Dan Wesson Valor

[madcratebuilder]

Thinking about a Dan Wesson Valor in Duty Black, non V-Bob. Anyone own this model? Looked at Brown and at Wilson, but not sure I would could appreciate the difference. Cost is not really a factor.

I don't feel a lot of difference from my usgi 1911a1's compared to my Colt Gold Cups or Kimber's. Aside from appearance and how tight things fit they shoot pretty much the same for me.

 

[GZOh]

Have a couple DWs, and the Valor in SS...
DW is about as high 'up-the-ladder' as I've gone in 1911s. Owned a SA Mil-Spec and have a couple Colts... and by far, the DW Valor's fit and finish is above those. Beyond that, it is an extremely accurate pistola and has been a flawless shoot (500+rnds). Shot a friend's Brown (Executive Elite), beautiful pistola, extremely well-made/tight, flawless finish... and also, very accurate. Problem for me, I don't honestly feel the $1000+ difference... but that's me.
Now if $$s weren't an issue, and I wanted ONE high-end 1911, I'd probably go with the Brown EE in SS... but for me, the Valor is perfect!

BTW: These two DWs could be had for the price of ONE Brown SS-EE!

 

[AustinTX]

Do a quick search using the term "Valor," and you'll see that it has a very positive reputation overall. Many, myself included, consider it the best production 1911 available today.

On the other hand, the Valor may not represent the best value (though certainly not a bad one either) since it comes close in price to, and in some cases even overlaps with, several Les Baer models. I went looking for a Valor on Gunbroker a couple of months ago and instead came away with a Les Baer Premier II with the 1.5" guarantee for just $2,030 (nearly 20% off the MSRP). And Les Baer Concept I and II 1911s can be had on GB for up to several hundred less than that.

Your intended use for the gun might give greater weight to an advantage of the DW, though. If you're going to carry it, there's no question that the Valor's "Duty" treatment will hold up better than a Baer's standard finish of rather thin bluing.

 

[asiparks]

Hi, I have a couple of Valors as well as Browns, Wilsons, Nighthawks etc.
Get the Valor, you are giving up nothing save for bragging rights....
I've sent you a PM......

edited to add: Baer would be a good choice too for all the reasons mentioned above. Both feel quite different though....

pile o' gun:

 

[GZOh]

Beautiful collection asiparks... nice variety!!

Your thoughts on the Baer vs Valor... differences?

.

 

[JDR]

I have an early Dan Wesson Valor in Black Duty Coat, it is an excellent, accurate, reliable range gun, my very best handgun. I highly recommend one!

 

[madcratebuilder]

Thanks for all the input. I looked at 1911's until my eyes failed. Have a Valor coming from the mid-west, should see it next week. $1780 in my paw.

Les Baer looks very interesting, saw a few used at very nice price ranges.

 

[ttheel]

Don't think you will regret the purchase. I have a VBOB in the black duty treated finish. It is a fine production 1911. Maybe the best production 1911 on the market.

 

[Shipwreck]

I have one in each finish. Never can decide which finish I like better! Both are great!

 

[JDR]

Shipwreck, those 2 are a sight for sore eyes, thanks for sharing!

 

[Shipwreck]

Thanks. I sold my Ed Brown after buying those two. I personally liked the Dan Wessons more - and they are much cheaper too

 

[JDR]

I bought my Black Duty Coat DW Valor used and I had a gunsmith go through it after I bought it and he told me how much he liked the Dan Wessons, and he explained to me about the quality of the components that DW uses, and since the gun was barely used, it was the best possible 1911 I could have bought for the money I had spent. Made me feel pretty good!

 

[Lucky Derby]

IMHO, DW is the top of the line for production 1911s. I'm currently saving for my first, a Guardian. I currently have a Colt, & two Springers. I may sell one of the Springers to help pay for the DW, haven't decided yet.

 

[saenzrich]

Dan Wesson is definitely a top Quality 1911. You wil be very happy with the finish and fit of yours. Heres mine.