Great technical content, I appreciate the detail you provide when testing a 1911, it’s more than, “here’s a review of a gun I bought today and I shot 500 rounds”.
I must have got lucky and got mine made on a Wednesday. Slide stop functions and so far no issues with the safety or magwell. I did your function tests and extractor tests and it passed no issues with Gold Dot, HST and WC Barnes TacXP's. Only have 400 rounds in it so far though but it's been great. I do however have a 10mm 2023 Specialist that has all those issues that took a lot of TLC to fix it.
The right side ambi safety would start to come loose while shooting. The grip panels retained it so the thumb safety would remain connected. Eventually I just replaced it with a single sided safety and haven’t had any other issues after that. Great 1911 for the money.
Thank you sir, really enjoy and appreciate your content, objective, deliberate and comprehensive evaluations and professional editing. I’ve seen your other DW reviews and similar outcomes particularly concerning the barrel feedramp issues. Not knowing what you paid for the gun ( it appears you don’t do loaner guns), I’ve always considered DW belonging to an affordable “custom “ genre, and as such I’m surprised you’ve had so many functional problems. Common production ( MIM) 1911s, from$500-2000 range are now consistently reliable. Just leaves me scratching my head that DW went off the beaten path with the integrated barrel feedramp. I can only think it’s to cut costs. “Custom”, higher dollar, should guarantee reliability at least on par with production guns.
the specialist is one of my FAVORITE Dan Wesson guns, especially their commander sized ones. Couple of things that they changed in this model that has me scratching my head 1. ramped barrel for a .45... the ****? Who thought that was a good idea/ that's just reducing the reliability IMO 2. JFC, they're still having problems with their slide stops not engaging? I had that happen on my Guardian as well and it took some grinding and polishing the proper edges to fix it. NO REASON they can't check that more carefully, especially with it cropping up over multiple reviewers the rest are minor annoyances that are generally fixable. so TLDR: Looks like a weird change to an already excellent gun that makes it pull a "1 step forward, 2 steps back" on us.
Thanks for the great review - question for you Sir…If I’m wanting a 10mm and I’m between this DW Specialist or the Sig P220 Legion, which way do you go? I realize they are entirely different platforms.
I know you are like the 1912 guru but I seen others test this gun and it's been great. I don't have a ton of rounds through mine but it's been flawless. Can you review the new commander size Emissary? The all black model?
Love your channel. In fact, you inspired us to get into small details when discussing firearms. So thank you for that. We hope you can help us with an issue we are running into. We just picked up the new Dan Wesson DWX Optic Ready and we are trying to figure out how to properly set it up. It uses the same optic mounting plates as their 1911s, and as you discuss here, you need to add your own sight to the dovetail on their optic plate. I spoke with CZ/Dan Wesson customer service and they told me to use CZ Shadow sights with the optic plate dovetail. In short, they were clueless and eventually admitted they were. I am not sure if the sights on the 1911 you reviewed are the same height as the DWX, so I am not sure what height rear sight I need. I see you have some options on your website. Do you happen to know the correct height rear sight for the DWX using the DW optic plate? If so, we would greatly appreciate the information. I want to maintain the tall, fiber optic front. Unfortunately, the plates are out of stock, so we don't have a plate for calculating the height, but I would like to have the rear sight ready when a plate eventually becomes available. Perhaps you have the proper sight, so we can just purchase it from you and be done with it. Any assistance you can offer is appreciated. Thank you.
Interesting that the latest TRP operator only recorded 2 malfunctions on your test but the much vaunted Dan Wesson had over 20. The MIM vs forged argument will never die but that’s a great data point to consider.
@TheRancor53 I'm planning on picking one up myself. Should I reconsider though? Because it can be finicky with some brands/types of .45 acp? Or should I just find a flavor of ammo the gun likes and stick with it?
I have 3 specialist 3 are ramped barrels gov and comm. The O.R. one has been flawless with 8 rd mags. Out of 4 10rd mags one of them gave me problems. We will be testing it for Federal HST soon.
Always wonderful to see a video from you! Is there ever going to be a TH-cam video for anything to do with your review or ongoing review of the Springfield operator?
Wish it had an industry standard “slim” footprint (RMSc/RMRcc/Holosun-K) instead of a plate system. Otherwise the specialist is my favorite 1911 under $3K Now when is the optic ready 10mm coming out?!🔫
My version of the Specialist was discontinued (multi-slot picatiny rail). It seems that when DW reintroduced the Specialist, the issues started. I see you made the cover of Amory Life!
