry: 1. Any gun is better than no gun. 2. A gun that is reliable is better than a gun that is not. 3. A hole in the right place is better than a hole in the wrong place. 4. A bigger hole is a better hole.

November 9, 2012, 02:08 PM	#17
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 2,286	nice how much you get that springer 4? I've been hunting for a friend. the 9mm ones are IMPOSSIBLE to find. __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph.