Would You Go Dan Wesson or Colt In A New 1911? - Page 2

tony pasley · September 25, 2017, 08:02 PM

I have several 1911 and 1911a1. My Colt made in 1914 still shoots great, just not very often. So do what you want but what other company has that long of a track record.

HisSoldier · September 29, 2017, 04:23 AM

That's an easy question for me, I have two Colts and three DW's, the DW is a far better made gun, and has zero MIM or plastic, not even a close comparison.

Skarekrow88 · September 30, 2017, 01:24 PM

Colt, and that's what I did.

jr24 · September 30, 2017, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wheelgun

Since I have 2 Colts (full size and Lightweight Commander), I would (and am) tempted by the DW Commander Valkyrie. The only issue is the rounded grip. I had a Sig Nightmare Carry Fastback, and found I do not like the bobtail frames. A lightweight commander sized DW with straight grip would be high on my list.

YMMV.

Is it possible you are thinking of rhe Guardian (alloy bobtail)? I believe the Valkyrie is the full grip alloy offering.

I'd go Wesson myself, Ive owned most of the major 1911 production brands and find Dan Wesson to be my favorite. You pay more, but it is in quality parts, not a picture of a horse.

Yes, I think most Colt offerings are overpriced for what you get.

Rinspeed · September 30, 2017, 05:13 PM

My problem with buying a DW is when you start getting up to the Valor level you're much better off looking at a Les Baer. The Valor was a great $1200-1300 1911, when they started getting up above $1700, not so great.

Nathan · September 30, 2017, 05:30 PM

Really? At $1700, what pistol is competitive? If you mean a SS Valor, it is much cheaper...$1500 ish

Americanpatriot · September 30, 2017, 06:54 PM

If it's not a collector investment, then my choice would be Dan Wesson for value and quality.

agtman · September 30, 2017, 07:12 PM

Colt is still the American original. Anything by DW is a foreign-made clone.

A cloney will never wear the Pony, ... Just sayin'

Red-5 · September 30, 2017, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Colt is still the American original. Anything by DW is a foreign-made clone.

What are you talking about? DW is made in New York. Last time I looked New York is in the US.

JDBerg · September 30, 2017, 11:39 PM

https://www.google.com/amp/www.thetr...e-rumored/amp/

Here is an article from earlier this year about Colt Mfg. Custom Shop layoffs & “gutting” of the company. The firearms market has dropped off since the election last year. If you like pony 1911’s you’d better spend your money while you still can; if Colt files for bankruptcy (again) they might not emerge back out of it this time!

jimjc · October 1, 2017, 11:07 AM

If you want a gun to shoot and use for home defense buy a Colt. DW are nice guns but overpriced to use for the range and HD.

The only 1911 I thought was worth it was my Wilson combat I purchased in the 70's. Great gun!

tipoc · October 1, 2017, 11:23 AM

A Colt, but that's a personal thing.

tipoc

Joe_Pike · October 1, 2017, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Last time I looked New York is in the US.

Technically, you are correct.

P-990 · October 1, 2017, 07:56 PM

The question will really come down to, which one do you really WANT?

Right now I have 2 1911s, both Colts, and have been 100% satisfied with how each performs. There are pistols that cost less, there are pistols that cost more, but I WANTED a gen-u-wine COLT, so that's where my money went. And I have my eyes on at least one, maybe 2 more already, as long as Colt can hang on and keep making new pistols. (Plus maybe an AR-15A4 and an SAA.)

To be fair, Colt uses the least amount of MIM of all of the mass-produced 1911s. The nylon/polymer mainspring house doesn't bother me in the least, as it's a low stress part and if it saves a little weight, even better!

While a Dan Wesson may be a "better" built gun, it will never have the Prancing Pony on the side.

Now my answer to the question posed in the original post, I'd buy a Colt LW Commander in 9mm, a good holster, a bunch of different magazines, a couple cases of 9mm and go run the snot out of the pistol.

Eazyeach · October 1, 2017, 08:05 PM

^^^^ that sounds like a great idea!

saleen322 · October 2, 2017, 03:51 PM

I have had Colts and Dan Wessons. I still have the Dan Wessons.

jackstrawIII · October 2, 2017, 09:18 PM

Based on my personal experience owning Colts, my next 1911 will be a Dan Wesson.

Water-Man · October 2, 2017, 11:01 PM

Dan Wesson, without a doubt.

Martowski · October 4, 2017, 10:37 PM

I currently have five 1911s: an older Kimber Series I, a S&W PC1911, Dan Wesson Specialist, Dan Wesson Pointman 9, and a Les Baer Premier II. Parts quality and fit in the Dan Wessons is second to none in this group (well, the Baer is hard fit but that's an entirely different story). Down range the DW doesn't give up ground to any of these pistols, including the Baer. My Pointman 9 may be the most accurate handgun in my collection.

