I still can't find a TRP but I have been reading a lot of good things about the Dan Wesson. Is the Specialist a better pistol than the TRP?
Sidearms & Scatterguns Dan Wesson Specialist vs Springfield TRP Operator
- Thread starter Nosler243Shooter
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I own a Valor and I am sure people will disagree, but the TRP and Valor don't compare. First off, before you worry about anything, see if you like the front strap on the TRP, it is like a cheese grater. I shoot a lot it will certainly let you know.
Never shot the Dan Wesson, but I don't see how you could improve much on a TRP. The front strap checkering is aggressive, but it's never bothered me at all. My girlfriend loves shooting my TRP and she has never mentioned that it hurts her hands. She has soft hands.
I own two Colts (actually my wife's), two springers and one Wesson. I recently sold both Springers, granted one was a XDM which for it's purpose it a great pistol but I have been in love with the 1911 platform and it doesn't do it for me anymore, so I sold it. I had a TRP and really liked it till I bought the Valor. Now I am not saying that the TRP isn't a great gun, but it is IMO designed around being just a workhorse of a outstanding FBI contact pistol. It does not have the attention to detail of that pistol and therefore is a lot cheaper. The Valor is not the Custom shop FBI contract TRP by any means, but is a step above the the TRP that I could afford at the time for fit, finish and just feel to everyone that has held and shoot both that I know. Now is possible that there are Valors that are not as good as others, I would believe that, but everyone that I have seen or spoke to owners of has been very happy. I can't say the same as the TRP.
BTW the TRP was sold for a Ed Brown Special Forces. Before your purchase, I would seriously consider spending some time of 1911forum.com. Great site and like Snipershide, a large member base (138K) and plenty of people that do know their shit better than me especially about the 1911.
I still do love our CZ Shadows - Angus from CZ Custom does make a mean USPA pistol.
BTW the TRP was sold for a Ed Brown Special Forces. Before your purchase, I would seriously consider spending some time of 1911forum.com. Great site and like Snipershide, a large member base (138K) and plenty of people that do know their shit better than me especially about the 1911.
I still do love our CZ Shadows - Angus from CZ Custom does make a mean USPA pistol.
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I'll toss in another vote for the DW. I was looking at the same two pistols a couple years ago. It was 2011 and I told myself I would buy a 1911 in 2011 for the 100yr anniversary.
I examined the TRP and Valor(same as specialist w/o rail) and in terms fit, finishing, and quality of components, the DW seemed just a step or two above the TRP. It was honesly a hard decision, because I REALLY liked the TRP. It was little things, like the smoothness of the mag release, clean 'snappiness' of the thumb safety, and the impressive machining work/finishing inside the slide and fame (areas you never see if the gun is assembled) that won me over in favor of the Valor. I have not regretted my decision for the DW once. I say give the Specialist a chance and you will not be disappointed.
All that to say, they're both great pistols. In the end, go with your gut and Im sure you'll be happy.
I examined the TRP and Valor(same as specialist w/o rail) and in terms fit, finishing, and quality of components, the DW seemed just a step or two above the TRP. It was honesly a hard decision, because I REALLY liked the TRP. It was little things, like the smoothness of the mag release, clean 'snappiness' of the thumb safety, and the impressive machining work/finishing inside the slide and fame (areas you never see if the gun is assembled) that won me over in favor of the Valor. I have not regretted my decision for the DW once. I say give the Specialist a chance and you will not be disappointed.
All that to say, they're both great pistols. In the end, go with your gut and Im sure you'll be happy.
Buy a Les Bear around 1900 VS. 1600 for a TRP or Wesson. The prices of the options brings you to a custom. Look close at prices and quality. You might want to spend 2 or 3 hundred dollars more and get something nice.
My 2 CENTS.
My 2 CENTS.
I agree with dar. I went with Les Baer premier 2. It is an awesome pistol. The pistol is unbelievably accurate and the fit and finish very nice. I was torn between the Valor the pm2 and feel like I made the right decision. With all of that said any of the 3 will be great gun!
I have the specialist and it is a great gun for the money. I have not had a single problem out of mine with about 1k rounds so far. The fit and finish is very nice and the slide to frame fit is also smooth and tight. The DW is well worth it IMHO. But I also want a TRP just waiting for one to show up at the right time.
