DAN WESSON Specialist
Posted May 19, 2023
The Dan Wesson Specialist is, without a doubt, an impressive handgun. Not only does it look good, it is well-crafted, reliable, and offers serious stopping power. To top it off, it’s made by a company with a top-notch reputation in the gun industry, so you know you’re getting a quality product. But what makes the Dan Wesson Specialist really stand out? Let’s take a look.
Design
The Dan Wesson Specialist is one of the most modern, attractive handguns on the market today. The slide is cut from stainless steel and the frame is parkerized for added durability. With its sleek black finish and distinctive “barrel hood” line, the Specialist has an aesthetically pleasing, yet intimidating appearance. That said, this is no mere fashion piece; the design is as practical as it is attractive, featuring a full top strap for improved recoil control and an integral undercut trigger guard for a higher grip.
Performance
As one would expect from a Dan Wesson product, the Specialist offers excellent performance. The pistol comes standard with a 7-round magazine and can handle a variety of different ammo, including .45 ACP and 10mm Auto. It also features a full-length, 6-inch rifled barrel that provides good accuracy and has strong yet smooth trigger pull for reliable operation. The recoil control is especially good, thanks to a series of studs on the back of the slide that reduce muzzle flip.
Safety
One of the most important features of any handgun, of course, is safety. Fortunately, the Dan Wesson Specialist possesses a number of safety features. These include an internal firing pin block, a manual thumb safety, and a “notched” hammer to prevent accidental discharge if the gun is dropped. Additionally, the grip has a raised surface pattern for improved gripping even while wearing gloves.
Value
The Dan Wesson Specialist is one of the most expensive pistols in its class, but the price tag is a reflection of its quality construction and superior performance. The handgun is built to last, and with proper care, it will give you years of reliable service.
Conclusion
The Dan Wesson Specialist is a great choice for any shooter looking for a stylish, reliable handgun with serious stopping power. Its good looks and superb performance make it ideal for self-defense, while its safety features provide peace of mind. It may cost a bit more than some of its competitors, but it’s well worth the money.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
•High quality construction with exceptional attention to detail and fitment
•Highly customizable platform allowing for unique and personalized EDC set-ups
•Large selection of chambers and barrel lengths
•Can accommodate many different types of ammunition, including +P
•Lightweight and stainless steel construction improves durability and portability
•Ergonomically designed for comfortable shooting
Cons:
•High price point for entry level models
•Larger overall size can be unwieldy for some shooters
•Slide not designed to be disassembled without special tools
•Finer-tolerance parts can be more prone to wear and tear with heavy use
Who Should Buy
People who should buy DAN WESSON Specialist pistols are experienced shooters and handgun owners who understand and follow firearm safety codes. People who are in charge of personal protection and military operations should also consider buying the pistols.
People who should not buy the pistols are those who do not follow gun safety protocols or have no experience using firearms.
Comparisons
| Build | Capacity | Recoil Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Steel frame, stainless steel slide and 17-4 heat-treated barrel | 8+1 | Dual captured spring, full length reverse guide rod |
| High under-cut trigger guard, PVD-coated stainless steel frame | 17 + 1 | X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights, Nitron Finish on slide and frame |
| Polymer frame, steel slide, cold hammer-forged barrel | **17 + 1** | Rough textured frame, multiple backstraps |
| Carbon-steel frame with matte-black finish, carbon-steel slide | 8+1 | Series 70 design, beavertail grip safety |
| Polymer frame and stainless-steel slide | 17 + 1 | 4-Palm Swell, Armornite finish on slide and barrel |
Features / Specs
• 9mm Luger
• Barrel length: 5 inches
• Chamber: Flush-fit 6-round magazine cylinder
• Frame length: 7.5 inches
• 14 Round Magazine
• Steel Frame
• Weight: 42 ounces
• Adjustable Rear Sight
• Stainless Finish
• G10 Grips
Popular Accessories
- Hogue Grips
- Wicked Grips
- Speedloaders
- Performance Center Upgrades
- Magazine Extensions
- Night Sights
- Trigger Kits
- Trigger Guards
- IWB Holsters
- OWB Holsters
Accuracy
The Dan Wesson Specialist is an incredibly accurate handgun, with many users happily reporting groups shooting at just under two inches at a distance of 25 yards. The Specialist is known for its accuracy and its barrel-cylinder gap being tightly machined, and its 6-inch barrel allowing for more rifling which provides more stability to the bullet during its flight. Its extremely tight machining also ensures that any deviation in shot placement becomes more predictable and very manageable. The Specialist also has a built-in compensator which helps to reduce muzzle flip, further enhancing its accuracy when shooting. To top it off, the Specialist comes with an adjustable rear sight as well as a fiber optic front sight, making it even easier to line up shots accurately. Overall, the Dan Wesson Specialist is a reliable, accurate handgun with features that serve to further enhance the shooter’s accuracy experience.
