Opinions wanted: my next 1911? UPDATE - went with the DW A2 w/ pics - Page 1

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Opinions wanted: my next 1911? UPDATE - went with the DW A2 w/ pics

Posted: 6/29/2018 11:18:23 AM EDT

I have a SW 1911 and I like it a lot. Bought it about 10 years ago maybe and have loved 1911's since. Anyway, now I'm wanting another that's a little more faithful to what a 1911 is supposed to be - a more respectable example if you will, but still a good shooter. Something my son will be happy to inherit one day.

I'm torn between a Colt Series 70 and a Dan Wesson A2.

What do you guys think? Or should I consider something else entirely? (no Kimber, and Springfield doesn't exactly blow my skirt up) My budget is approx $1k +/-, but I could be persuaded to spend more.

Posted: 6/29/2018 11:35:22 AM EDT

[#1]

For around a grand, I think the Colt Competition or Rail Gun would be my top choices, depending on what you want to use it for.

Posted: 6/29/2018 11:37:13 AM EDT

[#2]

Colt 70 Series. It will ruin you to the rest.

Posted: 6/29/2018 11:46:41 AM EDT

[#3]

I still like my Springfield Loaded. I got it for $600 brand new although I hear that's not normal. Use the saved money for mags and ammo.

Posted: 6/29/2018 11:46:53 AM EDT

[#4]

Buy a Dan Wesson and don't look back. For a few dollars more than a Colt, Kimber or a Springfield, which are all mass production guns, you can get a Dan Wesson which is in the semi-custom league of Ed Brown, Les Baer, and Wilson. Dan Wessons are built by skilled gunsmiths that actually spend time on each gun fitting parts. Go and handle a Colt or one of the production guns you mention, then handle a Dan Wesson, the difference in fit and finish is ASTOUNDING. On Gunbroker you can find a Dan Wesson all day for around $1200, through you will see many that cost more.

Posted: 6/29/2018 12:17:22 PM EDT

[#5]

Buy the Coonan .357 Magnum 1911

All joking aside, Dan Wesson is generally considered the way to get the most for your money.

Posted: 6/29/2018 12:42:31 PM EDT

[#6]

Another vote for Dan Wesson

Posted: 6/29/2018 1:20:34 PM EDT

[#7]

DW A2.

Posted: 6/29/2018 1:26:48 PM EDT

[#8]

For a production 1911 you can't beat Dan Wesson right now.

Posted: 6/29/2018 1:46:28 PM EDT

[#9]

There was a very nice DW Blued Valor on the EE here for a very reasonable price, I would look into that.
$1,000 max? Springfield Loaded and use the extra cash for mags and ammo.
Squeeze a few hundred more out and go DW.

Posted: 6/29/2018 2:48:27 PM EDT

[#10]

Thanks for the feedback, gents. Most of these kind of threads, OP has an unadmitted preference - but for me I was truly totally torn. I've been looking even closer at the A2 and I'm going with the consensus here and getting the DW.

Anybody have preferences between full size vs commander? My SW1911 is a full size, so I'm thinking commander with the DW... ETA: or screw it, I wanted a "fine example", so probably better stay with full size. I don't need to CCW it or anything

Posted: 6/29/2018 3:12:46 PM EDT

[#11]

When I started looking at 1911's again I decided on the Commander size. Although I gave the DW Commanders some serious consideration I just could not justify spending that kind of money on a pistol so I went with the Colt Combat Commander. Even though it is a well-built pistol, for the money I spent to "upgrade" it I could have just as well bought the DW Valor Commander and not had to do upgrades.

The trigger on the Colt was sloppy and noisy and I installed a Wilson trigger to fix that. The grip safety was rattley and loose, I had to bend the spring leaf out some and add shims to both sides upon re-installing. I also added Novak night sights and an arched metal mainspring housing. It's how I want it now and it shoots great, but if I had to do it all over again I'd buy once cry once and save myself the headache and time. But it is nice to have a 1911 that's made by Colt, nostalgic if nothing else.

Posted: 6/30/2018 3:51:19 AM EDT

[#12]

The Dan wesson A2 is lightyears ahead of the Colt series 70. If your looking for a base gun for a build the series 70 is good but off the shelf the DW will blow it away..

Posted: 6/30/2018 10:26:25 AM EDT

[#13]

After buying a DW 1911, I can’t imagine buying anything else. The quality is astonishing.

