Dan Wesson Guardian 9mm Feedback

[TomJ]

I came across a Dan Wesson Guardian 9mm at a LGS a couple of months ago. I was immediately smitten, as I loved everything about it. All my guns needs are met and it's not something I need. It would be a range gun, although I wouldn't rule out carrying it. I have a couple of safe queens I'm ready to sell to fund this purchase but have a couple of things holding me back. The first is Dan Wesson's 5 year warranty. I can pick up a Ruger or Springfield 9mm 1911 for half the cost and they offer lifetime warranties. I'm wondering if anyone has had issues with a Dan Wesson after the warranty period expired, and if this is a valid concern. The second is a very subjective question. I own both Ruger and Springfield 1911's in .45, and have been more than happy with them. The practical side of me is wondering if anyone has spent the additional money for a Dan Wesson or other higher end 1911's and regretted doing so, as you ultimately didn't see the value in the more expensive guns.

 

[DeadEye9]

I own a few high end 1911s; Nighthawk, Dan Wesson, Wilson, Colt GMM, as well as a few more basic models; SW1911, RR 1911 Tactical, Para P-14. The high end guns stock for stock shoot better than the basic GI type pistols, mostly due to better sights and triggers. If you love the DW as is and don't plan to modify it's a good buy. If you plan to customize and change parts I would buy a more basic pistol. I wouldn't worry about the warranty part either; I've had my DW for a while and have seen quite a few others as well as revolvers from them in my day with no complaints to speak of. Oh, and if you do buy it post some pics!

 

[Olympus]

Dan Wesson is essentially the top of the ladder when it comes to production 1911s and their top end models come closer to comparing to some of Les Baer models than other production 1911s in terms of fit, finish, and overall quality. There are VERY few people who have bought a Dan Wesson 1911 and have been disappointed. What's more common is after you own a Dan Wesson, you start to get spoiled and you'll be able to pick out flaws in other brands a lot quicker. I own and have owned a large number Dan Wesson pistols. Never had a problem with a single one. I have some that I will never part with.

Warranty length aside, Dan Wesson has factory reps that are members of the 1911 forum and post regularly there. If for some VERY rare reason you need warranty work after the 5 years, you contact Keith at the 1911 Forum and I'm certain he will get you taken care of. Dan Wesson takes care of their customers because most people are customers for life.

 

[TomJ]

View attachment 227721
I own a few high end 1911s; Nighthawk, Dan Wesson, Wilson, Colt GMM, as well as a few more basic models; SW1911, RR 1911 Tactical, Para P-14. The high end guns stock for stock shoot better than the basic GI type pistols, mostly due to better sights and triggers. If you love the DW as is and don't plan to modify it's a good buy. If you plan to customize and change parts I would buy a more basic pistol. I wouldn't worry about the warranty part either; I've had my DW for a while and have seen quite a few others as well as revolvers from them in my day with no complaints to speak of. Oh, and if you do buy it post some pics!

I don't plan on customizing it as it's set up exactly how I like, with the lightweight bobtailed frame, night sights and a great trigger. It's one of this things I'm thinking about as far as the cost. If I did buy a Ruger or SA, having it bobtailed and installing night sights would close the cost gap.

 

[PabloJ]

I came across a Dan Wesson Guardian 9mm at a LGS a couple of months ago. I was immediately smitten, as I loved everything about it. All my guns needs are met and it's not something I need. It would be a range gun, although I wouldn't rule out carrying it. I have a couple of safe queens I'm ready to sell to fund this purchase but have a couple of things holding me back. The first is Dan Wesson's 5 year warranty. I can pick up a Ruger or Springfield 9mm 1911 for half the cost and they offer lifetime warranties. I'm wondering if anyone has had issues with a Dan Wesson after the warranty period expired, and if this is a valid concern. The second is a very subjective question. I own both Ruger and Springfield 1911's in .45, and have been more than happy with them. The practical side of me is wondering if anyone has spent the additional money for a Dan Wesson or other higher end 1911's and regretted doing so, as you ultimately didn't see the value in the more expensive guns.

People buy mechanical wristwatches for thousands of dollars and those have few years of warranty at most. While I would never spend this kind of money on watch that holds worse accuracy than inexpensive quartz those watches are high quality and require no extended warranty. The reason Dan Wesson has 5 year warranty is that gun people tend to shoot thousands of rounds per year and still expect manufacturer fix problems free of charge many years later. I think this is totally looney expectation. Dan Wesson can be recommended as best 1911 in it's price range. The CZ1911A1 which can still be found boxed new for $750 to $800 is best 1911 under $1000. The only reason I would not buy the gun you mention is that it is chambered for 9x19 instead of .45Auto. Buying 9x19 on frame/slide of .45 is like buying two wheel drive pick up truck. It makes no sense.

 

[PabloJ]

I don't plan on customizing it as it's set up exactly how I like, with the lightweight bobtailed frame, night sights and a great trigger. It's one of this things I'm thinking about as far as the cost. If I did buy a Ruger or SA, having it bobtailed and installing night sights would close the cost gap.

In America one should never buy factory firearm and have it modified at extra cost unless they are going to keep it till death does the parting. If you ever try to sell that gun they will offer you much less saying it is not factory original.

 

[TomJ]

People buy mechanical wristwatches for thousands of dollars and those have few years of warranty at most. While I would never spend this kind of money on watch that holds worse accuracy than inexpensive quartz those watches are high quality and require no extended warranty. The reason Dan Wesson has 5 year warranty is that gun people tend to shoot thousands of rounds per year and still expect manufacturer fix problems free of charge many years later. I think this is totally looney expectation. Dan Wesson can be recommended as best 1911 in it's price range. The CZ1911A1 which can still be found boxed new for $750 to $800 is best 1911 under $1000. The only reason I would not buy the gun you mention is that it is chambered for 9x19 instead of .45Auto. Buying 9x19 on frame/slide of .45 is like buying two wheel drive pick up truck. It makes no sense.

