Dan Wesson Specialist 1911 Commander

[@THATMOFODIRT]

After running polymer strikers for years I’m really starting to appreciate 1911s. Either you get it or you don’t.

[@johnrus7661]

There is no good case for a 1911. If i give up round count, I gain the advantages of a revolver. If I keep high round count, I gain the advantage of all the high capacity 9's steel or polymers advantages. Now, I love the 1911. I wouldn't be caught dead carrying a polymers wonder. But I also know it's an emotional choice. Not a logical one. In the end, I'm a revolver carry person. It works for me.

[@sthengr]

I bought the 45 Specialist in 45 acp years ago, first saw it at my LGS, once I racked the slide it went home with me. Great gun and I'm comparing it to Ed Brown and Nighthawk since I own one of each. I now have 3 Dan Wessons in 45 acp, awesome guns. Great review as usual, thanks!

[@Lateralus1007]

So Ed brown DW or nighthawk What’s the verdict ❓❔

[@gymshoe9235]

@@Lateralus1007 I'm suspicious of lakewater's claim of owning all these guns--it makes no sense to me.

[@prodigydrummer]

@@gymshoe9235 if you have a Nighthawk why in the world why you buy a dw :D

[@mikestrunk3282]

Happened to me also!

[@willl4219]

@@gymshoe9235it makes sense if he likes guns and is worth a few million. I have a buddy that makes a million bucks a year and has a similar collection. Me i make like $60k a year so I don’t have any of these but I am saving for a DW

[@TheGrizzlyBeard1]

That has to be one of the most beautiful 1911 I've ever seen. Those grips are amazing.

[@DJA7943]

TheGrizzlyBeard1 you must not have seen Cabot's 1911s then

[@marcuscompton3772]

I'm thinking the exact same thing! That's a gorgeous weapon! I've never owned a 1911 but I'd really be interested in that one.

[@appalachiangunman9589]

I traded my dad a Beretta M9 to this gun, except mine is .45 ACP, 5", and black finish. I love the fact that these are series 70 too, mine is really accurate and this one was no different, great review Sootch00!

[@RaftGuidePhil]

That's the coolest 1911 I've seen in a while. Definitely on my short list.

[@AGC828]

Don't overlook the Springfield's. Like their TRP line. Seems all the big name companies that specialize in factory made guns have their more expensive models/series. Where they spend a little more effort in fit/finish. And setting the asking price close to an entry level custom 1911. Colt has forged slide/frame guns too. Guns running around $1800.00. Have to determine how much of what we hear is for real and what is marketing.

[@Mr9Milly]

Thanks for the video! Commander 1911's chambered in 9mm are quickly becoming my favorite platform to shoot. My Springfield emp4 is an absolute nail driver. Time to start saving my pennies for this beauty.

[@michaelmcduff2263]

Some are commenting that Scootch scratched the frame when installing the Slide Lock. If you look close you can see the frame was already scratched before he started. If you file a slight bevel on the back side of the Lock where the detent pin contacts it, it will make assembly much easier. Some custom OEM pistol manufactures do this on thier guns. You can also slip a piece of very thin hard plastic card material between the two parts when pushing the Lock into place.

[@Extreme420now]

Love your reviews sootch00 thanks for hanging in there for us! Great 1911!!

[@2whl4re]

Reassembly demonstration, inserting slide stop - inserts cautionary comment, "This is one place where you can scratch the frame..." Then proceeds to scratch the frame. Awesome.

[@ShedTheLight]

Good wan

[@BTCAsia]

There was already a scratch on the frame visible earlier during disassembly. In fairness, many plungers are very tight, making avoiding a scratch difficult. For the 1911s I have shot over several thousand rounds and disassembled hundreds of times - yeah they have an idiot scratch.

[@johnlincoln9183]

@@BTCAsia The way he inserted that slide stop with an upward push is a sure way to get an "idiot" mark! Ya gotta push straight down! And the newer DW's have a "Log Man " notch in the slide stop to make that even easier.

[@jamesqiu6715]

@@johnlincoln9183 exactly !

[@MrKitty-zv3dl]

Dan Wesson is the best deal out there in the 1911 world when it comes to mass produced 1911's. I'm not crazy about railed 1911's honestly.... The Dan Wesson Valor is my all time favorite.

