I currently have a BUL Armory commander 1911 9mm. It’s a decent pistol (reliable, reasonably accurate) but it just doesn’t light my fire for some reason. I want a 1911 9mm for range use and my collection so I’d like it to be something that offers something beyond pure utility to me. The BUL definitely checks the utility box. I’m looking at a couple of options locally and I’m having trouble deciding.

One is a Kimber Rapide Dawn priced at $900. It’s at the FFL I use so I’ve handled it several times. I really like it. I know Kimber doesn’t have the best reputation. I actually owned a Tactical Pro II years ago that was a tack driver but wasn’t reliable. Still, I’m drawn to this one. I know many won’t like its blingy look but I like the design.

The other is a Dan Wesson Valor Commander Limited Edition with Duty Treat for $1500. I know Dan Wesson is generally lauded but it doesn’t take a lot of digging to find complaints of unreliability and bad service from Dan Wesson. Even folks who praise their Dan Wesson 1911 will sometimes say it’s not reliable. This one definitely has a more traditional look, very beautiful.

I feel like either pistol is a bit of a gamble. If there is an issue it seems like I might have better luck getting the Kimber corrected since it’s a standard government layout. I figure swapping parts and tweaking would be easier. The DW is a bull barrel so I’m guessing it would be better for DW to look into any issues it might have and I don’t like what I’ve read about their current service. Also, I’d be a lot less upset if the Kimber had issues vs the DW given the price difference.

I know I’m probably overthinking all this and the Dan Wesson will likely be recommended over the Kimber. I’d appreciate any insight, even if it’s just a poll vote.

Question:
Which 1911 9mm?

Choices:
Kimber Rapide Dawn
Dan Wesson Valor Commander

 

Dan Wesson all day

So how about this: get the one that, if it doesn't satisfy you, you will least regret. That way if it works out, you're golden.

I recently bought a Tisas Stingray. It is a Commander size with an aluminum frame. I can't say enough good things about it and way cheaper than what you are talking about.

Dan Wesson.

They make an awesome gun with tool steel internals. Probably the top of the heap in the production single stack market right now.

I guess to each his own ...but for me, the BUL 1911 Commander (or Gov't) are amazing! Quality of build, fit, feel, and flawless reliability! Especially so for the price point of this quality build. For me at least it is very accurate and eats any ammo I feed it. Great value for the money too... Dan Wesson pistols are nice and good quality as well. As you've indicated, Kimbers are 'touch & go'- Kimbers are good all around mid tier 1911s but none, in my opinion equals the BUL 1911...
Shouldn't you consider 'renewing your vows'with your BUL...?

quote:

Originally posted by maxwayne:
I recently bought a Tisas Stingray. It is a Commander size with an aluminum frame. I can't say enough good things about it and way cheaper than what you are talking about.

I voted Dan Wesson, I've always wanted a Valor and love the bobtail look. I looked at one last week and the shop wanted $1648.

I picked up a Tisas Stingray yesterday for $574 and scratched the bobtail itch. Shot it a bit tonight and am very impressed. Only a box of 124 ball and a handfull of 124 Gold Dots, but zero issues so far.

quote:

Originally posted by Sams1:
I guess to each his own ...but for me, the BUL 1911 Commander (or Gov't) are amazing! Quality of build, fit, feel, and flawless reliability! Especially so for the price point of this quality build. For me at least it is very accurate and eats any ammo I feed it. Great value for the money too... Dan Wesson pistols are nice and good quality as well. As you've indicated, Kimbers are 'touch & go'- Kimbers are good all around mid tier 1911s but none, in my opinion equals the BUL 1911...
Shouldn't you consider 'renewing your vows'with your BUL...?

I would recommend a BUL to anyone wanting a utilitarian 1911 with a lot of great features for the money. I've got many great utilitarian pistols though (SIGs, S&W 3rd Gens, CZs, etc.) so I just want a 1911 that's a little more refined/special/unique. Totally a first-world issue and it's not meant to be a slight against BUL products at all. The trigger on my BUL is especially nice and the fit is pretty good. My plan is to sell the BUL after verifying the next 1911 is good to go but there's a 99% chance it's not going anywhere. I do like it.

I will make an additional note about my BUL though. I tried to install a couple of Ed Brown parts on it that didn't work, a slide stop & firing pin stop (plate on rear of slide). I only wanted to swap the parts because the Ed Browns were back and I wanted them to the match the black safety & sights on the pistol. The factory slide & firing pin stops are silver. The Ed Brown slide stop would not fully raise on an empty magazine with any of my mags (factory BUL, Wilson Combat, Mecgar). The slide would not come forward off the frame for disassembly with the Ed Brown firing pin stop installed. I've used both of those Ed Brown parts on Ruger & Springfield Armory 1911s without issue. I didn't dig into this any further, just put the factory parts back on and continued shooting it.

