Dan Wesson Heritage RZ-45 Overview and quick shoot (video)

[1KPerDay]

I've never owned a full-size, single-stack 1911 and I wanted to get one in 2011. I was unable to find a blued Colt O1970 in time (still looking, and now saving money again since depleting my funds).

After much research and investigation and hemming and hawing, I purchased a Dan Wesson over a Colt O1070 because the Dan Wesson felt about 80% better and was only about $150 more.

The Heritage has exactly the sights I wanted, the trigger is STELLAR, the fit and finish is excellent (with the exception of the thumb safety, which I'm going to have to radius a bit along the rear edge). From what I've read the quality of the parts is excellent as well.

The first 5 rounds I shot were in a group of 1.25", just above POA, using Remington "Leadless" 230 grain. I haven't shot any more groups, just banging steel for fun. My 12-year-old boy fell in love with this pistol and I'm afraid I'm going to have to give it to him when he's old enough.

I think I made the right choice. I still want a nice blued Colt but it'll have to wait.
Video here for those interested.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cl9pZulaIM

 

[1KPerDay]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grcGJPBK0ds

Andean alder grips by Esmeralda. Not sure I'm going to stick with these... they look more yellow than I hoped. Quality grips, though.

 

[glassman]

I think I made the right choice[/QUOTE

I have to agree with you. I don't own a heritage but do own three other guns from their line. All have been superlative in quality and reliability although one of them went back for a new front sight. It was hitting 2 inches high at thirty feet with a twelve o'clock hold. The new sight produces one ragged hole and the shipping was on their dime. Can't say enough about their quality and customer service.

 

[CTGunner]

Looks great and good luck with it. I have my dream full size 1911 already but wow that DW is very nice. There is a good possibility that my next 1911 will be from DW.

 

[1KPerDay]

Whaddaya think? I'm not sold on the look, personally. Too yellow. Maybe on a blued pistol.

 

[CTGunner]

Hum. Everone's taste is different, but i don't care for it. I think a dark g10 or traditional double diamond wood would look better imo. Plus i think functionally a grip with some texture is a good idea on any gun.

 

[NinjaFeint]

I love mine that I purchase 1/2/2012 too. I got Macassar ebony grips from the finer grain (sarge43 on a bunch of forums) coming, below is the picture of the grips which are being stippled in his shadow pattern before being shipped to me.



One day I will post a full range report

 

[1KPerDay]

Nice!

I'm thinking of some VZ grips in dark green or black/grey now.

Of course really nice figured cocobolo would be nice also.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

Don't care for the Alder grips at all. They're a step backwards from what came on the gun.

Nice gun, though. I've got a DW Pointman PTE-B (blued) from when DW was still U.S. Accurate and reliable gun.

Haven't shot it much though, 'cause it's just too pretty. It came with dark grips very much like those posted by NinjaFeint, except checkered with a gold 'DW' emblem in the middle. They look so good I never thought of changing them.