[@YungFudd1776]

I think there is a reason why the 1911 is the most popular handgun model for airsoft. When mag size is not an issue, people choose it for the balance, grip, and feel. It is super easy to just point and shoot with accuracy. GREAT VIDEO!!! I love seeing beautiful guns like this.

[@herbertsmit5523]

The Dan Wesson is now on my wanna list. Back in the day I could check a 1911 out with a can of ammo and go plinking in the mountains of Hawaii.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@Spectacular Spectacular "RIA makes some of the best 1911s" Best at what? When it comes to manufacturing 1911 pistols out of forged metals, to get the high precision end of what a 1911 can be THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS, and the price will ALWAYS reflect such things. It's immutable facts of manufacturing. Computerized manufacturing has made quality attainable, but the fact remains, you will get what you pay for.

[@JoJoHartt]

Every firearm owners need to have a 1911 in their collection! 💯

[@J1Z06]

Beautiful looking 1911. I've seen several at gun stores and have held them. You've got to love a 1911! Nice review as always!

[@RugerMini556]

Good Choice Sootch. I bought the 5 inch model about 2 months ago and I am super happy with it. In fact the more I shoot it, the more I love it.

[@gregsummers7350]

Great review. I have owned seven DW revolvers. The brand was a credit to all those workers who made them, they were craftsmen not accountants. That DW 1911 Commander could make a Glock guy love 1911. Thanks Greg

[@thomasallen3818]

I’ve carried a 1911 for 36 years. Everything from Colt to Kimber to my most recent pistol, a Rock Island 1911 Tactical Officers in .22TCM/9mm. None of them has ever let me down.

[@RobsRacingMotoVLOG]

One positive thing that you didn't metion is the polished feed ramp on the barrel! Most 1911's have it on the frame which, of course, leads to more failure to feed malfunctions. Great review! Congratulations on the new purchase.

[@michaelkilduff1885]

45ACP full size.. .about 350 rounds through. absolute tack driver. Not one malfunction. Sand blast finish beautiful but can scratch easily. Sights are perfect…It’s by far my favorite

[@morallybankrupt1461]

I just got this and it’s already a favorite. The hammer pull is truly awe inspiring.

[@jbqc1548]

one of the nicest handguns I think I've ever seen.. sell an ar or something but keep that thing..

[@ChristofferEricsater]

Hi, your videos are always so correct or on the point to the practicality of them, no bullshit. It would be really nice to see you create a video where you take the absolute too notch 1911s and lay them out not only for comparison but also talking about what make them unique and how the companies behind them come into being, the reasons for them, the struggle they have had etc. so one can really understand what make them what they are today. I love to see that.

[@Jas0ny91]

Hey Sootch00! Really enjoyed the disassembly explanation of the video👍🏻 you probably don't remember but my dad and I met and took pictures with you at the HPR booth at this past NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. Watch your vids a lot. 👌🏻keep it up hope to run into you again soon.

[@flightparamedic505]

Nice pistol and great review Sootch00. Well done sir. Makes me want one.... in both 9mm and .45 :)

[@jimgoodwin6440]

Thanks for the review. I thought I wanted one before. Now I gotta have one. Hope I can still get one in these times. As for the haters about scratches on the frame...if you don't want scratches, put it in a glass box on the wall and stare at it.

[@DracoOmnia]

Sootch00 I'm glad you've always added your bloopers and outtakes, it's pretty much why I don't really do videos, lots of work, lots of screwing it up, more work editing, just not my thing. But I'm glad you're willing to go through the bother to bring A+ quality videos. And that Jeff Cooper quote at the end is epic. I'm gonna have to put that on something. Probably the tailgate of my truck, lol.

[@ElectrULove]

Excellent review of my dream gun. Thanks, Sooth00.

[@QaediSham]

The sound of the slide racking is pure bliss

[@Mark-zb8fi]

Sootch - the 'link' you refer to is called the Barrel Cam. Probably the most important part of the gun. If that's not tuned, the locking lugs are out of sink, the Barrel Hood doesn't seat where it needs to, and the entire pistol is out of sync.. Gorgeous gun! Thanks!