@KeanonGilliamSlang369 I just purchased this new OR version, we'll see we'll see how it functions. My Commander Specialist ramped barrel functions flawlessly also.
Your sentence fragment & lack of punctuation looks silly. He’s dropping empty mags; that’s consistent with his extensive training & experience. What’s your training & experience?
My ambi is loose and magwell also…and I don’t have to tell you 10mm 1911s with same barrel have issues but I try n work through em as you do. HST has good profile to feed but still hangs..I load the 135 asp and 200gr xtp and basic 180gr hp all to max pressure and boy you talk about vaporizing bottles…135 from my 6” trp at 1550fps and most damage as any I’ve found. Love your presentations brother you do a great job and lettin us decide from facts..🫡matt
Great technical content, I appreciate the detail you provide when testing a 1911, it’s more than, “here’s a review of a gun I bought today and I shot 500 rounds”.
Breaks out the beer, kicks back to relax.
It's been too long since the last 10-8 video.
Going to savour and enjoy this.
His Patreon page has a lot more videos and articles.
I have a pre 2020 commander model (2017) with the 1913 rail and I had no idea that the 45 on the 2020+ models have a ramped barrel. That is wild.
Lots of people have technical knowledge but few can explain things as well as you. I love your reviews.
I must have got lucky and got mine made on a Wednesday. Slide stop functions and so far no issues with the safety or magwell. I did your function tests and extractor tests and it passed no issues with Gold Dot, HST and WC Barnes TacXP's. Only have 400 rounds in it so far though but it's been great. I do however have a 10mm 2023 Specialist that has all those issues that took a lot of TLC to fix it.
What model red dot do have on it.
@@sgtbones1837 I have a Trijicon RMR Type2 on mine.
@@ArtofHunter Thanx
200 rds in mine no problems (fmj).
The right side ambi safety would start to come loose while shooting. The grip panels retained it so the thumb safety would remain connected. Eventually I just replaced it with a single sided safety and haven’t had any other issues after that. Great 1911 for the money.
thank you!
Thanks for the review, definitely going to pass on this one.
Thank you sir, really enjoy and appreciate your content, objective, deliberate and comprehensive evaluations and professional editing. I’ve seen your other DW reviews and similar outcomes particularly concerning the barrel feedramp issues. Not knowing what you paid for the gun ( it appears you don’t do loaner guns), I’ve always considered DW belonging to an affordable “custom “ genre, and as such I’m surprised you’ve had so many functional problems. Common production ( MIM) 1911s, from$500-2000 range are now consistently reliable. Just leaves me scratching my head that DW went off the beaten path with the integrated barrel feedramp. I can only think it’s to cut costs. “Custom”, higher dollar, should guarantee reliability at least on par with production guns.
the specialist is one of my FAVORITE Dan Wesson guns, especially their commander sized ones. Couple of things that they changed in this model that has me scratching my head
1. ramped barrel for a .45... the ****? Who thought that was a good idea/ that's just reducing the reliability IMO
2. JFC, they're still having problems with their slide stops not engaging? I had that happen on my Guardian as well and it took some grinding and polishing the proper edges to fix it. NO REASON they can't check that more carefully, especially with it cropping up over multiple reviewers
the rest are minor annoyances that are generally fixable.
so TLDR: Looks like a weird change to an already excellent gun that makes it pull a "1 step forward, 2 steps back" on us.
Good stuff, Hilton. Love these technical videos
PLEASE REVIEW THE SA FULL SIZE TAN TRP
Congrats on being featured on Armory Life magazine!! Well deserved! 🎉 trying to get it framed on my work bench wall.
I have this gun in 10mm, haven't shot it yet only got it a few days ago. Wish me luck!
I'm so happy to see a TH-cam video again from you!!!
Thanks for the great review - question for you Sir…If I’m wanting a 10mm and I’m between this DW Specialist or the Sig P220 Legion, which way do you go? I realize they are entirely different platforms.
Simply outstanding and thorough. Thank you.
this or the SA TRP which is better? seems to me like the TRP is...
Cool info 👍
I know you are like the 1912 guru but I seen others test this gun and it's been great. I don't have a ton of rounds through mine but it's been flawless.
Can you review the new commander size Emissary? The all black model?
crazy cause I thought dan wesson and Wilson combat were the 2 best 1911 manufactures but seems like SA TRP is better
Excellent review, thank you.
Love your channel. In fact, you inspired us to get into small details when discussing firearms. So thank you for that.
