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

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



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


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Just speaking for myself, I've never considered resale value in a single gun purchase I've made in the last 40 years. ;)
 
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.
 
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.
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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
 
Never ever saw a DW 1911 with the rampant Pony stamped on it. But I hear it's a really nice shooting $1600 clone. :rolleyes:
 
Never ever saw a DW 1911 with the rampant Pony stamped on it. But I hear it's a really nice shooting $1600 clone.
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Fact is Colt didn't come up with much and the company has been run by retards for the last 40 years.
 
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Nothing wrong with a Colt at all, a good gun. But, the average production run Colt is no match in quality to a production run DW. I definitely get those people who want the Pony "just because"... we all have our own reasons for what we want. I, for one, have never been in that camp... but I also don't buy only IBM PCs because they were the first in their sector (bad analogy maybe, but you get where I'm going).
 
DW is the best production 1911 and I don't think there is a close second (although STI is not bad). But a DW is still not a Colt. Love 'em both! Personally, I'm trying to decide if I want a Colt Competition 70 series or a Valor. The Valor is almost double the cost. I want both!
 
I'd go DW,because it is a very good 1911 pistol,and I don't have in my collection already. I do have a 1911 Colt,so that my choice Dan Wesson!:):cool::D
 
I have owned several Colt 1911s over several decades. They are great guns, however Dan Wesson 1911s have more hand fitted, and superior craftsmanship over the Colts. That is why the cost more than the Colts. I say get the Dan Wesson.
 
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