Walter
Walter
Thanks Gosu. The TRPs and Wessons are decent pistols. But the prices of some items are getting into custom prices. The resale of a Les bear will hold more value. It is like buying a Chevy at or just below Mercedes prices. Why??
So when it breaks down I can get someone to fix it (Chevy / Mercedes comment). If you saw my above post I sold my TRP for the same amount of money that I paid for it. I am buying or should say I bought just waiting for it to come in a Brown. So, I understand what you are saying. All firearms are stupid money for the low to mid level piece, so now more than ever it makes sense to buy what you want as long as you know what you want. Point is, sometimes the TRP or Valor makes sense because, hell you don't know if that is what you want until you get it.
I had a advantage, my wife was already into the 1911s and got me shooting them. Being more of a rifle guy I looked at a pistol is pure back up. Now I am hooked, hard.
Maybe used the wrong example for the point. I own a TRP and it is not a bad pistol but I wouldn't compared it to my last purchase of a Les Bear. I wish I would have look more at a custom before I got the TRP. The TRPs and Wesson' s , Kimbers, etc,. They are getting into the 1450 to 1700 price range for a production gun. Example: I own a Colt Special Combat that I bought for 1295 and now they are 1995 or real close. I think you are better with a Custom for close to the same price. The market for these items is changing and guns are going up due to demand. But remember the demand doesn't mean you are getting more for your money like the Custom pistol.
The TRP front strap is like knives on your hands. The Les Bears pistols fit just Right. TRP trigger is ok. Les Bear has a great trigger. The list can go on. The TRP would be more compare to a loaded SA for 900 then you are talking a little different story. The Dan Wesson pistol is nicer but still running the cost up and not quit a Custom for the same cost.
My 2 dollars and done.
Good luck with your decision.
The TRP front strap is like knives on your hands. The Les Bears pistols fit just Right. TRP trigger is ok. Les Bear has a great trigger. The list can go on. The TRP would be more compare to a loaded SA for 900 then you are talking a little different story. The Dan Wesson pistol is nicer but still running the cost up and not quit a Custom for the same cost.
My 2 dollars and done.
Good luck with your decision.
I get you a 100%. My point was until I owned a Colt or Wesson, I didn't feel or see the difference. Certain things are not immediately noticed. For example I am into motorcycles and to most people my new R1 is a quick bike, but that is because they have not rode my previous CBR. Sometimes you don't know until you experience it and for some it will always be the best thing they ever owned even though to others it might not be the same experience.
I see your point.
Get the TRP if for some reason you don't like it, which would be highly unlikely in my opinion, it would sell for about what you paid for it in less than five minutes. Bet ya keep it.
Dan Wessons will hold their value just as well as a springer so that is a moot point. While the TRP is a great gun it doesnt have the level of quality that dan wesson 1911's have. This isn't opinion its fact, they dont receive as much hand fitting as dw's and while it's not entirely obvious, its noticable. Most notable for me was the fire cotrol parts. The dan wessons really shine in this category, additionally, the fit finish is slightly better as well. But something else for thought, if you plan on doing any IDPA, you can't with a railed TRP due to the bull barrel. Another consideration if it matters to you is that the specialist comes with night sights from the factory, I cant recall if the TRP does as well.
They are both GREAT pistols and are true semi custom guns (mass produced but receive hand fitting/inspections), it's just that thr dan wessons receive a little more hand fitting and attention then TRP's.
They are both GREAT pistols and are true semi custom guns (mass produced but receive hand fitting/inspections), it's just that thr dan wessons receive a little more hand fitting and attention then TRP's.
Thanks for the replies. Between the Specialist and the TRP, the Springfield just has a look to it. The TRP to me is just a nicer looking gun. I probably couldn't tell the difference in accuracy between the two. The Les Baer is also something I have considered. One of my friends has a Premier II. I have considered this option but the problem is the standard configuration comes with adjustable black target sights and no magwell. I know this is to very minor things but I have no gunsmith close to where I live. Also, Les Baer doesn't like other gunsmiths working on there pistols. It is something to think about though. If I could find one for 2000.00 or so I might be interested. If I was to buy a Les Baer though I would probably have to look at the Ultimate Recon.
