Discover the Dan Wesson Specialist 1911: The Ultimate .45 ACP for Discerning Shooters

Are you searching for a high-performance 1911 pistol that blends timeless design with modern tactical enhancements? Do you need a reliable, accurate, and feature-rich .45 ACP handgun for competitive shooting, personal defense, or professional duty? Look no further than the Dan Wesson 01802 Specialist, a masterpiece of American firearm engineering available at leading retailers like DEGuns. This meticulously crafted pistol is designed to answer the demands of the most discerning shooters, offering unparalleled reliability, exceptional accuracy, and a host of user-centric features.

The Dan Wesson Specialist isn't just another 1911; it's a testament to precision manufacturing and a deep understanding of what shooters truly need. Receiving a significant facelift for 2020, this model incorporates advancements previously seen on the legendary Kodiak, ensuring it remains at the forefront of tactical 1911 design. Whether you're a seasoned competitor seeking a decisive edge, a law enforcement professional requiring unwavering performance, or a responsible citizen prioritizing personal protection, the Specialist delivers.

Unveiling the Core: Power, Precision, and the Iconic .45 ACP

At the heart of the Dan Wesson Specialist lies the venerable .45 ACP cartridge. Renowned for its stopping power and moderate recoil impulse, the .45 ACP has been a favorite among military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters for over a century. The Specialist is chambered for this robust caliber, capable of delivering devastating energy on target while maintaining exceptional control for rapid follow-up shots. This makes it an ideal choice for:

• Self-Defense and Home Protection: The substantial energy transfer of the .45 ACP combined with the 1911's inherent reliability provides significant peace of mind.
• Competitive Shooting: Many shooting disciplines, particularly those requiring "major power factor" scoring, benefit immensely from the .45 ACP, and the Specialist's precision helps maximize accuracy.
• Tactical Applications: For professionals, the proven terminal ballistics and manageable recoil of the .45 ACP in a high-quality platform are critical for mission success.

The Specialist boasts an 8+1 capacity, providing ample rounds for most scenarios while maintaining a sleek, manageable profile. This capacity, coupled with its smooth single-action-only (SAO) trigger, offers a consistent and predictable shooting experience that empowers shooters to achieve their full potential.

Engineered for Excellence: Frame and Slide Innovations

Dan Wesson's commitment to quality is immediately evident in the Specialist's frame and slide construction. Both are crafted from robust stainless steel, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to the elements. The "bead blasted" finish on the slide not only provides a sophisticated, matte aesthetic but also contributes to reduced glare, which is crucial for maintaining clear sight alignment in varying light conditions.

A standout feature of the 2020 update is the new style light rail frame, identical to that found on the esteemed Kodiak model. This integrated 1913-style Picatinny rail on the dust cover is a game-changer for tactical versatility, allowing seamless attachment of essential accessories such as:

• Tactical lights for low-light engagements.
• Laser sights for rapid target acquisition.
• Combined light/laser units for multi-functional utility.

This rail system transforms the Specialist from a mere handgun into a highly adaptable tactical tool, empowering users to customize their setup to meet specific operational needs.

The slide itself features both forward cocking serrations and Dan Wesson's signature inset slide serrations. These strategically placed cuts provide a secure, non-slip grip for manipulating the slide, whether for chambering a round, performing a press check, or clearing a malfunction. The inset design not only looks distinctive but also actively works to minimize glare, further enhancing the shooter's ability to focus on the target.

Ergonomics and Control: Designed for the Human Hand

A truly effective handgun must integrate seamlessly with the shooter's hand, and the Dan Wesson Specialist excels in this regard. Every aspect of its ergonomic design contributes to enhanced control, comfort, and shooting performance:

• Undercut Trigger Guard: This subtle yet significant design choice allows for a higher grip on the pistol, reducing muzzle flip and improving recoil management. It brings the shooter's hand closer to the bore axis, translating to faster, more accurate follow-up shots.
• 25 LPI Frontstrap Checkering: The aggressive yet comfortable 25 lines-per-inch checkering on the front strap of the frame ensures a positive, non-slip grip even with wet hands or under stressful conditions. This texture, combined with the G10 grips, truly helps "plant the pistol" in the shooter's hand.
• Extended Beavertail Grip Safety: The extended beavertail not only prevents hammer bite but also guides the hand high and deep into the grip, promoting a consistent and secure hold. This enhances comfort during extended shooting sessions and aids in recoil absorption.
• Black/Brown G10 Grips: The striking black and brown G10 grips are more than just aesthetically pleasing. G10 is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate material known for its extreme durability, resistance to moisture and solvents, and excellent texturing capabilities. These grips provide a secure, tactile surface that guides the hand instinctively into the correct shooting position.

These ergonomic considerations are crucial for anyone spending significant time on the range or relying on their pistol in high-stakes situations. They collectively contribute to greater confidence and precision.

Intuitive Controls for Rapid Action

In a dynamic environment, every second counts. The Dan Wesson Specialist is equipped with prominent, intuitively placed controls designed for swift, decisive action:

• Ambidextrous Thumb Safety: Crucial for left-handed shooters or those who prefer a two-thumb grip, the ambidextrous thumb safety allows for seamless operation from either side of the firearm. This feature enhances safety and tactical flexibility for all users.
• Extended Magazine Release: The extended magazine release button is easily actuated without shifting the grip, facilitating lightning-fast reloads. This is a critical advantage in competitive shooting or self-defense scenarios where every fraction of a second matters.
• Integrated Magwell: To further expedite reloads, the Specialist features an integrated magwell. This flared opening at the base of the grip funnels magazines effortlessly into the pistol, reducing the chance of fumbling under pressure and ensuring positive, rapid magazine changes. The combination of the extended magazine release and the magwell makes the Specialist incredibly efficient in reloads.