[@RJ-su8wk]

I’d also sell three plastic P.O.S. to get one of these quality metal guns. If history serves correctly, I believe the 1911 Commanders were originally chambered in 9mm, whereas the Gov’t. models were .45ACP.

[@grantorino2009]

Yeah, that's what I'd do. www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/10/04/marsoc-drop-colt-1911s-service/

[@billsbullets]

Can't wait till you 500,000 subs. Well deserved.👍🏻👍🏻

[@sootch00]

Thanks Brother!

[@the45er]

I collect "stock 1911's" with the Dan Wesson Specialist being the highest end one I own. It is an awesome gun. I just wish mine was a commander instead of full size.

[@carlito7274]

1911 in 9mm is perfect for range and recreational shooting, won't hurt the bank... nice piece sootch00.

[@robkilcollins310]

what a beautiful gun! I've always lusted over the 10mm razorback

[@lazorbeak]

Thanks for all the great reviews and actually shooting the guns alot from different angles thats what makes your vids real awesome.

[@TimHPop776]

Outstanding video as always! Love the fact this Dan Wesson is in 9mm! Thanks! Well done!

[@sootch00]

Thanks Brother!

[@mannys9130]

+Fui Gebhardt Because .45 ACP has not grown with technology and offers no advantages. 9mm guns are the standard, and since some people still enjoy the 1911 manufacturers chamber it for 9mm.

[@mannys9130]

+Fui Gebhardt Don't want a Hi-Power. This a difficult concept for you?

[@mannys9130]

+champer slimmerthannone I agree. I find it amusing that some people can't get it through their skull that 1911s are not exclusively .45 ACP guns. My 1911 is chambered for 10mm. Colt Delta Elite. :) .38 Super 1911s go way back.

[@mannys9130]

+champer slimmerthannone It's a handsome gun. I don't carry a 1911, but I wanted one to enjoy. I killed 2 birds with 1 stone and went with the Delta Elite. It keeps my Glock 20 company. Springfield makes a 9mm 1911 that I liked, but I'm happy with the Delta for now.

[@bisonuberti]

My Springfield is just as precision fitted, boasting the same match grade barrel and attention to detail. Thank you for the video. Shoot lots and stay safe.

[@57HEMIviken]

bison uberti springfield isn't even on the same planet as dan wesson let alone the same ballpark lol

[@bisonuberti]

Only one thing sets them apart... the price... hands down.

[@57HEMIviken]

bison uberti lmao okay that's like saying charter arms is as good as smith and wesson get outta here

[@a.t.stowell1709]

Springfield Pro? Sure, but that is apples to oranges. TRP v. DW Specialist or Valor? DW has no MIM parts, more hand fitting, and a better finish. And better specs, IMO. Warranty is the only category that springfield wins in.

[@bisonuberti]

No... it's not... how do you compare charter arms to smith and Wesson?? Springfield is an excellent 1911, well made, excellent fitment, superior match-grade barrel... everything about it is well made and excellently finished. It has been compared and tested against high end 1911's such as Les Bear, Wilson Combat, and have stood up neck and neck with no difference in reliability, endurance. It's not to say the others are prettier... thats about it. My respects go to sootch00 I appreciate all his well made and informative videos.Shoot lots and stay safe.

[@javierf55]

This beauty is not a pistol, it's a finest piece of art.

[@jamesharris1493]

Fine piece of Art

[@grantorino2009]

I can't believe you scratched that frame reinstalling the slide stop!!

[@sttvoyager1727]

LOVE DAN WESSON 1911'S! They USED to be the best kept secret in the 1911 world. Thanks sootch! I've already got the Valor in 5", and 4.25", the Valkyrie, the pointman 9mm, the Patriot, the .45 ACP Eco and the 10MM Silverback. Dude, u had to publish this video on a day when I'm not working and have time to look at gun prices. Well, if my wife divorces me, she better not try and take my dog cats.....

[@gymshoe9235]

CZ understands guns and manufacturing about as well as anyone, and they are quite happy to produce this 1911. Its a shame that Colt was forced out of the 1911 business but damn near everyone else in the business now produces them. That is a comment on our litigation-happy culture in the US since the 1970's.

[@tammycompton7173]

CZ now owns Colt as well.

[@W.DavidWalls]

This was a very helpful video particularly on reassembly. My first attempt with a 1911.

