Wilson Combat vs. Dan Wesson – Which 1911 Should I Buy?

[RustyPickle]

Hey everyone, I'm looking to buy my first high-end 1911, and I could really use some help. I've been around guns for a while, but I've never owned anything in this price range before. After much research, it seems like Wilson Combat and Dan Wesson are two of the best options, but I'm struggling to figure out which one is the right choice.

From what I've read, Wilson Combat is top-of-the-line, with amazing fit, finish, and reliability. But they also come with a pretty steep price tag. On the other hand, Dan Wesson seems to offer a lot of quality for less money, and some people say it's 90% as good as a Wilson for a lot less cash. Others say you'll never want anything else once you shoot a Wilson. That's what's making this decision tough.

I want something that's accurate, reliable, and will last a long time. Mostly, I'll be using it at the range, but I might carry it every now and then. I just don't know if I'd really notice the difference between a Dan Wesson and a Wilson, or if I'd regret not saving up for the more expensive option.

For those of you who have owned or shot both, what are the biggest differences? Is Wilson really that much better, or is Dan Wesson the smarter buy? If you were in my position, which way would you go? I'd love to hear what you guys think before I drop a bunch of money on something.

 

[Mike D]

Others say you'll never want anything else once you shoot a Wilson. That's what's making this decision tough.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not badmouthing Wilson, I have one, and a Dan Wesson, among many other brands, in both 9mm & .45. All I can tell you is that it is strictly a matter of personal taste. There are a lot of .45's out there that are easier shooting than the Wilsons. The Dan Wessons are really nice also, then, there are some like the Tisas Stingray that are softer shooting, and lighter weight, that make for a very nice EDC. You can't go by price, or brand as your only qualifiers, find a way to get out and actually shoot some of them if possible, then decide what YOU like. You probably know friends that have the guns you mentioned. Good luck with your choice! Have fun shooting whatever you end up with.

 

[Bob Lee]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not badmouthing Wilson, I have one, and a Dan Wesson, among many other brands, in both 9mm & .45. All I can tell you is that it is strictly a matter of personal taste. There are a lot of .45's out there that are easier shooting than the Wilsons. The Dan Wessons are really nice also, then, there are some like the Tisas Stingray that are softer shooting, and lighter weight, that make for a very nice EDC. You can't go by price, or brand as your only qualifiers, find a way to get out and actually shoot some of them if possible, then decide what YOU like. You probably know friends that have the guns you mentioned. Good luck with your choice! Have fun shooting whatever you end up with.

Excellent advice sir

 

[Mike D]

Excellent advice sir

I learned that lesson the hard way. (wanna buy a Wilson?)

 

[HooDoo Man]

If you have the $$$$ and the TIME to wait. Wilson. But DW isn't bad either. And I'm too old to wait.

 

[squarebale19]

I have a DW TCP 45 and a DW Specialist 45, both are amazing imo, and I know Nighthawk isn't in this conversation, but Wilson and NH, are at least a grand more, and probably worth it, I've held both and they are smooth as glass, and my next purchase will be a NH.That being said I do believe the DW holds its value a lil better imo

 

[Pandaz3]

I have a Ruger Government 45 and a Rock Island Armory Officers model in 45. Neither are pricy to me the RIA is my carry 1911. Knowing it really isn't the price point, but how well that particular gun performs, I would likely select a Dan Wesson.

It is hard to find the 'Nth' degree gun, good luck.

 

[BigJohn]

I have Colts, Ria, and Dan Wesson, I no longer own a Wilson. I have had zero problems with all but the Wilson which was as choosy as I have ever seen with ammo. My personal choice is Dan Wesson over Wilson all day long.

 

[wxl]

Have a few DWs and think they are great value

 

[BigJohn]

I learned that lesson the hard way. (wanna buy a Wilson?)

Hello Mike D, That makes at least two of us. I was lucky enough to sell my Wison without losing very much, lesson learned

 

[Snowman45]

I've never owned a Wilson Combat, although I have lusted after several. I've also seen and handled, but never owned a DW. I have also thought about several models of that brand, as well. Based only on what I have read in various owners reports, I would have to go with the Wilson Combat as the old established high-value brand. Reputation and their experience is important in my decision.

 

[Bob Lee]

I have Colts, Ria, and Dan Wesson, I no longer own a Wilson. I have had zero problems with all but the Wilson which was as choosy as I have ever seen with ammo. My personal choice is Dan Wesson over Wilson all day long.

Thank you for that input. My most expensive 1911's are Colt. I think mostly because of the name. I've had really good luck with Springfield for years, and so far I really enjou my Tisas Tank Commander. Just found out my RIA 1911 shipped today! Yaaa! I love the look of the Dan Wesson. I actually got to check out a brand new one years ago when they first came on the scene. I'd personally love to find an old one I could afford.

 

[Bob Lee]

I've never owned a Wilson Combat, although I have lusted after several. I've also seen and handled, but never owned a DW. I have also thought about several models of that brand, as well. Based only on what I have read in various owners reports, I would have to go with the Wilson Combat as the old established high-value brand. Reputation and their experience is important in my decision.