Posted: 6/30/2018 12:33:10 PM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
After buying a DW 1911, I can’t imagine buying anything else. The quality is astonishing.

View Quote

I just got my first one and it’s amazing.

Posted: 6/30/2018 4:28:34 PM EDT

[#15]

Dan Wesson would be my choice. Valor VBOB and Specialist here which have been flawless. I have owned a number of colts including a commander that didn’t like the hollow points, however my rail gun ate everything. DW is just a step above for the money IMO.

Posted: 6/30/2018 11:10:19 PM EDT

[#16]

Dan Wesson has a great reputation. I’ve always been a Colt or Springfield guy myself. The Springfield Loaded is a nice gun with a great warranty. Colt Wiley Clapp Government has lots of nice features as well.

Posted: 7/4/2018 10:51:50 AM EDT

[#17]

If 1k is roughly the limit then a Colt Wiley would be a good choice, I almost bought a Competition a couple weeks ago before a Sig Tacops got my attention.

Posted: 7/6/2018 9:38:00 PM EDT

[#18]

Another vote for the Dan Wesson.

Posted: 7/6/2018 11:00:47 PM EDT

[#19]

mine was a Colt Combat Commander

Posted: 7/7/2018 6:09:53 PM EDT

[#20]

I'm torn between a Colt Series 70 and a Dan Wesson A2.

Just a bit over your budget but here is the Dan Wesson Vigil for $1171 plus S&H (but no cc fees):

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/775937672

*****I am in no way affiliated with the seller or Gunbroker. Just passing along the info*****

Posted: 7/7/2018 10:41:12 PM EDT

[#21]

I am beyond thrilled with my Dan Wesson A2

edit: I just wish I'd found a blued model. I wound up getting the parked one local and used, so the price difference helped, but with how much I love it I wish I'd just got a blued model when they first dropped.

Posted: 7/10/2018 4:28:29 PM EDT

[#22]

Just picked up the A2 a few days ago. Basement floor potato picks will have to do until I can get it out to the range.

With my SW1911

with my Dan Wesson 15 that was my Dad's before he passed away. They're Brothers!

So far, pretty pleased with my purchase.

Posted: 7/10/2018 5:06:27 PM EDT

[#23]

Very nice. High on my list if I get another 1911. Looking forward to your range report.

Posted: 7/10/2018 7:07:46 PM EDT

[#24]

That is a very nice 1911.
Want.

Posted: 7/10/2018 8:58:28 PM EDT

[#25]

Nice.

Posted: 7/13/2018 1:09:30 PM EDT

[#26]

I love the hammer profile on the A2 and wish I could get it separately.

Posted: 7/13/2018 3:58:31 PM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:
Just picked up the A2 a few days ago. Basement floor potato picks will have to do until I can get it out to the range.

With my SW1911

https://i.imgur.com/D8hpGjX.jpg?3

with my Dan Wesson 15 that was my Dad's before he passed away. They're Brothers!

https://i.imgur.com/x7jqhBp.jpg?4

So far, pretty pleased with my purchase.

View Quote

That is such a good looking 1911, one of the most aesthetics pleasing on the market IMO.

I don’t need another full sized .45acp 1911, but if I did it would probably be that.

Posted: 7/14/2018 1:00:34 AM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
I am beyond thrilled with my Dan Wesson A2

https://i.imgur.com/fm0Kge4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2dvfuQg.jpg

edit: I just wish I'd found a blued model. I wound up getting the parked one local and used, so the price difference helped, but with how much I love it I wish I'd just got a blued model when they first dropped.

View Quote

You can have an excellent blued finish applied for less than $300. Ford's or even DW may do it for you.

Posted: 7/14/2018 1:01:35 AM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
I love the hammer profile on the A2 and wish I could get it separately.

View Quote

Did you ever ask DW? You would be very surprised at what parts and services you can buy from them.

Posted: 7/14/2018 8:23:47 AM EDT

[#30]

I love the A2, but wish for that price it had front strap checkering

Posted: 7/14/2018 8:27:04 AM EDT

[#31]

Congrats, she’s gorgeous

Posted: 7/14/2018 9:56:35 AM EDT

[#32]

Great looking pistol! I really like the A2 (only wish they didn't use the beavertail as I like the traditional grip safety).

I noticed they have a mil/leo program so I sent off to be enrolled. I doubt that will bring their prices down enough to tempt me but it doesn't hurt to see.

I *really* like this 10mm:

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