Posted: 4/4/2011 4:34:43 PM EDT
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First, let me say that I know little to nothing about 1911's. Treat me as a complete new guy in this subsection. As far as handguns go, I'm a Glock guy.
With all of that said, I know that the 1911 is pretty much a necessity in any American's collection. So at some point, I plan to get one. I've been putting it off as it's a bit lower on my priority list, but I've been presented with an opportunity to buy a used Dan Wesson PMDP from an acquaintance from work. What can you tell me about this model? I understand from doing a little reading that it was a limited model, but other than that I don't know much. Would this be a good beginner 1911? Where does it rank in regards to quality among the big names in 1911 world? The guy from work says that it has <100 rounds through it, and from the pictures he sent me it looks (to my untrained eye) to be in good shape. He's asking $600. What do you guys think? I welcome all opinions. 
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Dan wesson 1911's are good quality guns. Like any maker, a few left the factory in need of tweeking, but for the most part, they are hard to get because they get bought up quick.
That would be a Dan Wesson "Point Man, Dave Pruitt" model.. a limited series of 500 if memory serves, and if in great shape, with only 100 rounds, is worth more than $600... so it should be a good deal for you. |
Been there... I will never carry a plastic gun again if I can help it!
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Quoted:
Not worth the $$. The pre CZ's I've seen were pretty much crap. Unfixable crap. better served with one of the phillipine models for $600. i was trying to be nice 
My friend has a Pre-CZ DW, and it was back to the shop a few times (before CZ) and still has problems. Surprises me that people like Fusion, which is owned by Bob Serva (owner of Dan Wesson before CZ), i've seen some sub-par guns on the 1911Forum, but people were happy with it. |
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Well, now the opinions are much less united. I'm not in a huge yank to pick up a 1911 right now, but if this was a good gun for a good price, I would go for it. I want a 1911 at some point, but when I get one, I'll spend enough to get a fairly nice one. If this one will leave me disappointed, I'll pass on it.
Does anyone else have an opinion on this? |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Not worth the $$. The pre CZ's I've seen were pretty much crap. Unfixable crap. better served with one of the phillipine models for $600. i was trying to be nice
My friend has a Pre-CZ DW, and it was back to the shop a few times (before CZ) and still has problems. Surprises me that people like Fusion, which is owned by Bob Serva (owner of Dan Wesson before CZ), i've seen some sub-par guns on the 1911Forum, but people were happy with it. Time will tell if Fusion's consistancy improves. The last Fusion I saw was fitted as well or better than an Ed Brown or DW Valor. It's a fitted drop in barrel, not a hard fit like LesBaer or anything. So hopefully they'll keep it up, and that all the screw-ups with getting thier customers what the actually want, goes away. And the Fusions look gorgeous, nice and clean, no stupid logos. One day I might pick up one of thier 6" kits. But I'm going to wait for a 6" monolith kit. |
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Not worth the $$. The pre CZ's I've seen were pretty much crap. Unfixable crap. better served with one of the phillipine models for $600. +1 This is the problem when people come late to the 1911 game, they never knew that at one time DW was not worth the steel it was made out of and say "DW makes a great gun". Sure, they do NOW. OP, forget about that pistol. |
| I'm no real 1911 expert, except for the one I have-it's a pre CZ DW PM 1S. So accurate and consistent it's scary, locks up like a bank vault door, very well fitted. If the one you're looking at seems tight, well made and fitted, it's easily worth over $600 in today's market. I don't want to be contrary to more experienced 1911 guys, but if that one is good, especially since you can take it to shoot, give it a try. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Not worth the $$. The pre CZ's I've seen were pretty much crap. Unfixable crap. better served with one of the phillipine models for $600. +1 This is the problem when people come late to the 1911 game, they never knew that at one time DW was not worth the steel it was made out of and say "DW makes a great gun". Sure, they do NOW. OP, forget about that pistol. I'm late to the game and I didn't know that. Thanks for the history lesson. I'll keep it in mind if I am ever looking to snag an older model. |
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As has been said take it out & shoot it. If you like it you can't beat a 1911 for $600. From personal experience my pre-cz dan wesson that i bought used has been bone stock reliable through over 800 rounds. It eats anything I throw at it.
John http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z464/mastrtech/DSCN0425.jpg |