Again years ago, Someone told me that in their opinion The three ranked as follows, Ed Brown first, Than Les Baer second, and Wilson 3rd. This was early 2000's so take it for what it's worth. I've lusted for an Ed Brown for YEARS!. My fanciest 1911 is an old Springfield which went thru Springfield's Custom Shop. It's two tone and has an amazing trigger pull, a Wilson bbl and bushing. It had a dovetailed rear target sight which I had replaced with a Grizzly Custon Retro rear sight with a .150 notch. Had long trigger replaced with King's short trigger, and flat m/s housing replaced with an arched m/s housing. Still has the spur hammer too. Its a beautiful gun.

 

[Slim]

I have a Nighthawk Custom, 2 Dan Wessons, Ed Browns, Smith & Wessons, Remingtons, Rugers and Les Baers. Several Springfields, Tisas, Girsan, Rock Island Armory, a few others and even a Sig Sauer, Taurus and a Kimber but nary a Wilson Combat in my collection.

I'm not anti-Wilson Combat but the few I've held/examined didn't meet "my" cost/value expectations. YMMV


... oh yes, I do use a lot of WC parts in customer's pistols and I have a WC hat, coffee cup and a set of WC grips on my Springfield compact Range Officer.

 

[Bob Lee]

I have a Nighthawk Custom, 2 Dan Wessons, Ed Browns, Smith & Wessons, Remingtons, Rugers and Les Baers. Several Springfields, Tisas, Girsan, Rock Island Armory, a few others and even a Sig Sauer, Taurus and a Kimber but nary a Wilson Combat in my collection.

I'm not anti-Wilson Combat but the few I've held/examined didn't meet "my" cost/value expectations. YMMV


... oh yes, I do use a lot of WC parts in customer's pistols and I have a WC hat, coffee cup and a set of WC grips on my Springfield compact Range Officer.

You sound well grounded, and a person who is shrewd in his dealings re: money.

 

[boatdoc]

things to consider( wants vs need)

do you want a well made production gun(DW) vs the offerings of- semi customs (like nighthawk, les baer, wilson)? DW makes great production guns. they are accurate and function perfectly(usually) great CS is needed too

Nighthawk and Les Baer offer semi custom guns ( with a LOT of hand fitting) and you choose options like slide cuts, paint or finish, caliber,, grips, sights... Wilsons are very nice. options list is LONG. very little gun smithing done any more though. some fitting as necessary. Great CS too. they are a stand up company who values their customer base

Dan wessons are available NOW, unless you can get a nic e used gun.. there is a wait for Wilson, NHC Baer...great things take time.


YOU decide how you want to spend your $$. a DW is about 2 grand, WC 3200 and up ,NHC 4-5 000+ Les Baer now 28-3200. You will enjoy any of the products from these companies. think long and hard before ordering. Some dealers offer up to 15% off of orders from the semi custom gun makers MSRP.careful shopping can get a discount on a dw too

 

[Gamma4510]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not badmouthing Wilson, I have one, and a Dan Wesson, among many other brands, in both 9mm & .45. All I can tell you is that it is strictly a matter of personal taste. There are a lot of .45's out there that are easier shooting than the Wilsons. The Dan Wessons are really nice also, then, there are some like the Tisas Stingray that are softer shooting, and lighter weight, that make for a very nice EDC. You can't go by price, or brand as your only qualifiers, find a way to get out and actually shoot some of them if possible, then decide what YOU like. You probably know friends that have the guns you mentioned. Good luck with your choice! Have fun shooting whatever you end up with.

Have and do own both, DW is a fine firearm, just not up to the overall level of WC, fit smoothness, action work, esthetics all give WC the nod, my opinion of course, with experience coming from 40 plus years of shooting, collecting and handling custom firearms.

 

[terdog]

I've had Wilson combats and have owned many Dan wessons. I still do own Dan Wesson's. In my humble opinion they are the best value. Extremely high quality and acceptable price. I cherish my Dan Wesson's. I actually sold a Dan Wesson Valkyrie 9mm 1911 to my daughter. She loves that gun and thanks me often for selling it to her. Whenever she goes shooting with people they always want to buy that from her.

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

Dan Wesson is supposed to be a decent 1911, but it is not "hi-end". That designation belongs to Alchemy, Les Baer, Ed Brown, Nighthawk, STI, and Wilson.

 

[Mike D]

Dan Wesson is supposed to be a decent 1911, but it is not "hi-end". That designation belongs to Alchemy, Les Baer, Ed Brown, Nighthawk, STI, and Wilson.

To an old antique like myself, a 1911 above the $1,500 price point is high end. There are a LOT of good shooting guns out there in the sub $1,000 range and even some nice dependable ones under $500 If they go bang, on a regular basis, I consider them a decent gun. I have a few in just about all of the different price points, they all have their quirks, and unique characteristics, you guys know which of these I choose to carry, and it's in the bottom of that list, but I sure like it. (still trying to sell that Wilson)