Since the 80' I've owned several Combat Commanders, Govt. Models, and a couple of Delta Elites. I decided to try a Dan Wesson and I was hooked. Quality is so much better than any Colt 1911 that I have ever owned. Now I own one Night Hawk Custom and three Dan Wesson 1911 - all 10mm because the caliber is superior to .45 ACP. I'd definitely recommend a Specialist.

My DW's all have super smooth, super tight match grade triggers unlike the Colts that I owned that had loose triggers. The slide to frame fit is tighter and a lot smoother than any Colt that I have ever owned. And none of the Colts that I owned had magwells. I prefer magwells because they aid with conducting faster, smoother and more reliable combat reloading than 1911's without. So, I find that for me they are a must have for any serious duty/EDC 1911.

My Specialist is stainless steel and came with match grade trigger, match grade barrel, magwell, and night sights. I don't like VZ grips or checkered grips, so I changed them out for polished, smooth Gaboon ebony wood grips from Wood Caliber. Same grips pictured on my NHC and Specialist Commander pictured on the last photo.

I forgot to mention, I can say nothing about Springfield Armory 1911's as I have no interest in them and never owned one.

My 1911's.

 

Since the 80' I've owned several Combat Commanders, Govt. Models, and a couple of Delta Elites. I decided to try a Dan Wesson and I was hooked. Quality is so much better than any Colt 1911 that I have ever owned. Now I own one Night Hawk Custom and three Dan Wesson 1911 - all 10mm because the caliber is superior to .45 ACP. I'd definitely recommend a Specialist.

My DW's all have super smooth, super tight match grade triggers unlike the Colts that I owned that had loose triggers. The slide to frame fit is tighter and a lot smoother than any Colt that I have ever owned. And none of the Colts that I owned had magwells. I prefer magwells because they aid with conducting faster, smoother and more reliable combat reloading than 1911's without. So, I find that for me they are a must have for any serious duty/EDC 1911.

My Specialist is stainless steel and came with match grade trigger, match grade barrel, magwell, and night sights. I don't like VZ grips or checkered grips, so I changed them out for polished, smooth Gaboon ebony wood grips from Wood Caliber. Same grips pictured on my NHC and Specialist Commander pictured on the last photo.

I forgot to mention, I can say nothing about Springfield Armory 1911's as I have no interest in them and never owned one.

My 1911's.
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Thanks, I really like the black Specialist, but looking around online, it doesn’t seem like that one is still offered. The black ones all have optics cuts and cost $400 more than the stainless with standard Novak cuts. I don’t mind stainless at all. I also like mag wells on duty type 1911s, but it’s an easy addition so I wouldn’t discount a pistol that doesn’t come with one.

 

Of those three, I would vote for the Specialist as well. A little more expensive than the other options, but worth it.

I own a TRP (non-"Operator") as well, and it's nice, but if I could only have one....DW.

 

The Specialist has no MIM. DWs offer terrific value.

 

i have not handled the new trp's. but have and do own all the others above. i'd have to agree, most readily agree, go with the dan. the springer is going to have to be very good to compete with the dan's, and the old ones while very good in their way do not. really to get a better gun it's going to cost another grand.

 

COME ON ! This isn't rocket science... Just say FINE I'LL take one of EACH, and end the discussion.

😬

 

The only 1911 I've lived more than my Dan Wesson guns is my Wilson Combat.

IMHO, best non "custom" 1911 makers.

 

Among these, the Specialist is certainly made with higher grade components and with more hand fitting.

The satin stainless of the Specialist (if it's like that of the Valor) won't be nearly as durable as the Duty Treat (or whatever DW is currently calling their Nitride treatment). I've read many stories about the abuse the treatment is able to withstand without showing any wear. This is pretty typical of well executed Nitride.

A Colt or SA might be put together pretty well.....or not.

 

Get the DW Specialist with optics cut. You'll thank me when you get older 45+.

 

I’m 53! I have one pistol with a red dot (Glock 19 clone I put together), and I’m not enamored of the concept. I can still shoot faster and more accurately with iron sights at close range (<10yds) and more accurately at longer ranges (just a little slower). I’m slightly nearsighted due to age, but not enough to matter (yet). I’m not opposed to the optics cut version, though, and I’m seriously considering it.

 

I'd skip the optics cut. There's CZ Shadow OR's and Glock MOS's for that.

Just weird on a 1911. I'm sure there's an exception to that rule.

This isn't a fair comparison. The DW is a more expensive nicer pistol. If it's features suit you, get it.

If the Trp is similar in price, that's too bad for Springfield.

 

DW Specialist vs. Colt Combat Unit vs. Springfield TRP Operator...


Tough call.

Prior to Covid-era I'd have said Dan Wesson, hands down, unreservedly.
Since then, however, I no longer will.
My customer service experiences with them prior were met with stellar results....afterwards was a different matter. Maybe they've cleaned it up by now. I don't know.

Springfield is going to be responsive and quick to get your gun returned to them if anything is amiss....the question being whether their findings will simply be "your issue is within spec tolerances, etc" or addressed to your liking and returned to you.

It is sad when paying $1,800+ for a pistol is such a gamble.

I'm not comfortable with the new "normal" of things. I'll forever remain stuck in the past.

Sorry for the griping post.
When faced with the decision, I saved for longer and went with a different maker. It was cheaper than getting a Colt Rail Gun and having it tweaked by a smith.

I really like having a couple railed 1911's.
They certainly have a place in my meager 'collection'.

 

Tweaking a Colt Rail Gun is something I also considered. I have several Colts, and I know what it takes to make them run flawlessly. But, the rail guns are going for about $1200, and after new sights, new fire control parts, magwell, checkering, and finishing, I am easily at or above $2,000. The TRP Operators are close to $2,000 and the CCU rail guns are the same if you can find one. Price-wise, they’re all about the same. I really can’t justify more.

 

i dunno. a nighthawk colt is quite a piece of machinery (i own one). still the dan is a solid choice. all complaints posted here over the last year or so that i have seen, were eventually resolved. just seemed like pulling teeth for some folks. sa cs is very good, but still if it was my choice i'd go with the dan. if you interested call mr reeves at nighthawk and find out what it would take to make you happy.

 

If you like to piddle around with your guns get the Colt. Dan Wesson usually doesn't need anything, just be sure to get the D.W. you like to start with. If you enjoy being aggravated, get the S.A., that'll do it!