Dan Wesson Vigil

Didn't they do this already a couple of years ago? But $1298 is hardly an "affordable entry" IMO.

I got my Heritage Razorback for $1100 new and it is a fantastic pistol.

Interesting.
This is what I was thinking of
cz-usa.com/product/cz-1911-a1/

but I also find this interesting...

danwessonfirearms.com/product/heritage-rz-45/

The Heritage is our entry-level 1911, allowing shooters to experience Dan Wesson quality at the most affordable price possible. Even though this model is our most economical, it features all the same quality components that we use in our 1911 models.
MSRP $1,298

Click to expand...

Ah. I see where the confusion stems from.

A more affordable entry into the Dan Wesson lineup

Click to expand...

Vigil also has an aluminum frame.

Interested to see where they saved the $$; I know lots of folks will want to know about MIM internals.

Larry

I'd rather have the steel-framed Heritage, but that's just personal preference. I let a Valor escape a year ago, and I am still kicking myself about that one.

I'm curious about where they saved money as well. It looks a lot like a Guardian. I like that there are 9mm and .45 ACP CCO, Commander, and Government sizes right off the bat, though. I've been wanting to try a Dan Wesson for years.

No MIM parts, same Duty Treatment and hard anodizing as other models (a DW rep answered to this effect on another forum).

From what I can see, some savings come from sights (only the front has tritium), no carry cuts/ball cuts as on the Valkyrie, all Vigil have alloy frames (anodizing is cheaper than nitro-carburizing, machining is faster than steel), and my guess is that Dan Wesson expects higher sales volumes on that line.

Have to say that there are very few full-size lightweight 1911 out there, and that one might be tempted to get one of each of these models...