Here are the pistols in question, just so we're all on the same page.

From my research (found here), this is from the last run of 9mm Valors in 2019. 1 of 50 made with the Duty Finish. Seller's photo.


I'm sure many will find this Kimber tacky but I like it. Definitely doesn't have the traditional beauty of the Valor though.


This is my BUL Commander. It's really a good gun. I should just be happy with it but it's not quite scratching my itch.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: photoman12001,

Of the 2 Dan Wesson. But I vote neither. I've had a handful of 9mm 1911's over the years. I much prefer government sized for a range gun, much better balanced. I own several high end 1911's from Ed Brown, Wilson Combat etc. BUT, I bought a Colt competition stainless 9mm sight unseen. It is a REALLY well put together 1911 and shoots really well for a sub $1000 gun and it's reliable. It has G10 grips, F/O sites, really tight frame to slide fit and barrel bushing fit, and holds it's value. The 9mm 1911 governments do shoot really nicely. The other option is to buy a 38 super gun and have a 9mm barrel fitted. If you want something more refined go to an Ed Brown Kobra.

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
Of the 2 Dan Wesson. But I vote neither. I've had a handful of 9mm 1911's over the years. I much prefer government sized for a range gun, much better balanced. I own several high end 1911's from Ed Brown, Wilson Combat etc. BUT, I bought a Colt competition stainless 9mm sight unseen. It is a REALLY well put together 1911 and shoots really well for a sub $1000 gun and it's reliable. It has G10 grips, F/O sites, really tight frame to slide fit and barrel bushing fit, and holds it's value. The 9mm 1911 governments do shoot really nicely. The other option is to buy a 38 super gun and have a 9mm barrel fitted. If you want something more refined go to an Ed Brown Kobra.

I pretty much ruled out Colts & Springfield Armorys. I've handled a lot of them locally but like the BUL they really weren't doing it for me. I did consider a SA Emissary. I've been impressed with the several examples I handled but for the price they fetch I'd rather do the Dan Wesson. Also, if I do decide to carry it the square trigger guard reduces holster options. I should probably do a government size for the intended purpose but I've always preferred the commander. I can't really say why.

A friend has that model Bul and really likes it.

I suggest you see a dermatologist for that itch.

Any 1911 type is a crapshoot. I am sure the majority is fine and we just hear about the duds, but a design that established shouldn't have any duds. A guy here is headed down the Kimber road and I have my fingers crossed for him

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Watson:
A friend has that model Bul and really likes it.

I suggest you see a dermatologist for that itch.

Any 1911 type is a crapshoot. I am sure the majority is fine and we just hear about the duds, but a design that established shouldn't have any duds. A guy here is headed down the Kimber road and I have my fingers crossed for him

Dermatologist recommended the DW too

The 1911 issues are a bit annoying. I never have these nagging concerns if I'm looking at a SIG, HK, CZ, etc. and generally have had good luck with the many pistols I've owned. Honestly, I've had pretty good luck with the few 1911s I've owned from Colt, Springfield Armory, Ruger, & BUL. The one that had issues was a Kimber. I loved the design & precision shooting but it was rare to have a magazine without a failure.

I decided to get the Dan Wesson. I like that particular configuration and it's a bit rare. I think I'd regret not grabbing it while I can. Used Kimbers won't be hard to find. I think the DW will be a good companion to my old Colt 1911.

While Kimber makes a good gun, especially the older guns, I prefer the DW guns. The quality is hard to beat.

I’m surprised about your research saying DW guns are unreliable. Not only have I never read that or heard that, my 2 9mm Valor’s have never malfunctioned.

They were better when they were cheaper but they are still the sweet spot between price and quality. That Kimber you posted is plain fugly. I’m glad you went DW, I think you will be happy.

The Kimber and the BUL are loaded with MIM parts (although BUL does oversize their MIM to fit while Kimber doesn't) while Dan Wesson uses all tool steel parts and has the most fitting on a production line 1911. There's no comparison.

I've also not heard any issues with Dan Wesson 9mms, and overall reliability on 9mm 1911s have improved a lot with current magazine designs, although if there's a chance Kimber can screw something up, they will.

I’m headed to the range with the DW now.
I’ll report how it does.

Any possibility of talking you into a DWX if you're looking for something unique that's in 9mm?

I’ve got a DW Guardian in .45, it’s a little stout for my arthritic hands but I imagine a 9 would be a pussy cat. I vote for DW all the way, buy once, cry once…

The 1911 in 9mm is a true pussycat. And a lot cheaper to shoot.