Pablo,
I'm a little confused as far as why a lifetime warranty is a looney expectation given the number of gun manufacturers that offer them. The same goes for buying a 1911 chambered in 9mm. I do own 5 1911's chambered in .45. A 9mm may not be your preference, but given the number of major manufacturers that offer them and the rate they sell them at, I believe it makes plenty of sense.

 

[Olympus]

One thing to consider on buying another brand and having it bobbed is that the frame will have to be refinished unless you go with a stainless model. I have done a bobtail modification on a gun in the past and I'd rather buy a factory bobtail than DIY again.

And there's nothing wrong with 9mm in a 1911 just like there's nothing wrong with a two-wheel drive truck. There are thousands of both sold every year, so they make sense to some people.

 

[ichiban]

I've had mine for about 7 years now and thousands of rounds later I still love it. The only modification I made to it is the same one I do to all my 1911s - installed a flat trigger.

My one complaint with it is that the MHS is smooth. That has never been a problem on the 9mm but it does make a difference on the .45acp.

The only problem I have had with it is getting it back when I let other people shoot it.

Get it - you wont regret it. I promise.

 

[CNobbe]

In America one should never buy factory firearm and have it modified at extra cost unless they are going to keep it till death does the parting. If you ever try to sell that gun they will offer you much less saying it is not factory original.

This makes absolutely no sense. If you modify say, a classic Colt or WWI / WWII era 1911 and have it modified, then yes - it will lose significant value. If you're going to modify a current production Colt/Springfield/Kimber etc, you're not going to hurt the value a whole lot, might even help yourself a bit. Most people tend to keep the OEM parts replaced anyways. Really, the only thing you're going to do if you modify your firearm is void any warranty it may have.

 

[TomJ]

Thanks for the feedback. I listed the guns I'm selling to pay for this on Armslist a few minutes ago and as soon as they sell I'm going to pick up the Guardian.

 

[Olympus]

Thanks for the feedback. I listed the guns I'm selling to pay for this on Armslist a few minutes ago and as soon as they sell I'm going to pick up the Guardian.

I certainly don't think you will regret the purchase. Good luck with your sales.

 

[TomJ]

I certainly don't think you will regret the purchase. Good luck with your sales.

Thanks.

 

[Thompsoncustom]

I wouldn't be to worried about the warranty because I don't ever see you needed it and if you do it will probably right way. I really liked my Dan Wesson is was a fine crafted pistol that was tight yet smooth as butter.

 

[Kano383]

You can get a Ford for much cheaper than a BMW.

Won't feel the same, won't give you the same satisfaction when closing the doors, sitting, and driving.

You can spend money on a Ford to get it to perform almost like a BMW. But the doors will still be Ford doors, with the Ford feeling when you close them, not that Teutonic solidity that you feel through your fingers...

Get the Dan Wesson, you won't regret it.

 

[Tejano_UT]

I have had mine for several years and I shoot hand loads almost exclusively. At first, I was disappointed because I had many failures to feed. I thought it was the factory mags so I switched to Wilson mags. That helped some, but did not completely fix the problem. As it turned out the problem was that the pistol just needed to be shot and broken in. After 200 rounds or so the feeding issue diminished and then with more shooting became a non-issue regardless of whether I used the factory or Wilson mags. More often than not today it is fed a stead diet of Penn's 115 gr. LSWC with no issues. It is my favorite 9mm 1911. Because I am left handed I sent it back to DW for the installation of an ambi safety that finish-matched the rest of the gun and also a Valor style rear sight just because I prefer the looks of that sight.

 

[johnmcl]

A high end 1911 is a true joy in life. You will have a lifetime of fun with your DW.

 

[bannockburn]

TomJ

Might want to see about putting that Dan Wesson Guardian on layaway if that's the one you're going to buy. Would hate to see you sell your guns and then find that the Dan Wesson had already been sold.

And there's absolutely nothing wrong with a 1911 in 9mm., or in .38 Super for that matter. Love them both, especially in a Commander size gun.

 

[TomJ]

TomJ

Might want to see about putting that Dan Wesson Guardian on layaway if that's the one you're going to buy. Would hate to see you sell your guns and then find that the Dan Wesson had already been sold.

And there's absolutely nothing wrong with a 1911 in 9mm., or in .38 Super for that matter. Love them both, especially in a Commander size gun.

That's good advice. I haven't ordered it yet and there isn't a specific Guardian I was looking at. I was going to order one when my guns sold. I have noticed that the 9mm's are tougher to find then the 45's. My first gun should sell next weekend. As soon as it does I'll order the Guardian. Fortunately this is a want, not a need, so I can wait if necessary.

 

[Tallball]

Good choice! I really like my 9mm 1911. It's a fun caliber for that platform.

 

[Olympus]

Be advised that Dan Wesson pistols tend to come available in waves. Once a wave sells out you might have to wait a while before they ship out another batch to distributors.

 

[TomJ]

Be advised that Dan Wesson pistols tend to come available in waves. Once a wave sells out you might have to wait a while before they ship out another batch to distributors.

That's good to know. I can't find the 9mm's available online and the LGS near me that has it in stock is charging $1559, or $1 more than the full MSRP. I've seen then in stock in the past for about $200 under the MSRP. I can afford to wait for the next batch to come out.