[@RobSchauland]

You scratched the frame installing the slide stop. On the DW, it has a mod to allow the slide stop to be pushed straight in over the plunger. You don't have to install it in a way that will scratch the frame.

[@نورنور-ص4س1ح]

000صض1ض0غ

[@cbroz7492]

Saw a cool fix for the idiot scratch...a section of a pkaying card cut to slip under the slidevstop with a hole cut for the whole thing to index on the mag release...great idea...I 0icked up a 10-8 tool from Brownells a few months ago...

[@hivelsword]

Never knew I wanted a Dan Wesson 1911 until now. THANKS!

[@hivelsword]

@Spectacular Spectacular I love RIA 1911’s. When I open my store next year I will have RIA, Springfield Armory,, Ruger and Colt to start. I’ll be adding Dan Wesson later on. But yeah, no Kimbers. Known too many people with issues. Oh, Kahr finally got the “billboard” off their 1911’s. Their 10mm looks hot. I’ll probably sell those too. But I HATED the giant “DESERT EAGLE 1911” on the side. But it’s gone now!!!

[@mikecampbell5856]

My son has a CZ 1911. I think it's a rebadged Dan Wesson. What a wonderful gun.

[@Mike-up6go]

Those grips look like VZ grips. Operator 2'S. Hyena brown color.

[@Triggered4486]

Awesome! Gonna have to get me one of those! Thanks for sharing, Sootch00!!

[@fritzd2116]

I have a Specialist Commander and I love it. My first Dan Wesson but hopefully not my last.

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

This is a beautiful 1911. I'm sure there are a few people out there who like the idea of a 9mm 1911 but honestly, I don't see a use for it other than a 'collectible' or a novelty. The 1911 platform is already pretty much 'over engineered' for the .45 ACP but that was it's design at the time. But 40 ounces of pistol in a 9mm isn't my ideal. I'm sure it has very little felt recoil but there are 9mm platform alternatives that handle recoil just fine without a weight of 40 ounces to do it. Still beautiful though.

[@boardeasy259]

I noticed how easy and smooth the slide is to rack. I was looking at a Vigil Commander.

[@joeanderson4850]

"An elegant weapon from a more civilized time, Welp bud times have changed" ~Republic commando, Number 38

[@HomeOnTheRanges]

Ruger lcp complete disassembly! Please!!!! Sootch you're our only hope!

[@vladimirpekez7060]

Very nice gun,and quality !! One of my favorite 1911 models

[@jimhovater8755]

One of these days..... :D BTW: install the barrel bushing BEFORE installing the spring and spring guide, PRIOR TO installing the slide assembly on the frame.

[@jamesalexander2401]

I’m thinking if you’re a gun guy you’ve got to have at least a mid range 1911 and the Dan Wesson specialist is a fine choice in 9mm. I’m 62 years old school and have enjoyed all guns but must admit I’m old fashioned and enjoy the metal framed pistols but also own Polymer framed pistol as well. If you’re an honest gun guy you have to own some sort of 1911, just like you gotta have a AK-47 and an AR -15 and a lever gun, and some kind of.22lr rifle. Just train with it and enjoy shooting what you have.

[@ms.annthrope415]

Not viable? Tell that to LAPD SWAT and SIS. I guess the FBI HRT and SWAT never got that memo cuz they carry Springfield Custom Professional 1911 .45ACP. Numerous Special Ops still carry 1911s. Low capacity? Yes. I use 8 rounders so I have 9 total. I also have 10 rounders so I can push 11 at a time. Soft double stack 9mm mag pouches will usually fit 2 single stack 1911 mags so one pouch will carry 2 8 rounders so I have 16 rounds per pouch, same capacity as a regular double stack 9mm. Great review, sootch!

[@soylentgreen7074]

Hey s00tch just a word of advice when field stripping a 1911 put the safety on and it keeps the slide from going back and makes it much easier to mess with the bushing and plunger.

[@jtadams8500]

Soylent Green I think he wanted the slide to come down a little because if the barrel bushing is a really tight fit, if you slide the bushing down the barrel the tolerances are not as tight as it is at the very end of the barrel and it can be turned easier.

