SW1911 vs DW1911

[telli97]

Hi all. I am in the process of getting a 1911. I've narrowed it down to the following: SW 1911 model 108284 or the DW 1911 Pointman 7, model #: 01900. The price from Buds Guns Shop for both guns is minimal probably $20 dollars more for the DW. I'm trying to compare a SW that most closely matches the DW and the SW1911 108284 does with the exception of having an ambi-safety on the SW which I need because I'm lefty and the DW doesn't have it. DW does have Ed Brown, STI and others name brand parts on it and I'm not sure if SW has MIM or other vendor parts on it's pistols. Personally MIM or not, I won't be competing with this gun as it will be a range gun only so I doubt I'll ever shoot it enough to worry about that. Can you all give me your opinions on this specific model of SW if you have one and post pic's, and also if anyone has the DW. I'm having a hard time finding the SW in stock at my local gunshops here in IL as it would have to be ordered, but I can't beat the costs from Buds. I would spend less with ordering online, shipping and FFL, by at least $100. I have seen the DW's in my local gunshops, and I have to say fellas, they are nice! DW has put together a nice 1911. I wish it came with an ambi-safety. Let me know and take care.
JP

 

[Phil DeGraves]

Colt, Kimber, S&W in that order. Those DW are good guns IF you get a good one, but their QC leaves a lot to be desired. It may have improved since CZ took over but don't have enough experience to determine that yet.

 

[Onmilo]

Buy the Smith.
I have owned and enjoyed mine since the Model was first introduced.
The Smith and Wesson pistols have had some warts but the Dan Wessons have had several issues

 

[10-Ring]

I'm on the cusp of buying a DW...so at this moment in time, I'd go w/ the Dan Wesson

 

[rbernie]

but the Dan Wessons have had several issues

What were/are they?

 

[swingset]

Smith all the way. Both mine are flawless, 100% runners and that seems to be the norm. The ONLY problem I've heard about are soft safeties but Smith has pretty much fixed that and will (on their dime) fix yours if you get a soft safety.

My two will eat anything, and have even been reliable with magazines that I had believed defective because they wouldn't run in my Kimber or SA guns. That's a good pistol, by my measure.

 

[Slvr Surfr]

Smith for me.

 

[tegemu]

I have one of each, both Bobtails, and I would unhesitatingly recommend the Smith & Wesson.

 

[Skpotamus]

I have two S&W's, both have been utterly flawless in the factory config. I did run into one problem, but that wasn't S&W's fault.

I took the gun to a local 1911 smith for a trigger job (1911Pd commander), the factory broke at about 7-8lbs. He chipped a sear and my gun slamfired when I loaded it. After screwing around with the gun for several months and still having a slamfiring pistol, I took it to the gunsmith at the gander mtn I work at (new gunsmith there), and had him ship it to S&W. They called me to clarify a few things. I told them that I had aftermarket work done to it to lighten the trigger and that it was slamfiring. I wanted it returned to stock. They were nice, but mentioned that having another smith work on it voided my warranty, and that I should have sent it to them in the first place for the trigger job. They sent me a shipping slip to ship the gun back to them on their dime. They returned the gun to stock, then did a trigger job on it for me (it breaks at a crisp 4 lbs now), at no cost to me. They included a note saying they were sorry for all the trouble I had and to call them if anything else came up. Very friendly, and very good customer service.

The guns both shoot better than I can. My Father in law used to shoot IPSC competition, he has a 6" comped custom colt gold cup that was built for him. He can shoot similar groups with the smith's.

I'm a big fan of their 1911's.

 

[kymarkh]

DW 1911

I have a Pointman Dave Pruitt and have been very pleased with it through about 4000 rounds now. It is a quality piece. Purchasing the DW and adding an ambi safety later will not set you back very much at all. Most folks end up changing their 1911's around anyhow - I changed grips within the first few weeks of owning mine. Also got rid of the full length guide rod quickly.

I will add that at the range I hardly every use the manual safety on my 1911 as the pistol is either loaded and in my hands being fired or sitting on the bench unloaded at slide lock. Your range habits may be different.

I have heard great things about the SW1911 pistols, but have not shot one so I cannot comment on them.

Buds Gunshop is a great place to do business with!

 

[Headless Thompson Gunner]

My Dan Wesson is an outstanding pistol, worth far more than I paid for it. I would definitely buy a DW again.

I'm not sure what these "issues" are that Phil and Omnio are talking about. I've never had any issues with mine, nor have I heard of any issues from other DW owners I know. They're regarded as top-rate pistols all around.

 

[olyeller]

this is just hearsay, but Ive heard that the dw frame has some dimensions that are out of normal 1911 specs.

 

[clt46910]

I have a S&W 1911Sc in the commander size. The more I shoot it the more I like it. I also have a Kimber Pro and a Custom on a Caspian frame. The Smith stands right up there with the other two, and they are both outstanding shooters. I do not have a newer DW, but did have one a few years back. Did not care for the finish or fit.

 

[Murphster]

I've owned a Pointman Major in the past and currently own a Stainless S&W standard model something - don't want to go downstairs and check the model number. The Pointman was a good gun. The S&W is superior in fit, finish, and overall quality and reliability. My S&W has been absolutely 100% reliable (and I'm not fudging here) with everything. Had both. Would go with the Smith.