Dan Wesson Specialist Reviews

Dan Wesson Specialist Review

I have just taken possession of a brand new Dan Wesson Specialist in 45 ACP with the Duty Coat finish. Fortunately I was able to do a trade for most of its value or else it would have never happened.

I am really stoked !!!! It is a beautiful gun for sure. I love everything about it. Any buddy else have one? Any recommendations on how to handle it for break in. It is sitting in the box right now. I haven't field stripped it.

Should I field strip it and oil it with the little bottle of oil before I shoot it? I know I need to read the manual. But, just looking for advise.

Most of the 45 I use are reloads. Should I break it in using commercial ammo?

Any advise would be appreciated.

Dan Wesson Specialist Review

First, I'm thrilled to report that the pistol ran flawlessly - no malfunctions of any kind whatsoever. The fact that it was cleaned and lubricated generously with FP-10 before it was shot may have had something to do with that. I tend to err on the wet-side when it comes to 1911's and on that note, I'll also mention that I'll be damned if it isn't the easiest 1911 I've ever field-stripped and reassembled for the first time. I think that's a tribute to how well it's built, though. All the parts just go together like butter. I wish I could say that about the other 1911's I've owned in the past but I can't.

Dan Wesson Specialist Review

Last weekend I picked up a NIB Stainless Dan Wesson Specialist pistol. These are some of my initial impressions and some basic pictures and a quick range session.

I have to say, that this pistol, feels better and more natural in the hand than any other that I have owned or handled (which includes guns that cost 2-3X the Specialist). I realize that's purely subjective, but it is what it is.

After buying the pistol, I went through to the shop's attached indoor range, and put ~ 100 rounds through it (all I had with me). I fired (10) 185gr ASYM Barnes DPX rounds, (20) Winchester PDX1 230gr rounds, and 70 of mixed Winchester and Federal 230gr FMJ rounds. I lubed the rails and barrel before shooting, and had zero issues throughout the session.
The pistol is very soft shooting, especially with the ASYM 185gr rounds. It is quite accurate - I kept one target for the entire session at 15 yards, so a specific test target can't be seen, only one big hole, but it's QUITE accurate.
The sights are very intuitive and easy to see and pick up - this was much better than any of my previous Henie type sighting experiences, not sure what it was, but I like these a lot and will keep them. The Clark serrated rib is also a very nice.