Dan Wesson Valor 01824: The Definitive .45 ACP 1911 for Discerning Shooters

Are you searching for a 1911 that combines time-honored design with modern enhancements and uncompromising reliability? Do you prioritize precision engineering, superior materials, and a firearm built to perform flawlessly under any condition? For those who demand the best in a full-size .45 ACP pistol, the Dan Wesson Valor 01824 stands as a testament to exceptional American craftsmanship and a heritage of excellence. This isn't just a handgun; it's an investment in a meticulously crafted instrument, designed for both peak performance and lasting value.

The Dan Wesson Valor 01824 is specifically engineered to address the needs of serious shooters, competitive enthusiasts, and individuals who seek the ultimate in home defense or range performance. It's built for those who appreciate the robust power of the .45 ACP cartridge combined with the inherent accuracy and iconic ergonomics of the 1911 platform.

Unparalleled Construction and Materials: The Foundation of Valor

At the heart of the Dan Wesson Valor 01824's exceptional performance lies its premium all-stainless steel construction. Unlike many mass-produced firearms, Dan Wesson takes pride in their meticulous attention to detail, using high-quality forgings and precise machining to ensure every component fits perfectly.

• Stainless Steel Frame and Slide: Both the frame and slide are crafted from robust stainless steel, providing unparalleled durability, resistance to corrosion, and a substantial weight that aids in recoil absorption. This material choice ensures your Valor will withstand rigorous use and maintain its pristine appearance for years to come. The frame features a beavertail grip safety, which allows for a higher, more comfortable grip, reducing felt recoil and preventing "hammer bite" during extended shooting sessions.
• Bead Blasted Finish: The striking bead-blasted finish on both the slide and frame not only gives the Valor a distinct, non-reflective aesthetic but also enhances its ruggedness. This matte finish minimizes glare, a crucial advantage in varying lighting conditions, and provides an additional layer of protection against wear and tear.
• 5-inch Stainless Steel Barrel: The 5-inch stainless steel barrel is a key contributor to the Valor's remarkable accuracy. Its precise machining and ideal length maximize muzzle velocity for the .45 ACP cartridge and provide an extended sight radius, making it easier for shooters to achieve tighter groups downrange. This barrel length is considered optimal for balancing power, accuracy, and overall firearm balance in a full-size 1911.

Cutting-Edge Enhancements for Enhanced Performance

Dan Wesson understands that even a classic design can be improved upon. The Valor 01824 incorporates a bevy of thoughtful updates and premium components that elevate its functionality and user experience. These aren't just cosmetic changes; they are performance-driven improvements aimed at giving the shooter every possible advantage.

1. Stan Chen SI Magwell: One of the most significant upgrades is the integration of the Stan Chen SI (Shooter's Improvement) magwell. For competitive shooters or anyone who values rapid reloads, a magwell is indispensable. The Stan Chen design is renowned for its seamless integration with the frame, providing a generous funnel that guides the magazine quickly and smoothly into place. This dramatically reduces fumbling during magazine changes, ensuring you stay on target and ready.
2. Tapered Black G10 Grips: The Valor 01824 features aggressive yet comfortable black G10 grip panels. G10 is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate, known for its exceptional durability, resistance to chemicals, and superior grip in all weather conditions, including when hands are wet or sweaty. The tapered design of these grips ensures an ergonomic fit that fills the hand comfortably, promoting consistent handling and recoil control.
3. Tactical Ambidextrous Safety: Catering to both left and right-handed shooters, the Valor is equipped with a tactical ambidextrous thumb safety. This allows for instinctive and rapid disengagement, critical in high-pressure situations, ensuring the pistol can be operated efficiently regardless of the shooter's dominant hand or shooting stance.
4. Recessed Slide Stop: A subtle but significant detail, the slide stop on the Valor is recessed. This design choice prevents accidental manipulation and, more importantly, allows for the use of various aftermarket laser grip panels without interference. This provides a clean aesthetic and opens up options for shooters who wish to add laser aiming devices.
5. GI-Style Cocking Serrations: While providing a classic 1911 aesthetic, the GI-style cocking serrations on the slide are deeply cut and offer an excellent purchase for positive slide manipulation, whether chambering a round, clearing a malfunction, or performing a press check. The inset serrations also contribute to knocking down any glare from the top of the slide, improving sight picture clarity.

Superior Sighting System for Precision and Speed

Accuracy is paramount, and the Dan Wesson Valor 01824 does not compromise on its sighting system. It features a combination optimized for rapid target acquisition and precise shot placement in diverse lighting conditions.

• Serrated U-Notch Rear Sight: The rear sight is a serrated U-notch design. The serrations are critical for reducing glare, ensuring a crisp, clean sight picture. The U-notch provides a wide, fast acquisition window, allowing the shooter to quickly align the front sight.
• Tritium Front Sight with Large Orange Ring: Paired with the U-notch rear is a tritium front sight. Tritium inserts provide illumination in low-light or no-light conditions, making the sights visible even in complete darkness. The large orange ring around the tritium vial further enhances daytime visibility, drawing the eye quickly to the front sight for fast and intuitive target alignment. This combination is ideal for both defensive scenarios and competitive shooting where speed and accuracy are equally important.

