Question about a Dan Wesson A-2

buddyd157 said:

and yes, in fact, i did download a Dan Wesson maintenance and break in, lube and cleaning, where they do recommend at least 2 different lube oils.

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These were the key points from the Dan Wesson 1911 break procedures I was referring to in my previous post

https://danwessonfirearms.com/ourquality/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/DW-1911-Manual.pdf

2 . Only use generous amounts of the recommend lubricants on the rails of your Dan Wesson .
3 . We recommend that you felid strip, clean and re-oil every 50 rounds during break in .
4 . We recommend a break-in period of 300-500 rounds before the gun is competition/combat ready .

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buddyd157 said:

for what it may be worth, i have 2 hammer fired guns, (both CZ models), and 3 striker fired guns. i had posted several times here, my target practice using both types of guns. one of my CZ's, is a .45 ACP and from my last range visit, i seem to be able to handle the .45 very well, and this was not my opinion on myself, but 2 RSO's.

and yes, in fact, i did download a Dan Wesson maintenance and break in, lube and cleaning, where they do recommend at least 2 different lube oils.

in regards as to why i asked about a Taurus being "just as good", right now, i am on a pension and SS. money as a result is tight, over those of you that are still working.

so, i'll just have to save up for that Dan Wesson.

and as for cleaning fluids, i use Hoppes 9 exclusively, along with Hoppes oil, and i also have Weapon Shield oil as well.

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For what it's worth I use Ballistol on my Dan Wessons and FP10 on the rails, no issues.

Used hoppes on them for years too, no issues. They just don't recommend using the CLP on the duty finish as it can cloud the finish, I didn't read and used it on my VBob quite a bit and, again, no issues. Guess it's a mixed bag.

As to whether a Taurus is just as good, it really depends on what you consider just as good. Fit and finish? No chance. Accuracy? Depends on the user, but it's quite possible it will shoot just as accurate and reliable in your hands. So it really depends on what you want.

For instance, I have a RIA TAC 10mm 1911 and with my handloads it's my most accurate 1911, hands down. Not just in my hands but everyone who's tried it. Has outshot Wilson's, Nighthawks, a Baer, and a plethora of lesser production guns side by side. In a vice is it more mechanically accurate than the semi customs? I highly doubt it, but in the hand it just shoots so good.

That said, even being a more expensive version of the RIA line (I think I paid $600 almost ten years ago) it's pretty roughly constructed, sharp edges, tool marks, poor finish in places and even after lots of use doesn't "glide" like a 1911 slide should. But it shoots. It's my most used woods gun and gets abused quite a bit as well.

JTQ said:

These were the key points from the Dan Wesson 1911 break procedures I was referring to in my previous post

https://danwessonfirearms.com/ourquality/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/DW-1911-Manual.pdf

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That's good advice for any 1911, and most guns in general. Just to learn the trigger, if nothing else.

JR24 said:

That's good advice for any 1911, and most guns in general. Just to learn the trigger, if nothing else.

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To "field strip, clean and re-lube, every 50 rounds"? As far as I know, there is only one pistol manufacturer that has that recommendation.

buddyd157 said:

in regards as to why i asked about a Taurus being "just as good", right now, i am on a pension and SS. money as a result is tight, over those of you that are still working.

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My point is, folks that live in the $500 gun world are stretching their resources, or at least their perceptions of what guns should cost, when they buy a $1,500 pistol. The expectations that come with that expense are usually unrealistic.

That may not be the case with you, and if so, Dan Wesson makes a fine 1911. However, the typical non-1911 person will often complain about characteristics of the guns, that the typical 1911 owner would not.

buddyd157 said:

i'll just have to save up for that Dan Wesson.

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I know you haven't been into shooting as long as a lot of people around here. From 1000 yards (I'm speculating here) it seems like the bug has bitten you hard just like it does the rest of us. You wanna own and shoot every gun you ever pick up. From what I've read of your posts, you've chosen all good quality guns known for reliability and reasonable accuracy.

You may need to save for a DW, but if your heart is set on one, you may as well get started saving and forget the Taurus. Skip the Ruger, S&W and Sig. They're all good (own a couple of the Sig 1911's myself) But fit/finish isn't in the same class. You'll never be satisfied with them if you really want the DW.

A hammer is a hammer is a hammer. But dang, there's something about the really nice hammers that is just right.

JTQ said:

To "field strip, clean and re-lube, every 50 rounds"? As far as I know, there is only one pistol manufacturer that has that recommendation.

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I've had CZ, SIG and 1911s start to bind up after 50-100 rounds on the first range trip if they are tight or the ammo is extra dirty (also seems to be worse if the temp is right around 32-34 degrees).

Sure, a Glock with the tiny rails won't be an issue, but if you've got full rails, it can bind up.

Heck, my EDC X9s only malfs (2) were failure to return to battery on the first range trip and I had seen the slide start to cycle slower due to fouling prior. It's like glass ever since, a few thousand rounds in the past 4 months.

But really I had meant more of the give a gun 300-500 rounds break in before fully trusting it, both in mechanical nature and to get fully acclimated with any qualities and quirks of it's trigger, sight and handling.