Colt vs. Dan Wesson, the Dan Wesson will have superior parts, superior fitting, and superior down range results. No, you won't notice a difference at 7 yards but run the target out to 25 and you will. The only reason to choose Colt over DW is because of the name. For some, that's enough, and that's fair.... but if you're looking for the "blind taste test" no one who knows quality 1911s would choose an off the shelf Colt over an off the shelf DW based on parts quality and overall execution.

DW costs more, yes. But if you want the quality then you'll get it with a DW.

tipoc · October 5, 2017, 11:50 AM

You go for the Colt if the features offered by DW do not suit you. The DW Guardian is a very good gun for the price. It's also a pretty gun. If the beavertail irritates your hand, or the thumb safety is off, then you look to rebuild it and then what's the point of the money you just spent?

With the Colt you can build it as you please and 20 years from now you will still get your money back, or most of it, if you choose to sell it.

tipoc

agtman · October 5, 2017, 02:14 PM

The Pony is hot now and in 20-yrs will still be.

The DW? Well, ... it's pricey I agree.

TunnelRat · October 5, 2017, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agtman

The Pony is hot now and in 20-yrs will still be.

The DW? Well, ... it's pricey I agree.

Colt has a name for sure, but "hot"? Idk about that. We're talking a company that is bankrupt once again. I don't see their pistols absolutely flying off the shelves.

I'd be lying if I didn't say you'll likely not lose much, if any, on a Colt 1911. Though I will say with the prices of new guns what they are good luck to anyone selling anything used (ask me how I know ☹️). That said do you want the pistol with the better build quality or the pistol with the easier resale.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rinspeed · October 5, 2017, 05:20 PM

Just speaking for myself, I've never considered resale value in a single gun purchase I've made in the last 40 years.

erob3 · October 5, 2017, 05:49 PM

I'm sure you are aware Dan Wesson is CZ and they make some of the best pistols in the business. If you are buying a modern pistol to shoot.....CZ. Don't get me wrong Colt is a fine pistol, I own several, but the fit and finish of a CZ currently is a step above. Hate to say it, but true.

tipoc · October 5, 2017, 06:04 PM

Quote:

I'm sure you are aware Dan Wesson is CZ and they make some of the best pistols in the business. If you are buying a modern pistol to shoot.....CZ. Don't get me wrong Colt is a fine pistol, I own several, but the fit and finish of a CZ currently is a step above. Hate to say it, but true.

Why would you "hate to say" something that's true? It's also something most knowledgeable folks, those without a prejudice, will agree with.

It also don't matter when it comes to a choice. The choice will be based on what a shooter likes, wants and needs...also price. For some the choice will be the $800. Colt over the $1600. DW.

tipoc

September 25, 2017, 08:02 PM	#26
tony pasley Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2006 Location: western north carolina Posts: 1,641	I have several 1911 and 1911a1. My Colt made in 1914 still shoots great, just not very often. So do what you want but what other company has that long of a track record. __________________ Every day Congress is in session we lose a little bit more of our Liberty.

September 29, 2017, 04:23 AM	#27
HisSoldier Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2007 Location: Oregoncoast Posts: 1,793	That's an easy question for me, I have two Colts and three DW's, the DW is a far better made gun, and has zero MIM or plastic, not even a close comparison. __________________ CNC produced 416 stainless triggers to replace the plastic triggers on Colt Mustangs, Mustang Plus II's, MK IV Government .380's and Sig P238's and P938's. Plus Colt Mustang hardened 416 guide rods, and Llama .32 and .380 recoil spring buttons, checkered nicely and blued.

September 30, 2017, 01:24 PM	#28
Skarekrow88 Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 332	Colt, and that's what I did. __________________ "A life fought for others is a life worth living"

September 30, 2017, 11:39 PM	#35
JDBerg Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2015 Location: PA Posts: 1,835	https://www.google.com/amp/www.thetr...e-rumored/amp/ Here is an article from earlier this year about Colt Mfg. Custom Shop layoffs & “gutting” of the company. The firearms market has dropped off since the election last year. If you like pony 1911’s you’d better spend your money while you still can; if Colt files for bankruptcy (again) they might not emerge back out of it this time! __________________ Words to Live By: Before You Pray - Believe; Before You Speak - Listen; Before You Spend - Earn; Before You Write - Think; Before You Quit - Try; Before You Die - Live Last edited by JDBerg; October 1, 2017 at 03:32 AM.