[@billtshudy3653]

Love your video. Picked up a TCP tonight in 45ACP. BEAUTIFUL pistol

[@LongRon6969]

I think a lot of people now forget that there is such thing a range gun or a gun thats just fun to shoot. Too many people now are only looking for "combat ready" or CCW guns and say the 1911 is outdated and has too of a capacity when they will honestly never have to shoot someone. 1911's are some of the most fun guns to shoot at the range.

[@robertnotni3668]

Just got a DW Vigil in 9mm and the trigger is fantastic but it was the reset that blew me away. As soon as my finger relaxed, it reset.

[@MoreAmerican]

Take a shot each time don says "fit," "finish," or "quality." Hehe

[@KorieG]

MoreAmerican You'd be WASTED in the first 10 minutes! LOL. Later...

[@MrShady95]

It's 0100 and im drrunjk as F*ck beacuyse of you!

[@MoreAmerican]

Kyle Noir I just got back from the hospital. Was being treated for alcohol poisoning

[@hammerki1]

Beautiful workmanship.

[@johnrus7661]

Rather have 1 nice Dan Wesson than 3 Glocks any day. People get far to hung up on round count. Once you get over that there is a whole world of other premium firearms that are a pleasure to shoot.

[@mountainbiker6098]

I love my dan wesson , so smooth and accurate also, .45

[@jolivas1437]

Didn’t know CZ owned this company. Actually thought it was an independent gun manufacturer. Cool facts, great looking gun, and good review.

[@LIONTAMER3D]

all cool pistolas are made by Czechs lol

[@Inamaru69]

I cannot understand why you said, this pistol isn't good as defensive pistol to be wear. In the street, in real time, it's not the gun the most important factor , but if you need to use your gun, I doubt there is a better gun than this one, or any other good 1911. The myth of many bullets and safety of the striker pistol is only business market. Training and practice of tactics, are the best factors, to survive a real dangerous situation.

[@boris2873]

Any decent 1911 looks better then the polymers guns of today. I'll get one sooner or later

[@joseedgardoceradoy9088]

As always, SOOTCH00 very well said on the details on the specialist 1911 wish i can own one. Great reviews.

[@Eddy-gc2vx]

I have a dan Wesson 357. I believe it was s 15 hv, 6 incher. One othe the most accuracy HAND GUN i had at the time Came with a 006 gauge for barrel tolerance. I kept it at just .005. The only problem was the grips cracked. They were called zebra grips. They sent it back with NICE grips but not my orgin zebra. They for another reason replaced the main springs in the grip handle Sold it to buy my 29 7 incher Still shooting great through these years. Ths DW. Looks beautiful 9 or 45.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Not much in this world can be designed and manufactured for 110 years and show no sign of letting up. It's just as modern and viable today as 110 years ago. I like the DW Kodiak or Bruin in 10mm longslide. Some day I might pick one up. Also a conversion to 460 Rowland is something to consider.

[@jebstuart3]

I think I hear "ROCK ISLAND ARMORY" calling!

[@isrstrategies]

I own a Wilson combat 1911 and this gun full size and at half the price or less the fit finish and build quality and slide to frame fit is equivalent right now you can buy these under 1500 on GunBroker all day long don’t pass on the low prices now in a down market.

[@fuckinmetal1982]

yup! i was able to pick one up for 1275 a month before christmas. it seems now the word is out because prices on gunbroker are back up to the 1700 range..

[@mrweeby1961]

Sootch pops up when looking at lasers lol. Dan Wesson firearms are excellent. I have a Pointman Major and a 445 Super Mag revolver. Very well built and accurate.

[@allangearhart6338]

Did I actually hear you say that you were testing that Dan Wesson 1911 from CZ? Hmm ... did I miss something? Your just having too much fun shooting all those firearms. That's what is fun about watching ... thanks Sootch00-meister

[@MrPerry61]

I like the abi safety. I just bought a Para LTC 9mm, I'm a lefty and it's left side safety only.

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

CZ is all about quality. Like Henry. With these guys you really do get what you pay for.

[@daspiper8941]

~The .45 ACP 1911 is my favorite pistol and has been such for my entire 70 years of life. ~I'd be happy with a Dan Wesson 1911, but happier with a Nighthawk 1911. ~I don't like 1911 Rail-guns, but that's just me. ~I noticed "someone" put an idiot-scratch on the frame.