JR24 said:

But really I had meant more of the give a gun 300-500 rounds break in before fully trusting it, both in mechanical nature and to get fully acclimated with any qualities and quirks of it's trigger, sight and handling.

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I was pretty sure that's what you meant, as pretty much everybody that shoots 1911's, and for that matter, most pistols, do this. Adding lube throughout the process, without field stripping or cleaning is also extremely common.

Dave Anderson starting at about the 2:10 mark.



Field stripping, and cleaning after every 50 rounds is not common. OK, before seeing that in the Dan Wesson owner's manual a couple of years ago, I'd have said it was unheard of. If there were no tales of Dan Wesson's galling, I'd have said this is the dumbest thing I'd ever heard. However, I'd be inclined to follow their recommendation.

JTQ said:

I was pretty sure that's what you meant, as pretty much everybody that shoots 1911's, and for that matter, most pistols, do this. Adding lube throughout the process, without field stripping or cleaning is also extremely common.

Dave Anderson starting at about the 2:10 mark.



Field stripping, and cleaning after every 50 rounds is not common. OK, before seeing that in the Dan Wesson owner's manual a couple of years ago, I'd have said it was unheard of. If there were no tales of Dan Wesson's galling, I'd have said this is the dumbest thing I'd ever heard. However, I'd be inclined to follow their recommendation.

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When my DW Heritage was new, same instructions, which I followed since I had heard of the galling issue. I never had a hint of galling (all stainless gun) and it is extremely smooth now, though it was quite tight in the beginning. DW even included a little vial of oil in the case with the gun.

Love mine. Fondled often. Taurus comparable?

buddyd157 said:

hi, my question is about the way the gun is in it's case, when you go to buy it.

The gun was wrapped in what looked like a brown paper wrapper?

and i am sure I had seen, a little bit of oil on the wrapper?

of all the guns i have bought thus far (5 in total), I have never seen that brown paper wrapper.

what is it, if anyone knows?

and right now however, they want full list price of $1,395, so I'll have to wait a bit, but at least, they had that ONE in stock.

felt good too with the wooden grips, but since I had previously bought 4 others there, I was hoping for even a "slight" discount.

one more thing, would a Taurus 1911 be as good if not a better purchase at much less a price?


thanks in advance.

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I bought a new blued barrel for an old Dan Wesson revolver from CZ/Dan Wesson that also came wrapped in the oiled paper. I use it to store my extra barrel.

Most pistols used to come wrapped n the brown paper. This is a S&W revolver from the 70's...

As for DW vs. Taurus, it depends on what you want.

I have modest means and don't care that much about what firearms look like.

My current three 1911's are all from RIA. One was bought used for $300, and one was bought new for around $350. They all shoot fine. Personally I don't think that I would enjoy a DW more than my RIA's, but maybe I am crazy.

I may be crazy but I am a lot more particular about Guns that cost north of a grand than those in the $500 to $700 range. Something about scratches,rust and dings bother me on the higher end guns. With proper lube and oil I haven’t had a problem with any of them. A $500 Glock would be a truck gun and it wouldn’t really bother me how it looked as long as it functioned. I look at 1911’s as works of art . Being they are all steel they naturally require more maintenance. You can’t go wrong with the DW in my opinion.

Tallball said:

As for DW vs. Taurus, it depends on what you want.

I have modest means and don't care that much about what firearms look like.

My current three 1911's are all from RIA. One was bought used for $300, and one was bought new for around $350. They all shoot fine. Personally I don't think that I would enjoy a DW more than my RIA's, but maybe I am crazy.

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I totally agree. A DW should only be purchased if you know the difference/appreciate the difference. If it only LOOKS nice to you then a RIA is your smarter buy.

buddyd157 said:

in regards as to why i asked about a Taurus being "just as good", right now, i am on a pension and SS. money as a result is tight, over those of you that are still working.

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If I were in your shoes, I would either consolidate some of the other handguns into a single really nice one or just be happy with what I have. I think DW is a very good 1911 for the money, but the opportunity cost of buying and shooting one might not be a great fit for you right now. Yes, you can always save for one for months on end, but you could also buy some tools and ammunition to make you a better shooter with that money and time rather than adding another pony to the stable. Just my $0.02.

buddyd157 said:

in regards as to why i asked about a Taurus being "just as good", right now, i am on a pension and SS. money as a result is tight, over those of you that are still working.

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Also, I am still working, but I have two kids, so I unfortunately will not be buying any more Dan Wessons any time soon.

buddyd157 said:

i checked, the RIA website.

either no such dealers in my area, or thier websites are down.

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If you have a gun store that carries 1911's, chances are good they carry RIA 1911's.

Just because they're not listed as an authorized dealer doesn't mean they don't carry them. A couple friends who are FFL dealers can order them anytime the distributor has them in stock, even though they aren't "authorized dealers".

May find more difficulty finding them than what you normally would currently though.

I haven't dealt specifically with a RIA, but I hadn't yet heard of a 1911 that wasn't customizable. Far as I know, grips, springs, triggers, main spring housing, etc...are all replaceable. Trigger work (smoothing, lightening) is doable by competent Smith's without breaking the bank. Kinda like the AR...there's not a lot you can't do to a 1911, just depends on what you're willing to spend.