We hope you can help us with an issue we are running into. We just picked up the new Dan Wesson DWX Optic Ready and we are trying to figure out how to properly set it up. It uses the same optic mounting plates as their 1911s, and as you discuss here, you need to add your own sight to the dovetail on their optic plate.
I spoke with CZ/Dan Wesson customer service and they told me to use CZ Shadow sights with the optic plate dovetail. In short, they were clueless and eventually admitted they were.
I am not sure if the sights on the 1911 you reviewed are the same height as the DWX, so I am not sure what height rear sight I need. I see you have some options on your website. Do you happen to know the correct height rear sight for the DWX using the DW optic plate? If so, we would greatly appreciate the information. I want to maintain the tall, fiber optic front.
Unfortunately, the plates are out of stock, so we don't have a plate for calculating the height, but I would like to have the rear sight ready when a plate eventually becomes available. Perhaps you have the proper sight, so we can just purchase it from you and be done with it.
Any assistance you can offer is appreciated. Thank you.
I do not have a DWX but my Glock "standard height" rear that I used would be the most logical option to use.
@@108Performance I appreciate it. I'll order one now.
Interesting that the latest TRP operator only recorded 2 malfunctions on your test but the much vaunted Dan Wesson had over 20. The MIM vs forged argument will never die but that’s a great data point to consider.
The 20 malfunctions he had most likely were from the ramped barrel.
@@garrettdunyon4505 yup exactly
@TheRancor53 I'm planning on picking one up myself. Should I reconsider though? Because it can be finicky with some brands/types of .45 acp? Or should I just find a flavor of ammo the gun likes and stick with it?
I have 3 specialist 3 are ramped barrels gov and comm. The O.R. one has been flawless with 8 rd mags. Out of 4 10rd mags one of them gave me problems. We will be testing it for Federal HST soon.
Always wonderful to see a video from you!
Is there ever going to be a TH-cam video for anything to do with your review or ongoing review of the Springfield operator?
I was considering purchasing this firearm this week .. would you for the $ recommend the Gun ?
Where have you been Hilton??? I have a ramped barrel STI Trojan that runs like hose......
I pack the 10mm ss and would love to have my slide cut….recommendations.? Also the 6” trp rmr and both 10mm
It's expensive, but I would recommend sending it to Nighthawk Custom and get their IOS cut.
@@garrettdunyon4505 that’s one of my choices…love nighthawks
Wish it had an industry standard “slim” footprint (RMSc/RMRcc/Holosun-K) instead of a plate system. Otherwise the specialist is my favorite 1911 under $3K
Now when is the optic ready 10mm coming out?!🔫
My version of the Specialist was discontinued (multi-slot picatiny rail). It seems that when DW reintroduced the Specialist, the issues started. I see you made the cover of Amory Life!
I have the Specialist ramped barrel it has been flawless.
@@sgtbones1837 Good to know. I was planning on getting the newer version to add to my collection.
@KeanonGilliamSlang369 I just purchased this new OR version, we'll see we'll see how it functions. My Commander Specialist ramped barrel functions flawlessly also.
Mine too.
Too many malfunctions. Very surprising for a premium pistol. :(
Been wanting this pistol in 10mm. Would like to see how it would fare.
Dan Wesson have always been built like a tanks.
I dont like the new style rail
One of the only channels that can get me to click off a SRS episode.
The neurotics at TH-cam warned me that this video could be disturbing! Do you publish your interesting videos on an alternative platform?
I think he has a patreon account
He does lots of good stuff on there
It seems like Dan Wesson is using ramped barrels on their .45’s. That’s a hard pass.
Ramped 45 barrel in a government 5" gun? That's a sin against JMB. Shame.
The Valor has an old school ramp and mine has been flawless for several years and many rounds.
My non-optic cut Specialist has a standard .45 feed way, and it is flawless.
Bummer.
For the money, it shouldn’t be a POS
You put Chinese junk Holosun on a premium USA made 1911.......makes no sense to me👀
Why drop your mags here
Looks silly
Your sentence fragment & lack of punctuation looks silly. He’s dropping empty mags; that’s consistent with his extensive training & experience. What’s your training & experience?
My ambi is loose and magwell also…and I don’t have to tell you 10mm 1911s with same barrel have issues but I try n work through em as you do. HST has good profile to feed but still hangs..I load the 135 asp and 200gr xtp and basic 180gr hp all to max pressure and boy you talk about vaporizing bottles…135 from my 6” trp at 1550fps and most damage as any I’ve found. Love your presentations brother you do a great job and lettin us decide from facts..🫡matt