Which 1911...DW or S&W?

[hillbillyshooter]

I am currently debating my next purchase. I want a 1911 and have narrowed it down to a S&W or Dan Wesson. Please give me some reasons to help me make my final call.

 

[Playboypenguin]

I can't really define which is clearly better...

...but I prefer the Dan Wesson by far.

 

[Jason_G]

S&W makes some fine pistols, but given the choice I would rather have a Series-70 style pistol, and Dan Wesson makes a fine one. JMHO.

Jason

 

[stantonizm]

I'm partial to DW's myself. I have no experience wth S&W 1911's but people that have them seem to be pleased. The DW's had everything I was looking for in a 1911...Series 70, no external extractor, clean markings, well fit. Their customer service is also some of the best around if you should need it.
James

 

[Delaware_Dan]

I like the bare slide on the Dan Wesson.

 

[supergas452M]

I own both, both are great guns. Its a personal choice but you can get a S&W with CT Laser Grips for the price of a PM7.

 

[tom234]

Better for what ? I don't see an intended use posted.

 

[rjs]

Had the same issue.

I chose the S&W for lightweight carry.

 

[massman]

Which 1911

I chose the S&W for two reasons:
1st is the big price difference.
2nd is the fact I can't own one in Massachusetts.
On second thought that might be my first reason for picking the S&W!

 

[hillbillyshooter]

Intended use

I intend on this weapon serving as mostly a range gun, as well as carry. I want to know which is better for the price, as far as accuracy, quality, durability, and style in the design. Hope this helps. I also heard before that the Smith can't be considered a true 1911 because its parts are not interchangable, should this be a consideration?

 

[Playboypenguin]

2nd is the fact I can't own one in Massachusetts.

But I assume you have had experience with one. Surely you would not vote for a gun as the higher quality item if you have little first hand experience with it.

 

[Jason_G]

I also heard before that the Smith can't be considered a true 1911 because its parts are not interchangable, should this be a consideration?

Some parts are proprietary. Extractor, "drop" safety, and some ignition parts IIRC. You'll have to decide for yourself how big of a problem this may be for you. I'm not a big fan of the politically correct drop safeties, Swartz or otherwise. JMHO. The S&Ws are good pistols though.

Jason

 

[stantonizm]

Another DW plus is that they don't use MIM parts.

 

[Officer's Match]

I prefer the DW.

 

[Sturmgewehre]

I would say go with the DW. I'm not real impressed with the fit/finish of my S&W. But it runs 100%. The Dan Wesson is both well made with top shelf parts (no MIM) and has a reputation for being extremely reliable.

I also prefer the conventional extractor vs. the external.

 

[hillbillyshooter]

So is it mostly just the style and finish of the pistols that sets the DW ahead of the S&W for the DW fans out there? I do much like the clean lines of the DWs. Is the accuracy and dependability equal for these two product lines?

 

[Playboypenguin]

The problem with pools like these is I would bet that 90% of the people that voted for S&W have no experience with a Dan Wesson 1911...and to a smaller degree, vice versa.

 

[Colt1911forever]

I believe the CBOB is a better pistol but it is not MIM free.

I also assume we are not talking about a performance center S&W.

 

[stantonizm]

I think as of '08 they are completely MIM free.

 

[Jason_G]

I believe the CBOB is a better pistol but it is not MIM free.

They have no MIM parts, and haven't for a little while now. Before then, I think only one part (I'm thinking slide stop, but can't remember now) for quite a while was MIM. I can't remember for sure now though.

Jason