Some new Dan Wesson 1911 models have what is referred to as a "Stan Chen" mag well for faster magazine changes. Are the grip frames on these particular models different from standard 1911s? I've never had the opportunity to see one first hand and was just curious about the setup.

Hi Kaschi,
I looked at one in person recently and it is a standard 1911 frame with what appeared to be a one piece Stan Chen mainspring housing/mag well. Blending was done well and appears to be of high quality. Hope that helped.

I don't know what magwell they are using, but I put a Chen Shooter Installed Magwell on my Valor and I liked it so much I immediately purchased another for my Springfield Ronin. Very nice product. I'd wager that Chen has made a deal with Dan Wesson and is providing the SI Mag Well. Chen makes good stuff.

Indeed, the DW site notes the Chen SI magwell for the current Valor. Top-notch all-around.

I had a Baer 1911 with Chen’s Gen2 magwell a short while back, it worked exceptionally well, and I’d expect their SI version to do the same.

Thanks guys, I understand now. If a guy were to want the standard configuration 1911 look again for whatever reason, are these mag wells easily removed or is the removal process complicated?

quote:

Originally posted by kaschi:
Thanks guys, I understand now. If a guy were to want the standard configuration 1911 look again for whatever reason, are these mag wells easily removed or is the removal process complicated?

Very simple procedure. Takes a couple of minutes to swap out the mainspring housing.

Remove grips (if MSH pin is covered)
Drive out MSH pin
remove MSH/Mag Well
Replace with conventional MSH without mag well.
Replace MSH pin.
Replace grips (if removed)

I'm not normally a big mag well fan, but the Chen SI is pretty nice. Blends nicely with most frames, really does aid in quick reloads, and is visually pleasing without adding much bulk.

Magwell on, magwell off! Really it is a no brainer! Just push the little pin out and don't forget to put it back in. LOL

Now that you all clarified it, that sounds easy enough. Figured the way things are nowadays, it would HAVE to be complicated! Now I'll have to justify getting of these Valors with 5" barrels to support and keep its little Commander-sized Valor company here.