What can you tell me about a Dan Wesson Guardian in .45 ACP? I saw one of these for the first time on Friday. It looks to be a finely made pistol and I wonder how the alloy frame holds up to wear. Thanks for your help.

DAN WESSON makes great 1911 pistols. They're as close to a full custom built pistol as you can get without the cost of a WILSON, BROWN, GUN CRAFTERS, etc pistols. If you can find a lightly used one as I did, you can save a lot of money.

There is a DAN WESSON forum but it's not maintained but you could also check their archives for information on the Guardian. I suspect that the alloy frame will wear just as well as a SIG alloy frame if you maintain it and keep it lubed.

If you do a little research of SIGforum available past threads on DAN WESSON, you find plenty of members here who own and appreciate them.

FWIW, my prized possession is an all stainless DW Classic 45 Commander. The fit and finish is artwork.

I’ve owned 6 Dan Wesson guns over the last few years. The first one I bought in 2012 was a Specialist in 45. I put 18,000 rounds through it with zero issues. I had them custom build me a Specialist Commander before they ever made one. Also flawless.

In the last couple years every one I’ve owned, and 4 more owned by friends all have had issues. I bought a Valor Commander in 9mm that just never worked. Went back to them 4 Times. Still didn’t work.

Finally had Keith from DW politely tell me to get bent, I was out of luck.

I’ve since sold every single DW pistol I owned ( 6 of them). I no longer suggest them to people.

They have gotten so expensive lately you are in the range of a used Wilson or NHC anyway. Even a Baer can be found used for less than $2000 all day.

The previous post notwithstanding, DW makes a VERY well-regarded 1911. I love my Guardian

They make probably the best production 1911 out there. As far as the two big important issues of accuracy and reliability they'll run with basically anything out there. I say that as a DW dealer. Also as a Wilson, Brown, etc. dealer.

So there’s a new CCO that I think will be taking over for the old CCO. It’s called the vigil. Basically the fame gun with different night Sights and traditional checkering instead of the chainlink pattern. DW’s are great guns. I wouldn’t hesitate buying any of them.

I have a Guardian .45 and love it.

I have owned several Dan Wesson pistols. The fit and finish were excellent on all of them. The accuracy was phenomenol. However, they were tight, tight guns. That made them finicky. Even after they were "broken in".
Enter my stainless Wilson CQB. Absolutely the nicest pistol i have owned and i have owned many. Rock solid reliable, accurate and really well made. More expensive yes, but in my opinion the Wesson just cannot compare
Just my opinion

I have many guns STI,Sigs,S&W,Colt but also have two Dan Wessons a 1911 ECO 45acp and a 1911 Discretion 9mm. Very accurate guns, no hang ups with these two guns.

I own several Dan Wesson 1911's. I haven't made recent purchases of DW, since the prices began to climb. Before they began jumping up, the DW's were the big unsung secret in value for a 1911.

The fit and finish on mine are very good. No barrel link play, no slide play; the slides fit the rails very well, and move like proverbial glass. The triggers are excellent, clean, fairly light, without excess overtravel. Barrel bushings are tight, no slop. Where fittings are close, none are so close as to inhibit function.

Cosmetics are good on each. I one with policed sides to the slide; I don't care for that much shine on a pistol, but other than some wear over time, it's held up well and it's an attractive finish.

I don't own a guardian, so can't comment on that. My favorite of the few DW's that I do own, however is the CCO, as I'm partial to CCO-pattern 1911's (officer length frame, commander length slide). Their full size (government) models are outstanding.

For the cost of a new retail pistol today, one isn't far from used or lower end custom pistols. I'd call the DW line "semi-custom," though they do feature a number of features that are found on custom pistols. They did have a fire a few years ago and moved facilities; I have heard some dissatisfaction since that time, but haven't seen or experienced it personally.

I have a Guardian in 9mm. It feels great and is put together tightly without any slop.

Prices in stores are crazy. Online you can still find deals. Look up twogunjay on gunbroker. He used to sell here in the Classifieds. His SW prices are unbeatable. I still come across new DW’s for $1100-1200 online. Just have to keep your eyes open

quote:

Originally posted by Dusty78:
Prices in stores are crazy. Online you can still find deals. Look up twogunjay on gunbroker. He used to sell here in the Classifieds. His SW prices are unbeatable. I still come across new DW’s for $1100-1200 online. Just have to keep your eyes open

This. I have owned (2 CBOBs, 2 Valors, Guardian 9mm, ECO9, CCO, and a PM-9). I never paid more than $1250 for any of them. All have been great guns and I still own five of them.

Yes, I am a FANBOY. I too believe they are the best bang for the buck in production 1911's. Especially, when you buy them here in the CLASSIFIEDS.

Very happy with mine.



It's a 2008 version, been absolutely flawless.

I have a v bob and a guardian, the gusrdian is a 9 though. But both of them are terrific. I got both on the forum and they were both in immaculate shape but I started over with the break-in and they have been as stated above, teriffic.

I own colts, every one of them except the gold cup has been back to colt where they go into cold storage forfuckingever and come back great, I own a SA range officer and an operator and both have been back to SA come back quickly and have worked since. The DWs worked when I got 'em ans still work so I don't know how the CS is, sorry.

Among my 1911s are 4 DWs, all bought new. A 2009 CBOB and Heritage and a brace of 2010 CCOs all in 45acp. All exhibited fantastic fit and finish as well as excellent triggers and accuracy. No regrets here.