[@KanoDailyThePhilippinesandMore]

Sometimes, on a brand new gun with a tightly fitted slide stop, it is hard for the magazine follower to press the slide stop up quickly enough to hold open the slide. I suspect that might be even more true of a 9mm magazine. I popped one of the early Nighthawk Custom slide stops into my Springfield TRP once upon a time. It got rid of every bit of slop in the action, but unless you pressed it up by hand it wasn't going to lock open the slide. I agree with you that there is nothing like a really precise 1911. It's amazing something can be fitted so tightly and yet run so smoothly. You can't even feel the process of the barrel unlocking.

[@lorddalron3816]

Hell yeah Star Wars quote!!!

[@hossman4484]

out standing sootch00

[@2wheelz3504]

I am really interested in this gun but cannot find it. I called the factory and Customer Service told me they were just a little place upstate and that I probably couldn't get one. By the way, they don't even have their own phone number. CZ now owns them and when they answer the phone they say CZ and don't even mention Dan Wesson. I'd say the merger didn't go well and that CZ could care less about Dan Wesson.

[@David-rc8hp]

Beautiful peace of machinery

[@marksanzone4948]

Great tutorial takedown pacing. Best I've seen. Well done! Was concerned about potential scratching.

[@RJM1011]

To own one in .45 would be beautiful. Thank you for the video.

[@jrbpa5775]

Beautiful gun, scratched pretty easy when you were reassembling by the slide stop.

[@David-rc8hp]

That is an awesome looking gun

[@bosse641]

Drooling over the Razorback 10mm

[@TheRealRacerX]

I LOVE my Valor, would really like to add this one!

[@favor4afavor823]

@champer slimmerthannone this is not a serious question

[@myvenusinuranus]

what a beautiful gun......I'd rather have it in .45acp though

[@mattspina5066]

Agreed

[@michaelcarter5447]

Yeah? You’d rather have a round with half the energy and lack of penetration through hard barriers?

[@michaelcarter5447]

My DW Specialist is in 10mm, which is why I say twice the energy. LOVE this model, my favorite pistol. Maybe even over my original 1982 Colt Python.

[@2Years2Farm]

@@michaelcarter5447 it’s because it’s the original round that the 1911 was made for! We have a neighbor who was a tunnel rat and killed many vk with a 1911 45acp. So let me ask How many people have you killed with a smaller round??

[@Americancitizen1]

So did you end up buying this 1911? Great review!

[@smokyofstormwind420]

Dual weilding 1911's pure baller :)

[@arpatriot616]

I've had 1911's in 45/5" (Kimber) and 9mm/5" (Rock Island) - I got rid of both of them, and now carry a 9mm commander (Metro Arms...look them up, forged 4140 frames and slides.) Man...you just can't beat these guns for 483 bucks. They are also a, pardon the pun, blast to shoot.

[@DOCSAFETUBE]

i love when you do reviews on S&w . my favorite is the 10mm however i own 3 1911 i dont need another one brother , as always , a great video peace

[@b.a.p.8198]

Please review a Kimber pro carry II

[@AdventuresofmalibuandDad]

Great gun hands down. You do great videos brother. LLTR.

[@roberttosa2560]

Is it love, Don? Sweet shooter, great review.

[@ThatVAFranchise]

Beautiful piece!

[@Eddy-gc2vx]

Had a DW in a 357. I believe a hv 15.????. 6 inch. Damn accurate hand gun. One of the best . Can't believe I sold it, but got a s w 639 9mm Ss ANOTHER accurate WEAPON. I also that to, to buy my 44 mag 7 in barrel..still got that, plus a 27-2 686 -2 and a 44 mag SS 29-3. I dont sell anything any more. But sure wish I had my Ruger blackhawk 357 back. First hand gun purchased in 72. While in the service. Damn!!!

[@excelerater]

I cant say enough good things about my Dan Wesson,tight fitting super high quality

[@michaelmcduff2263]

The Dan Wesson 1911's are the bargins of the 1911 world. No MIM parts. They use EGW small parts that are billet and hand fitted. Those are VZ grips on the Specialist and they have VERY pointy tips. Almost painful when gripped hard but I still like them and have them on other 1911's.