October 1, 2017, 07:56 PM	#39
P-990 Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2002 Location: Only1/2WayThere Posts: 1,316	The question will really come down to, which one do you really WANT? Right now I have 2 1911s, both Colts, and have been 100% satisfied with how each performs. There are pistols that cost less, there are pistols that cost more, but I WANTED a gen-u-wine COLT, so that's where my money went. And I have my eyes on at least one, maybe 2 more already, as long as Colt can hang on and keep making new pistols. (Plus maybe an AR-15A4 and an SAA.) To be fair, Colt uses the least amount of MIM of all of the mass-produced 1911s. The nylon/polymer mainspring house doesn't bother me in the least, as it's a low stress part and if it saves a little weight, even better! While a Dan Wesson may be a "better" built gun, it will never have the Prancing Pony on the side. Now my answer to the question posed in the original post, I'd buy a Colt LW Commander in 9mm, a good holster, a bunch of different magazines, a couple cases of 9mm and go run the snot out of the pistol. __________________ NRA Master, Highpower Rifle, Across-the-Course NRA Expert, Highpower Rifle, Mid-Range Prone

September 30, 2017, 05:13 PM	#30
Rinspeed Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2000 Posts: 1,505	My problem with buying a DW is when you start getting up to the Valor level you're much better off looking at a Les Baer. The Valor was a great $1200-1300 1911, when they started getting up above $1700, not so great.

September 30, 2017, 05:30 PM	#31
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	Really? At $1700, what pistol is competitive? If you mean a SS Valor, it is much cheaper...$1500 ish

September 30, 2017, 06:54 PM	#32
Americanpatriot Member Join Date: June 11, 2017 Posts: 34	If it's not a collector investment, then my choice would be Dan Wesson for value and quality.

September 30, 2017, 07:12 PM	#33
agtman Junior member Join Date: July 26, 2001 Location: midwest Posts: 2,374	Colt is still the American original. Anything by DW is a foreign-made clone. A cloney will never wear the Pony, ... Just sayin'

October 1, 2017, 11:07 AM	#36
jimjc Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2010 Posts: 166	If you want a gun to shoot and use for home defense buy a Colt. DW are nice guns but overpriced to use for the range and HD. The only 1911 I thought was worth it was my Wilson combat I purchased in the 70's. Great gun!

October 1, 2017, 11:23 AM	#37
tipoc Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2004 Location: Redwood City, Ca. Posts: 4,114	A Colt, but that's a personal thing. tipoc

October 1, 2017, 08:05 PM	#40
Eazyeach Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2014 Posts: 706	^^^^ that sounds like a great idea!

October 2, 2017, 03:51 PM	#41
saleen322 Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2010 Posts: 778	I have had Colts and Dan Wessons. I still have the Dan Wessons.

October 2, 2017, 09:18 PM	#42
jackstrawIII Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2016 Location: Upstate NY. Posts: 901	Based on my personal experience owning Colts, my next 1911 will be a Dan Wesson. __________________ In God we trust.

October 2, 2017, 11:01 PM	#43
Water-Man Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 2,126	Dan Wesson, without a doubt.

October 4, 2017, 10:37 PM	#44
Martowski Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2000 Location: Texas (By Way of Illinois) Posts: 1,376	I currently have five 1911s: an older Kimber Series I, a S&W PC1911, Dan Wesson Specialist, Dan Wesson Pointman 9, and a Les Baer Premier II. Parts quality and fit in the Dan Wessons is second to none in this group (well, the Baer is hard fit but that's an entirely different story). Down range the DW doesn't give up ground to any of these pistols, including the Baer. My Pointman 9 may be the most accurate handgun in my collection. Colt vs. Dan Wesson, the Dan Wesson will have superior parts, superior fitting, and superior down range results. No, you won't notice a difference at 7 yards but run the target out to 25 and you will. The only reason to choose Colt over DW is because of the name. For some, that's enough, and that's fair.... but if you're looking for the "blind taste test" no one who knows quality 1911s would choose an off the shelf Colt over an off the shelf DW based on parts quality and overall execution. DW costs more, yes. But if you want the quality then you'll get it with a DW. __________________ Midwestern Ramblings (my amateur firearms blog): http://martowski.wordpress.com/

October 5, 2017, 11:50 AM	#45
tipoc Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2004 Location: Redwood City, Ca. Posts: 4,114	You go for the Colt if the features offered by DW do not suit you. The DW Guardian is a very good gun for the price. It's also a pretty gun. If the beavertail irritates your hand, or the thumb safety is off, then you look to rebuild it and then what's the point of the money you just spent? With the Colt you can build it as you please and 20 years from now you will still get your money back, or most of it, if you choose to sell it. tipoc

October 5, 2017, 02:14 PM	#46
agtman Junior member Join Date: July 26, 2001 Location: midwest Posts: 2,374	The Pony is hot now and in 20-yrs will still be. The DW? Well, ... it's pricey I agree.

October 5, 2017, 05:20 PM	#48
Rinspeed Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2000 Posts: 1,505	Just speaking for myself, I've never considered resale value in a single gun purchase I've made in the last 40 years.

October 5, 2017, 05:49 PM	#49
erob3 Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2010 Location: East Tn. for 56 years Posts: 540	I'm sure you are aware Dan Wesson is CZ and they make some of the best pistols in the business. If you are buying a modern pistol to shoot.....CZ. Don't get me wrong Colt is a fine pistol, I own several, but the fit and finish of a CZ currently is a step above. Hate to say it, but true. __________________ If something is worth doing well, it is worth failing at to get there.