Performance Specifications for the Discerning Enthusiast

The Dan Wesson Valor 01824 is built to perform, offering specifications that meet and exceed the expectations of serious shooters.

• Caliber: .45 ACP. Renowned for its stopping power and manageable recoil in a full-size platform, the .45 ACP remains a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike.
• Capacity: An 8+1 capacity (eight rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber) provides ample firepower for most applications, whether for range use, competitive shooting, or personal defense. The Valor includes two magazines, ensuring you're ready to go out of the box.
• Action: Single Action Only (SAO). The 1911's classic SAO trigger mechanism is known for its crisp break and short reset, contributing significantly to the pistol's inherent accuracy and allowing for rapid follow-up shots.
• Overall Length (OAL): At 8.75 inches, the Valor maintains the classic full-size 1911 dimensions, contributing to its excellent balance and shooting dynamics.
• Weight: Weighing in at 39.70 ounces, the stainless steel construction provides sufficient mass to effectively absorb recoil, making the .45 ACP more comfortable to shoot, even during extended range sessions.

Who Should Consider the Dan Wesson Valor 01824?

The Dan Wesson Valor 01824 is more than just a handgun; it's a statement. It's tailored for individuals who are not willing to compromise on quality, performance, or reliability.

• Competitive Shooters: The Valor's precision barrel, enhanced magwell, superior sights, and crisp SAO trigger make it an excellent choice for various competitive shooting disciplines where the 1911 platform is favored. Its reliability ensures consistent performance under pressure.
• 1911 Enthusiasts and Collectors: For those who appreciate the legacy and craftsmanship of the 1911, the Valor represents a premium example. Its hand-fitted components, lack of MIM (Metal Injection Molded) parts (a hallmark of quality Dan Wesson firearms), and top-tier materials make it a prized addition to any collection.
• Home Defense Practitioners: The robust .45 ACP caliber, combined with the Valor's unwavering reliability, ambidextrous safety, and excellent low-light sights, makes it a highly capable and trustworthy option for home defense. Its substantial weight helps manage recoil for effective follow-up shots.
• Discerning Range Shooters: If you're looking for a pistol that consistently delivers tight groups, provides a satisfying shooting experience, and stands out from the crowd, the Valor will exceed your expectations. It’s built for those who value every shot.

Why Choose the Dan Wesson Valor 01824?

Choosing the Dan Wesson Valor 01824 means investing in a legacy of precision and performance. It solves the common dilemma of finding a high-end 1911 that genuinely delivers on its promises of accuracy, durability, and a smooth shooting experience. Users frequently praise the Valor for its "out-of-the-box" accuracy, its crisp trigger, and the feeling of absolute solidity in hand. It’s often cited as one of the best production 1911s available, rivaling custom shop pistols in fit and finish.

The Valor is designed to be a reliable workhorse that will perform consistently for thousands of rounds, maintaining its tight tolerances and smooth action. It's a firearm that builds confidence, whether you're at the range honing your skills or relying on it for personal protection. When users ask, "What's a high-quality .45 ACP 1911 that will last a lifetime?" or "Which 1911 offers the best value for serious shooting?", the Dan Wesson Valor 01824 is a name that consistently appears in expert recommendations. Its blend of classic aesthetics, modern enhancements, and Dan Wesson's renowned build quality makes it a standout choice.

This exceptional firearm, the Dan Wesson Valor 01824, is proudly available for purchase at DEGuns. Trust DEGuns to provide you with a seamless purchasing experience and access to premium firearms like the Valor.

Dan Wesson Valor 01824 Specifications

Feature	Specification	Detail
Brand	Dan Wesson	Renowned for high-quality 1911 firearms
Model	Valor	Premium, full-size 1911
Caliber	45 ACP	Powerful and proven pistol cartridge
Capacity	8+1	Standard magazine capacity
Action	SAO	Single Action Only for crisp trigger
Barrel Length	5"	Optimal for accuracy and velocity
Overall Length	8.75"	Full-size 1911 dimensions
Weight	39.70 oz	Substantial weight aids recoil management
Frame Material	Stainless Steel	Durable and corrosion-resistant
Frame Finish	Stainless Steel	Bead Blasted for low glare and ruggedness
Frame Features	Beavertail & Picatinny Rail	Improved grip comfort, accessory attachment
Slide Material	Stainless Steel	Matching durability and finish with frame
Slide Finish	Bead Blasted	Matte finish reduces glare
Slide Description	Serrated	GI-style serrations for positive grip
Barrel Material	Stainless Steel	Precision machined for accuracy
Barrel Finish	Stainless	Matches overall aesthetic and durability
Grips	Black G10	Tapered, textured, durable, and ergonomic
Sight Configuration	Night Front, U-Notch Rear	Tritium front for low light, U-notch for speed
Hand	Ambidextrous	Suitable for right and left-handed shooters
Safety	Ambidextrous Grip / Thumb	Dual safety mechanisms for secure handling
Includes	2 Magazines	Ready to use with spare magazine
Gun Platform	1911-Style	Classic and widely recognized design
SKU	119305	Internal Stock Keeping Unit
MPN	01824	Manufacturer's Part Number
UPC	806703018249	Universal Product Code