Dan Wesson Guardian 9mm
Dan Wesson, a subsidiary of CZ-USA, has been manufacturing 1911s for quite some time, and models like the Bobtail have gotten a good amount of attention for their carry-friendly features.
The new Guardian pistol is available in .45 ACP and 9mm. It has a Commander length slide and 4.25″ barrel instead of the truncated 4″ barrel found on some other compact 1911s. The Bobtail frame is present, in an aluminum alloy to save weight. 30LPI checkering on the frontstrap, night sights, and an extended thumb safety are all desirable on a carry firearm, as is a durable finish. The Guardian features all of these, with their “Duty” finish being touted as extremely abrasion resistant.
I was pretty impressed with the overall package that I examined at IWA in Nuremberg. CZ-USA states that the weight of the pistol is 1.8lbs. No trigger weight is stated, but I would estimate that the one I handled broke at about 5lbs. It was a very clean and crisp trigger for a production 1911.
I hope that they make it available in the following:
38-45
38 Super
9X25 Dillon
10mm Auto
400 CorBon
Whenever anyone mentions the name “Dan Wesson”, I think of revolvers, and then when I see a 1911, I think “Oh, it’s one of those CZ 1911′s.” I can only speculate as to why CZ-USA decided that their name wasn’t good enough to put on a 1911, but that has to be the worst mixing of marques ever to occur in the firearms industry.
Tom, nowhere in the video did I state that it was more concealable because it was in 9mm. I stated that the bobtail frame and commander length slide aided concealment and that 1911s were very concealable.
I know that the bobtail 1911 has a lot of fans. I personally hate it. And even with all the improved parts and mods of current 1911′s I honestly think JMB would throw up in his mouth a little if he were alive today and was presented with one.
A bobtail 1911 is like a hot chick with no ass.
After considering and rejecting the RIA 9mm 1911 due to quality issues, this seems like a better choice… if not for the $1600 price point. SHEESH.
There aren’t many options for people who want a compact frame carry pistol with something approaching a full-length barrel.
Kudos to Dan Wesson for adding another choice to this market.
The video incorrectly states that this gun is more concealable because it’s a 9mm.. The gun is no more concealable the a regular 45 acp 1911.. also, 9mm 1911′s are less reliable then 45 acp’s for which the 1911 was designed for.. i would not use one for personal protection..
Tom, if the gun is smaller in some dimensions, it is generally considered more concealable.