Contact 1911 Heaven | Les Baer Distributor, Coeur d'Alene, North Idaho. Good prices and has Les Bears in stock. He is a nice guy. It is worth the look even if you choose to go another route. This is why you do a custom. So the work is already done. He goes over all the details.
+1 on Crazy John. I have a Les Baer from him with the 1.5" guarantee. But I wouldn't kick a Dan Wesson out of bed for eating crackers. The TRP is a great starting place for a custom gun. But then, so are the DW and Les Baer.
I like 1911forum.com, but I do not like the way it is structured. It is good for keeping the fanboi's in their own swim lanes, but if you are trying to decide between two manufacturers, you know what answer you are going to get depending on which Forum you post in. Dan Wesson vs. Springer? In the DW forum, the answer is DW. In the Springer Forum, it is Springer. You can get your answer, but you have to read two or three times as much. I did decide on a Baer over a Brown because I cared more about accuracy than fit 'n finish. It took me a while to figure it out. There are VERY knowledgeable guys there. For 1911 pr0n, go to ltwguns.com ? Index page. Then you see what is truly possible (and mostly what you can't afford, or at least don't want to spend).
TRP's are the best money dollar for dollar as any 1911 on the market. I have Browns , FBI Pro, Colt Rail NHC......, and the TRP is an oustanding value for a great 1911.
I take all forums with a grain of salt. Forums are a great place to get ideas that can be backed up with fact but often just opinions. I look for words like fit and finish of slide versus best bang for the buck. Because depending on your deal their best bang for your buck might not be the same yours. With that I know what exactly you are talking about with the 1911 forum. Thing is there are plenty of people on everyone of those forums with issues about their pistol of why they like them. You need to sort though the issues and come to your own conclusions of what is best for you.
I think you should shoot both of them first, before you decide. I have owned many different brands of 1911's, and sold a bunch of them. 1911's are like women, there is something to love about all of them. I will say that one of my regrets is the sale of my TRP full rail Operator. The pistol had bucket fulls of rounds put through her, but placed shots where they were aimed, always. One of the most accurate 1911's I have ever owned. Customer service is second to none, and their custom shop is timely, as well as priced right. Some extremely talented folks have worked there for decades. But, in the end it's your shooter, not any of ours. J
I've never had a TRP, but I have had 2 different Springfield Loaded. One in .45 and one in 9mm. I really liked them both. Great guns. No problems with either. I was especially partial to the 9mm. It became the favorite gun in my safe. Then I sold a bunch of stuff. Still had the 9mm, but I bought a DW PM-9. Game over for the Springfield. I feel in love hard and fast with the DW PM9. Very tight feel, yet it's the smoothest gun I've ever shot. I'm not sure how else to describe it. Smooth. I liked it so much I sold some other stuff and bought a DW CCO .45. It's extremely tight, still, after 600 rounds. It's smooth too, but not like the PM9. Both are great guns. I don't forsee either of them ever being sold.
I have never shot or owned a Dan Wesson. I do however own 2 Springer 1911's. I have a Champion Operator that is my daily carry and his big brother the Full Dust Cover Rail TRP Tactical Operator (earlier FBI contract) . I would think that any TRP Operator would hold some resale value in today's market. The few I have seen are NIB $1,700.00. That being said if you can get your hands on a Les Baer or the likes for a couple of hundred more as previously mentioned its worth looking into.
Go trp operator. I own several 1911s. And the trp is bad ass
Both are great pistols. I don't own a TRP but I have shot my buddy's, they are great shooting guns. I do own a Dan Wesson Valor, they are also a great looking and shooting guns. Although mine is now far from stock, thanks to Chuck Rogers, it looked and shot great right out of the box when it was purchased new.
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Have owned and shot numerous Springfields, all good guns.
I got a Valor in last year for review and couldn't part with it.
Been 100% flawless and has fed all sorts of ammo with out a single feeding issue from cheap import ball ammo to 185 JHPs to the 255g +p hardcast loads I use hog hunting.
Great pistol.
I got a Valor in last year for review and couldn't part with it.
