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Thread: Any Specialist owners out there?

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  1. #1
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    Any Specialist owners out there?

    For those that own(ed) a Specialist what are your experiences? Any issues with the rail (do some lights/laser brands fit better than others)? Stainless or duty black and why?

    Initially I was considering commander size in stainless. Size due to CCW and stainless due to price differences (ie. cheaper). I've since rethought the previous details and am now leaning toward full size in duty black. The reason I re-thunk size for ccw is; it isn't the slide length, it's the grip that is the concealability factor. Also for me personally I shoot full size 1911's better (accuracy). As far as duty black cost factor. Well, if I'm fantasizing about owning a Dan Wesson Specialist price is no object and I like the look better.

    I've owned 2 other railed FS 1911's by other manufacturers and wasn't satisfied for, well, my reasons. They both went bang every time I pulled the trigger with no malfunctions. They just no longer reside in my personal arsenal.

    I like what I've read about DW 1911's and would like to own one and shoot one, a lot.

    cheers.
    Last edited by BrettID; 29th December 2019 at 07:59.


  2. #2
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    I'm thinking I should've went with a Specialist, instead of the TRP Operator I bought. I see this is DW's version of the SA TRP, not overly impressed with it. I read/hear nothing but good about DW models, especially the Specialist.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by 9mmskng View Post
    I'm thinking I should've went with a Specialist, instead of the TRP Operator I bought. I see this is DW's version of the SA TRP, not overly impressed with it. I read/hear nothing but good about DW models, especially the Specialist.
    I sort of came to that conclusion after buying a used SA MC Operator with low round count. I wasn't satisfied with my Operator for multiple reasons and traded it away. I began searching for another railed 1911 and found myself considering the Specialist after reading much about the DW brand. Maybe after I recover from the holiday spending I'll look into it again.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by BrettID View Post
    I sort of came to that conclusion after buying a used SA MC Operator with low round count. I wasn't satisfied with my Operator for multiple reasons and traded it away. I began searching for another railed 1911 and found myself considering the Specialist after reading much about the DW brand. Maybe after I recover from the holiday spending I'll look into it again.
    Yeah Brett, I purchased brand new in November, quality of mfg is WAY less than that of my SA LW Operator and MUCHO less than my Colt Comp Series '70. I'm going to buy a 9mm 1911 later in the year, will be a DW, or Colt, as the current Colt 1911's are Fantastic quality for production gun.
    Last edited by 9mmskng; 30th December 2019 at 15:02.


  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by BrettID View Post
    I sort of came to that conclusion after buying a used SA MC Operator with low round count. I wasn't satisfied with my Operator for multiple reasons and traded it away...
    BrettID, can you elaborate on this decision? TIA

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by captiva View Post
    BrettID, can you elaborate on this decision? TIA
    As not to clutter the DW section with SA stuff I'll PM with the details. But simply put, mostly personal reasons due to PO. But I will say SA inc. customer service is top notch.

    Considering all that I could find to read about DW pistols they sound like great guns. I hope to own a Specialist 1911 someday.

  7. #7
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    OK thank you. Once i determined how much MIM were in my TRP and SAMCSO they were sold for all tool steel DW's.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by captiva View Post
    OK thank you. Once i determined how much MIM were in my TRP and SAMCSO they were sold for all tool steel DW's.
    The forged steel parts in a DW is one of the reasons I was intrigued by the brand.

  9. #9
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    Today I discovered the Specialist for 2020 has some design (visual) changes. ie. addition of front slide serrations and only one slot on the light rail. Functionally nothing really changes. Unless only having one slot on the light rail limits the light options. I have no idea as my experience with pistol mounted lights is extremely limited. I suppose front slide serrations could be considered a function change as their supposed to be used for "press check". Doesn't concern me as I've never checked for a loaded chamber that way on a pistol. Again, chalk that up to limited experience. Which reminds me I could use some instruction via a classroom environment. Still hoping to hear from others. Any opinions on the redesigned light rail?

  10. #10
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    I have the Specialist. I have yet to run into any issues.

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