Springfield TRP 1911 vs. Dan Wesson 1911

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  • Doublehelix

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    I've been Jonesing for a nice .45 1911 for a while now, and have been looking seriously at one of the Dan Wesson models, specifically the Silverback or the Valor, but they a bit pricey (well worth it, I am sure).

    In my searching however, I keep hearing the Springfield TRP come up in conversation as a great gun for the price.

    What's the opinion from the 1911 gurus around here when asked to compare these two options?

    Thanks in advance.
     

    gregkl

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    I've heard good things about the TRP. I have a RO and I really like it. I would imagine the TRP is as nice or nicer.

    As far as the Dan Wesson, my nephew has a couple of them and in his opinion they don't compare to his Springfield's. Like comparing a Kia(SA) to a Mercedes(DW). But as you know, you will pay for it!
     

    Dddrees

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    One doesn't buy a Rolex because it keeps better time than a Timex. In fact in this case a Timex will keep better time. Heck if you have a smart phone you may not even need a watch. I can't believe there is much difference here either. One generally pays more for reasons other than basic functionality.
     

    TubThumper

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    I have a Dan Wesson Valor and I've shot plenty of Springfield's (in there various configurations) including the TRP. While a perfectly fine gun in its own right, the TRP is no Dan Wesson. To do better than the DW, IMHO, you'd have to step up to at least the Les Baer level of pricing.
     

    Indian

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    I love my TRP but I have a friend who has a Dan Wesson and it is very nice and I believe a better finish. I believe you can't go wrong with either one but that is only my two cents. My TRP was cheaper but not by much, but I purchased it when 45's was hard to find on the shelves. Right after Obama was just elected. My TRP is a tack driver.

     

    churchmouse

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    There is no denying the DW is better fit/finish over any production Springer.
    That said, my TRP's and my Trophy match will run right with any DW I have ever shot. Both Marques are more accurate than I am on any given day.
    After I applied the love in the proper areas to the Springers they might even run better but it is all in ones perspective.

    Using the Timex/Rolex analogy what do you want to be seen holding........Either brand will please.

    I really hate saying this after SA screwed the pooch in Ill.
     

    Dddrees

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    There is no denying the DW is better fit/finish over any production Springer.
    That said, my TRP's and my Trophy match will run right with any DW I have ever shot. Both Marques are more accurate than I am on any given day.
    After I applied the love in the proper areas to the Springers they might even run better but it is all in ones perspective.

    Using the Timex/Rolex analogy what do you want to be seen holding........Either brand will please.

    I really hate saying this after SA screwed the pooch in Ill.

    If your making your choice based on what others will think your bound to be disappointed. It certainly doesn't work that way with watches for the most part anyways. Most won't have a clue whether it's a Rolex, Timex, or Swatch or even care. However if your making your choice on something that draws you or attracts you to a certain thing whether that be a watch or gun then your bound to find the experience a whole lot more enjoyable.
     
    Last edited:

    Expat

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    If you want one that is really good looking the Dan Wessons are your pistol. I think the TRP is going to run just as good. When you get on the high end of the Valors, you are knocking on the door of Les Baer territory.
     
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    Dan Wesson is a Mercedes, overpriced, upkeep is costly and god forbids it bereaks down when you need it. Buy a worker, get a Honda. Runs for miles, cheap to keep.
     

    churchmouse

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    If your making your choice based on what others will think your bound to be disappointed. It certainly doesn't work that way with watches for the most part anyways. Most won't have a clue whether it's a Rolex, Timex, or Swatch or even care. However if your making your choice on something that draws you or attracts you to a certain thing whether that be a watch or gun then your bound to find the experience a whole lot more enjoyable.

    That was my point and well said.
    I have several SA's that have all been loved on extensively. It is just a hobby/passion with me.
    I also have some custom ground up builds. Again, same reasoning. They are miles above most out of the box pieces one can buy. And they are strikingly handsome.
    I am fond of them all for one reason or another.
    Never been one to buy a production piece on the high end of the price spectrum. I will buy a TRP and dump all the internals ASAP and replace with forged hand fit pieces. Puts me upside down in them for re-sale but that is not the point of the exercise. The point is knowing I did the work and the end result, good or bad, is on me.

    Often ones budget sets the perimeters for what they end up with.
     

    Dddrees

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    That was my point and well said.
    I have several SA's that have all been loved on extensively. It is just a hobby/passion with me.
    I also have some custom ground up builds. Again, same reasoning. They are miles above most out of the box pieces one can buy. And they are strikingly handsome.
    I am fond of them all for one reason or another.
    Never been one to buy a production piece on the high end of the price spectrum. I will buy a TRP and dump all the internals ASAP and replace with forged hand fit pieces. Puts me upside down in them for re-sale but that is not the point of the exercise. The point is knowing I did the work and the end result, good or bad, is on me.

    Often ones budget sets the perimeters for what they end up with.

    It does, but as long as you can enjoy whatever you end up getting then you've come out ahead.
     

    Ithaca45

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    My Springer is a Custom Shop model and is a fantastic 1911. I have owned a TRP and it shot great also but fit and finish weren't up to the CS model. The TRP was reliable and I didn't mind knocking it around in a holster. I wound up selling it because I wanted a Colt Wiley Clapp Government to go with my WC Lightweight Commander. I like the Colts (I carry the LW Commander regularly) but the TRP was a very nice working pistol and maybe a little more accurate. With all that said the DW's are very well made and I wouldn't mind having a Valor.
     

    10mmfan

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    Dan wesson 1911 pistols are very nice. According to some Internet info dan wesson does not use any MIM parts. the springers do. I have a springfield professional operator from their custom shop and even it has a couple
    MIM parts. I have 3 springfields right now 2 are pre ILS lock guns and I believe before Mim parts showed up and the professional model. they all shoot very well and the custom shop one shoots superbly and all have been extremely reliable. I really like the dan wesson pistols and have been debating for awhile about buying one, but the Dan wesson price for their nicer models like the valor and specialist, silverback, and bruin are all within 100-200.00 of a lower end les baer. tough decision right there but I believe the les baer might be the better buy in that bracket.
     
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    Doublehelix

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    Thanks for the replies everyone.

    I read in the "1911 Show N Tell" thread where someone said that the internal bits and pieces on the Dan Wesson's seemed about the same, whether it was the Valor or one of the less expensive models. Not sure if that is 100% accurate, but it is a great testament to their workmanship nonetheless.

    I have certainly been leaning towards the DW, but I was hoping to keep it at $1,500 or less out the door, and to get a Valor, I am not going to make that number. Maybe with a Silverback that has an $1,885 MSRP if I find a smashing great deal, but not with the full-sized Valor which is over $2K MSRP. Not sure what their retail is vs. MSRP, but when I looked over at Bud's, I can probably get something in that $1,500 range plus transfer fee, etc. for a Silverback.

    But as they say "buy once, cry once".

    I've been keeping an eye out in the classified, but nothing jumps out at me.

    Les Baer is definitely out of the pocketbook range!
     
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