Been 100% flawless and has fed all sorts of ammo with out a single feeding issue from cheap import ball ammo to 185 JHPs to the 255g +p hardcast loads I use hog hunting.
Great pistol.
The slide is well fit on Baer, Brown, and Wilson. When I talk about fit 'n finish, I am talking, for example, about tooling marks on the internal recesses of the frame and general quality of the bluing job. Those machining marks don't really bother me, but Ed Brown guys go crazy about that stuff. And then you look at the customs where they time all the screws and make a whole bunch of "glamour cuts." You get a better looking gun, but one that functions largely the same. With the semi-customs and up, slide to frame fit is rarely an issue.
I have had both, the TRP and and a bobtail wesson, for me the TRP was more reliable. Had problems with the extractor on the wesson. Can't draw many conclusions from a single copy of anything though. It could have been a lemon.
I have now got out of 1911s entirely and consider them range guns. to me, because I don't like maintenance, they have too many timing issues, and shoot one long enough you will get familiar with changing springs, adjusting extractor tension, etc. I went to function over form when I tried to get totally practical to conserve money on my gun purchases, but I still crave a 1911 from time to time...they are just so fun to shoot!
I have now got out of 1911s entirely and consider them range guns. to me, because I don't like maintenance, they have too many timing issues, and shoot one long enough you will get familiar with changing springs, adjusting extractor tension, etc. I went to function over form when I tried to get totally practical to conserve money on my gun purchases, but I still crave a 1911 from time to time...they are just so fun to shoot!
All in all, it all came down to what you prefer. Both guns are fine guns and will be as accurate as you are unless sth is wrong. Small features count, but in the end, what feels better in your hand and look better in your eyes will be better. Go handle them and decide for yourself as everyones experience will be different.
Customer service at springfield is pretty damn amazing though.
Customer service at springfield is pretty damn amazing though.
At the NRA Convention 2013 in Houston, I had a chance to handle both.
I preferred TRP Op over DW Specialist. Among DW 1911 lines, Valor felt the best.
I have a DW Valor, it is an amazing pistol. DW pistols are all made in the US, used no MIM and have a melonite finish. Compare that to the Brazilian TRP and the cost makes sense. Both are nice pistols, but the Specialist really shines, the fit and finish on these guys are top notch
I own both. The trp is a wonderful pistol but does not come close to DW with fit, finish and attention to detail. I doubt many of the folks who have chimed in here have owned/shit both pistols but its DW in a landslide especially since the price tags are almost identical.
My money would be on the Specialist.
The whole thing is fairly academic right now, though, because you're going to have a hell of a time finding one for sale anywhere. To the best of my knowledge, Dan Wesson still hasn't recovered from their fire last year, and so there aren't any new DW 1911s making their way to market. There's a tiny handful on Gunbroker, but not all of their models are represented, and prices are inflated.
The whole thing is fairly academic right now, though, because you're going to have a hell of a time finding one for sale anywhere. To the best of my knowledge, Dan Wesson still hasn't recovered from their fire last year, and so there aren't any new DW 1911s making their way to market. There's a tiny handful on Gunbroker, but not all of their models are represented, and prices are inflated.
Just have a custom Caspian built 
DW any day of the week
+1 I have had all the 1911's from $900.00 to the $5500.00 Supergrade, I have had almost every Dan Wesson, and have had alot of Springers, IMO the Wesson is a better gun for the money!
In a ransom test the Valor finished first besting both an Ed Brown Kobra Carry and a Les Baer Premier II with the 1.5" accuracy gurantee at 50 yards. My new Wesson Specialist will be here Wednesday I hope.
Buy a TRP and use your extra coin to buy lots of ammo and Cobra mags.
The others are all great guns but the TRP will perform the same and has a rock solid warranty. Its basically the same configuration as the FBI gun for a lot less coin.
They did the research and setup , I shoot it.
Its my only 1911 surrounded by HK's and Glock's and can more than hold its own.
The others are all great guns but the TRP will perform the same and has a rock solid warranty. Its basically the same configuration as the FBI gun for a lot less coin.
They did the research and setup , I shoot it.
Its my only 1911 surrounded by HK's and Glock's and can more than hold its own.