Advanced Sighting System: Tritium for All Conditions

Visibility is paramount for accurate shooting, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Dan Wesson Specialist addresses this with a top-tier sighting system:

• Tritium Night Sights (Front and Rear): Both the front and rear sights are equipped with tritium inserts. Tritium is a radioactive isotope that glows continuously without the need for external light sources or batteries, providing clear sight picture definition in low-light environments, dusk, dawn, or complete darkness. This feature is invaluable for personal defense or tactical use where lighting is unpredictable.
• Stacked Dot Rear Sight Configuration: The rear sight is configured in a "stacked dot" style, offering an intuitive and rapid sight picture. This design simplifies alignment, allowing the shooter to quickly acquire a clear sight picture and focus on the front sight for precise shot placement.

This combination ensures that the Specialist is always ready, day or night, to deliver accurate fire when it matters most.

The Dan Wesson Legacy: A Standard of Quality

Dan Wesson firearms are celebrated for their exceptional quality, precision engineering, and dedication to the 1911 platform. Unlike many mass-produced firearms, Dan Wesson pistols are known for their tight tolerances, superior fit and finish, and often feature hand-fitting during the manufacturing process. This meticulous attention to detail results in a firearm that is not only highly reliable but also incredibly accurate right out of the box.

When you choose a Dan Wesson Specialist, you're not just buying a pistol; you're investing in a legacy of excellence. Each component is chosen for its quality and durability, ensuring that your Specialist will perform flawlessly for years to come. From the stainless steel barrel to the robust frame and slide, every part contributes to a cohesive, high-performance system.

Why Choose the Dan Wesson Specialist for Your Needs?

The Dan Wesson 01802 Specialist in .45 ACP stands out as a premier choice for a multitude of reasons:

• Unwavering Reliability: Built to Dan Wesson's exacting standards, the Specialist offers a level of reliability crucial for self-defense or duty use.
• Superior Accuracy: Thanks to its precision barrel, tight tolerances, and excellent trigger, this pistol consistently delivers exceptional accuracy.
• Tactical Versatility: The integrated Picatinny rail, ambidextrous controls, and tritium night sights make it highly adaptable for various tactical applications.
• Ergonomic Excellence: Features like the undercut trigger guard, 25 LPI frontstrap checkering, extended beavertail, and G10 grips ensure superior handling and comfort.
• Enhanced Reloads: The extended magazine release and magwell facilitate rapid and positive magazine changes, a vital feature in dynamic shooting scenarios.
• Iconic Platform, Modernized: It maintains the beloved 1911 form factor while incorporating crucial modern upgrades that enhance performance and utility.

For those seeking a professional-grade 1911 that combines tradition with cutting-edge functionality, the Dan Wesson Specialist is a compelling answer. It's the kind of firearm that inspires confidence, whether you're at the range honing your skills or facing a critical situation.

Caring for Your Dan Wesson Specialist

Maintaining your Dan Wesson Specialist is straightforward, ensuring its longevity and consistent performance. Regular cleaning after each use, especially of the bore, chamber, and slide rails, is essential. Using high-quality gun oil and lubricants will keep all moving parts functioning smoothly. Given its robust stainless steel construction, the Specialist is relatively low maintenance, but consistent care will preserve its bead-blasted finish and internal mechanisms, protecting your investment for decades.

Where to Find Your Dan Wesson Specialist

The Dan Wesson 01802 Specialist is a highly sought-after firearm among enthusiasts and professionals. For those ready to experience the pinnacle of 1911 performance, this model is available through reputable firearm retailers. You can find the Dan Wesson Specialist, along with other premium firearms and accessories, at DEGuns. Their commitment to customer service and extensive inventory makes them an excellent resource for acquiring this exceptional pistol.

In conclusion, the Dan Wesson 01802 Specialist .45 ACP is more than just a handgun; it's a finely tuned instrument built for serious performance. Its blend of classic 1911 design with tactical enhancements, superior materials, and meticulous craftsmanship makes it an outstanding choice for anyone demanding the best from their firearm. Experience the difference of a truly optimized 1911.

Dan Wesson Specialist 01802 Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Dan Wesson
Model	Specialist
Caliber	45 ACP
Action	Single Action Only (SAO)
Barrel Length	5 inches
Barrel Material	Stainless Steel
Barrel Finish	Stainless
Overall Length (OAL)	8.75 inches
Weight	42.30 ounces
Capacity	8+1 Rounds
Max Capacity (Magazine)	8 Rounds
Gun Platform	1911-Style
Frame Material	Stainless Steel
Frame Finish	Stainless Steel
Frame Description	Stainless Steel Frame w/ Beavertail & Picatinny Rail
Slide Material	Stainless Steel
Slide Finish	Bead Blasted
Slide Description	Serrated (Forward Cocking & Inset)
Grips	Black / Brown G10
Sight Style	Contrast Night Sights
Sight Configuration	Fixed Tritium Night (Stacked Dot Rear)
Hand	Ambidextrous
Safety	Ambidextrous Grip / Thumb Safety
Includes	2 Magazines
SKU	119297
UPC	806703018027
MPN	01802