Why no love for Dan Wesson?

[freddy]

Is this tested somewhere? I'd like to see the 2 guns clamped to a bench using the same exact ammo for this test. Then you'd have to ask if it's the fitment or the barrel? If there is a decisive difference then I'd like to see the test using the same exact barrels. If there is still a difference then I'd be inclined to believe fitment is making an actual difference.

Yes my friend, this is the gospel of the holy 1911 - the single most iconic handgun of all time. Over 100 years of gunsmith confirmation awaits. Ask and ye shall find it online.

 

[GuyMontag]

Is this tested somewhere? I'd like to see the 2 guns clamped to a bench using the same exact ammo for this test. Then you'd have to ask if it's the fitment or the barrel? If there is a decisive difference then I'd like to see the test using the same exact barrels. If there is still a difference then I'd be inclined to believe fitment is making an actual difference.

gsb, it's tested, confirmed, and as real as rain, this isn't Bigfoot.


Guns built by Joe have been used to win over 70 class championships at the NRA Camp Perry National Championships, as well as many regional, state and local matches. He has built guns for collectors, concealed carry and action pistol competitors as well. He has designed and built guns for individuals serving in various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces both in the US and around the world.

His 1911 style pistols in .45acp shoot 10 shot groups at 50 yards between 1.100” and 1.500”, with the average of 1.350”. The guns built in 9mm and .38 Super average just under 1.00” for 10 shots at 50 yards.


About Us | Chambers Custom

 

[Saltwater60]

In my opinion alot of the custom shops make "cooler" guns of equal or better quality for the same price.
STI
Cabot
Ed Brown
Ned Christianson
Ted Yost
Terry Tussey
Chuck Rogers
Ross Carter
Single
CT Brian
Jesse James

And many, many, many more

I'd go with an STI or Springfield 1911 if I had my choice. Cheaper option would be rock island tac series.

 

[Eddie Gunks]

Yes, I think hand fitting of a 1911 is really the ultimate goal (ala Dan Wesson, etc) since the 1911 design really requires hand fitting to make it work the best it can. That is not to say there are no good shooting $600 1911's but rather that properly hand fit 1911's are more likely to shoot well (accuracy and feeding). As I see it, anything much beyond a DW Valor is more for cosmetic reasons and bragging rights. And again, I sure would like a nice Wilson or Brown. Just that the Valor (for example) achieves supreme lockup and the entire gun is extremely tight/accurate/reliable but for significantly less cost than a Wilson or Brown.

Serious question. How so? What happens if it isn't hand fit? What is better about the DW vs the $600 pistol due to the hand fitting?

In todays day and age, hand fitting it means they did not make the parts correctly and now the have to “fix” em to make it work.

Best value out there is the springfield trophy match.

 

[GuyMontag]

In todays day and age, hand fitting it means they did not make the parts correctly and now the have to “fix” em to make it work.

BG, you know tolerances are set on who spec'd them, there's no need to "fix".

What Rock Island considers as acceptable is most definitely not the same standard as EB or WC.

Hand work is either assumed as part of the process, or omitted as a function of price.

Working to hundredths or thousandths versus to the ten-thousandths is where the rubber meets the road.

The difference in performance, finish and fit is truly a whole other level, and priced accordingly.


I do like the Trophy Match, not as much as DW A2, but I'm still a sucker for Springfields.

Whether it's Swiss watches, sports cars, or 1911s, modern fabricating only gets you so far, the human hand remains as the difference.

 

[freddy]

BG, you know tolerances are set on who spec'd them, there's no need to "fix".

What Rock Island considers as acceptable is most definitely not the same standard as EB or WC.

Hand work is either assumed as part of the process, or omitted as a function of price.

Working to hundredths or thousandths versus to the ten-thousandths is where the rubber meets the road.

The difference in performance, finish and fit is truly a whole other level, and priced accordingly.


I do like the Trophy Match, not as much as DW A2, but I'm still a sucker for Springfields.

Whether it's Swiss watches, sports cars, or 1911s, modern fabricating only gets you so far, the human hand remains as the difference.

100%

 

[71velle]

In todays day and age, hand fitting it means they did not make the parts correctly and now the have to “fix” em to make it work.

Best value out there is the springfield trophy match.

Not sure if I buy that when it comes to a 1911 anyway. I have shot enough 1911 to know for the most part you get what you pay for. But, I can say the DWs shoot better for me than any of the cheeper models I have shot. The Knighthawk I fired was better than the DWs. Now that said the performance difference didnt justify the price difference IMO, but to the owner it did. Value is very subjective.

The Trophy Match is close to price of a DW but, I dont like the roll marks. Im not much of a looks guy myself but know a lot of guys that wont consider a gun they view as ugly.