I have a Valor. Was going to hang onto it until I got into Wilson Combat territory and have since given up on wanting to upgrade.
What, a DW thread and I didn't yet plug Dan Wessons? I know this is an oldish thread, but for the next person that resurrects it, it seems to me -- and I could be wrong -- that people who own a TRP LOVE them crazy long time charlie! But if you're into the nitty gritty of quality I think the DW has it over the TRP. In fact, I believe the DW is equal or even better than Ed Brown -- for less money. I know for a fact some disagree, so just take that as my personal opinion -- though I do own two Ed Browns and only one DW. If I had more choices in California I would own more Dan Wessons.
Buy a TRP and use your extra coin to buy lots of ammo and Cobra mags.
The others are all great guns but the TRP will perform the same and has a rock solid warranty. Its basically the same configuration as the FBI gun for a lot less coin.
They did the research and setup , I shoot it.
Its my only 1911 surrounded by HK's and Glock's and can more than hold its own.
No your pretty much 100% wrong. The TRP, while one of the better production 1911's is not even in the same league as the Proffesional.
I could buy all the parts they use to make any of these guns and would that mean its worth just as much? No, its the hand fitting, experince and build quality in addition to great parts that make them valuable.
Dan Wessons are simply better guns than Springers. They are better built, better parts, and are made in the USA. They are more accurate than the Springers and usualy test in top 3 of all the big names.
Les bauers are overpriced game guns. They are built too tight and they are not reliable enough for duty. They are also production guns. Most of the guns from Les, Wilson, Nighthawk are Production guns. They just have more hand finishing and fitting done, and you can get some other options (that you will pay a premium for). Most people buy their Production models, not the semi-customs (which offer nothing other than other options).
I am getting out of the 1911 game, as they are to nice for what I do. No sense is running and roughing up a $2k pistol when you can do the same to a glock.
Anyone looking for a high end 1911, would be doing them self a diservice is they do not consider DW. They are without a doubt the vest value out there, while being on par with the Big 4.
Cobracutter is giving good info. Here's a link to a comparison of DW and some other quality 1911s.
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=321236
It's funny--I've gotten out of 1911s for exactly the same reason. The only one I have left is a black DW Valor.
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=321236
It's funny--I've gotten out of 1911s for exactly the same reason. The only one I have left is a black DW Valor.
I am wrong about an opinion?
The TRP will perform the same as any other 1911 and shoot better than the majority of people firing it. If you want a professional then buy one, the TRP is the same external configuration without the added cost of handfitting. If you fear MIM parts buy a professional and do not fly on commercial jet aircraft.
It's a combat configured gun, not bullseye so let's keep the Ransom rest numbers separate.
If you want a custom gun or a "better" production gun then spend more or lots more for a gun that performs the same task. It's my last 1911 and truth be told all of my HK's will perform and run better than any 1911 of any price. I kept the TRP because it's the perfect balance of performance, cost and the best warranty in the business.
Some shooters actually prefer the TRP over the Pro.
These are people that shoot them, YMMV.
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=361473
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You stated it as fact. And you continue to make bold statements that are not even close to reality.
The TRP will not perform the same as any 1911. Anyone who has even shot more than one, knows that no two are same. There is a higher probabiliy of a lemon or defective gun/part than just about any other currently produced handgun due to the design and ammount of machining/fitting required for the design.
The same external configuration? All 1911's have the same or similar "external configuation". The Parts are not even close to the same:
The Professional is hand built by a single Master Gunsmith. The TRP is a production assembly that gets some hand fitting.
The TRP uses a two piece FLGR, the Pro does not.
The Pro uses a SA magwell, the TRP does not.
The TRP uses the SA ILS, the Pro does not.
The TRP uses extensive MIM parts, the Pro does not.
The Pro is finished in Black T, the TRP is not.
I do not "Fear" MIM Parts, but when I'm paying over $1K for a pistol than its not going to have substandard parts. Tool Steel or you might as well just buy a rock island, as they are more reliable anyway.
The Proffesional is not a custom. It is by definition a production gun. A production gun that has a lot of craftsmanship and hand fitting involved with very good parts.
Most modern service pistols will perform better than a 1911. It's a 100 year old design for christ sakes.
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