Need honest 1911 opinion

[xring]

Hello. I will soon be owning a new Dan Wesson Guardian Deuce which is a Commander sized weapon. I had a certain amount of cash to spend and have missed my Colt 1991 Commander since I foolishly sold it years ago. Anyway, I could have had a new Colt Commander 1991 with the NRM for just a little less. But I know that I would have added all the usual accessories (not too crazy - but at least 250 worth) and I would probably baby my new Colt so much I'd be afraid to use it as one of my main carry pieces.
The DW comes loaded with all the frills (needed?- no- but nice : ) and I figure I will carry it often, not afraid to give it some personality. I have other quality carry pieces, so I do know that the Colt would have been a safe queen, as silly as that sounds.
Does anyone else tend to think the same way, or think that I just screwed up royally? Does anyone own this DW and have an opinion on it? I have heard good things, but cannot access a main forum (it's down right now) to get the info I need. I know the DW is not a POS, but would loke some first hand info - good or bad! Thanks, Randy

 

[Ankeny]

I don't own one, but I have shot the two Patriots (I think that was the model). Anyway, a couple of the guys in our IPSC crowd are shooting full size Dan Wesson semi-autos. I asked them how they like them and they both responded very favorably. They let me take them for a test drive.

From what I have seen, the guns run, are well made, and they get the job done. If you like the pistol and will use it, what more could you ask for? Doesn't sound to me like you screwed up. In fact I would say just the opposite. Let us know how it performs.

 

[tetchaje1]

xring,
It depends on whether having a forged frame and the pracing pony is important to you or not. The Colt will hold its value better than the DW. The Guardian has a cast frame and will have a lot of Chip McCormick parts. I have a Patriot Commander that should be here this week which has a forged frame and all STI, Wilson, and Brown parts, and XS Night sights. I felt that it was worthwhile to save up a little longer to get the premium components in a gun on which I was going to trust my life. With that said, my Razorback is filled with CMC parts and has been flawless after a quick trip to the factory for some sight issues and a bit more throating.

I personally wouldn't choose a gun just because it is a hundred bucks cheaper. Save up and get what you want as it sounds like you are not currently defenseless. However, if the DW Guardian has all of the features that you are looking for in an acceptable price, then you'll be happy with it as DW makes some fine 1911s.