$2,149.00
3 in stock
Online inventory may differ from in-store availability.
Quick turnaround so you get your gear sooner.
Trusted checkout with industry-standard protection.
Keeping Traditions Alive Since 1953
Secure Transactions provided with 
Dan Wesson built the Specialist Commander with a clear purpose: a Commander-size 1911 that could hold up to the rigors of professional use while delivering the fit, finish, and trigger quality that serious 1911 enthusiasts actually want. The forged stainless steel frame and slide aren't just good-looking, forged construction means tighter tolerances, better wear resistance, and a service life well beyond what you'd get from castings. The bead-blasted finish keeps glare off the slide without screaming for attention.
The ergonomics on this gun are well thought out. The frontstrap is checkered at 25 LPI, the trigger guard is undercut, and the VZ Operator II G10 grips are designed to pull your hand naturally into the beavertail, which means a higher, more consistent grip without thinking about it. The slide stop is recessed into the frame, so it doesn't catch your thumb during reloads and also allows for laser grip compatibility. The detachable two-piece magwell makes reloads faster, and the ambidextrous thumb safety means left-handed shooters aren't an afterthought.
The sights deserve a mention on their own. Dan Wesson went with a Novak-style snag-free rear featuring a single amber tritium vial and a green tritium front with a white target ring. The rear sight's abrupt front face also doubles as a one-handed slide-racking surface, which is a practical detail that a lot of people overlook until they actually need it. The inverted top rib cut into the slide knocks down glare without compromising the sight picture.
The trigger on this pistol is one of its strongest selling points. The long solid trigger face has minimal take-up, hits a clean wall, and breaks at roughly 4.5 to 5 pounds depending on the individual gun. The reset is short and tactile, which keeps fast follow-up shots manageable. Multiple reviews have noted that the slide-to-frame fit is impressively tight right out of the box, with tolerances that feel closer to a hand-fitted custom than a production gun. Dan Wesson recommends lubing it well during break-in, and it settles in nicely after a few hundred rounds.
The integral 1913 Picatinny rail adds genuine utility for anyone who wants to run a weapon light or laser for home defense, and the skeletonized hammer keeps the profile clean. Two 8-round magazines with bump pads ship with the pistol, along with a bushing wrench.
Like most tightly fitted production 1911s, Dan Wesson recommends lubing the Specialist Commander heavily during initial use, particularly along the slide rails, barrel bushing, and barrel hood. Most owners report flawless function through break-in and beyond, but running good quality FMJ ammo and keeping it properly lubricated through the first few hundred rounds is the right approach. After break-in, the action smooths out noticeably.
Because this pistol has an integral 1913 Picatinny rail on the frame, you need to make sure any holster you order is specifically sized for a railed Commander-length 1911, not a standard rail-less Commander. Galco's Combat Master and Concealable 2.0 are commonly used options that work well with this gun. If you plan to mount a weapon light, factor that into your holster selection as well since it changes the profile significantly.
The Specialist Commander ships with a long solid trigger that has minimal pre-travel, a well-defined wall, and a clean break averaging around 4.5 to 5 pounds depending on the individual pistol. The reset is short and gives a clear audible and tactile click. For a production gun, the trigger quality puts it well above most factory 1911s in its price range and compares favorably to significantly more expensive builds.
Yes, the Specialist Commander uses standard .45 ACP 1911 Commander-length magazines. It ships with two 8-round Dan Wesson magazines with bump pads. Keep in mind the pistol has a detachable magwell, and magazines with base pads feed and seat more reliably with it installed. Wilson Combat 47D and similar quality 1911 magazines are popular aftermarket choices that work well with this platform.
It was originally developed in response to law enforcement requirements, so home defense is squarely in its wheelhouse. The tritium night sights are a real benefit in low-light situations, and the Picatinny rail lets you add a weapon light if that's part of your setup. The 8+1 capacity in .45 ACP, solid ergonomics, and crisp single-action trigger make it a well-rounded option for anyone comfortable with the 1911 platform.
The stainless model (MPN 01809) features a bead-blasted stainless steel finish on both the frame and slide, giving it that classic silver 1911 look. The Duty Black variant (MPN 01808) uses Dan Wesson's black coating for added wear and corrosion resistance in harsh conditions. Both share the same core feature set including the Picatinny rail, VZ G10 grips, tritium night sights, and ambi thumb safety, so the choice largely comes down to aesthetics and finish preference.
| UPC | 806703018096 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 01809 |
| Action | |
| ATF Type | Pistol |
| Barrel Length | 4.25" |
| Caliber/Gauge | .45 ACP |
| Capacity | 8 |
| Color | Silver |
| Length | 8.75 |
| Model | |
| Number of Magazines | 2 8 rd. |
| Package Height | 3.0 |
| Package Width | 10.0 |
| Product Type | 1911 |
| Safety | Ambidextrous |
| Shipping Weight | 3.9 |
| Sights | Night Sights |
| Sights Type | Fixed Tritium Night |
| Slide Description | Serrated |
You must be logged in to post a review.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.