Preface
We’ve all seen the jokes and meme’s about the Colt 1911 winning multiple world wars. But for all the ribbing, the 1911 continues to be a popular choice for American gun owners well over a hundred years later. One of the companies keeping the 1911 relevant is Dan Wesson, and today we are taking a look at one of their Dan Wesson Heirloom 1911 models.
I’ve never been drawn much to the 1911, but my recent descent into 2011 pistols has made it easier to associate. Dan Wesson has been making great American firearms for decades, but the company was acquired by Czech firearms giant CZ. As was Colt, another American brand also famous for 1911’s. I’m sure I am not alone hoping that CZ’s ownership will only improve these two brands. Let’s get into this pistol.
The 1911 Pistol
With over a hundred years of manufacturing behind it, you might be asking a similar question to mine; How can this be made better after all this time? That’s not a rhetorical question but a literal one. Modern manufacturing and materials certainly can make some great improvements. And yet many modern 1911 pistols like the Heirloom model from Dan Wesson have very similar features and function as their century old ancestors.
The 1911 is a single-action recoil operated single-stack pistol chambered in .45 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP). The simplicity of the single action makes the operation of the pistol quite reliable, requiring very little time to familiarize oneself. The triggers in 1911’s are often impressive in both feel and break, a natural side-effect to its design. An intuitive safety is incorporated to operate with the thumb, and the famous grip safety adds another layer of security.
An impressively simple and cunning barrel lock design is one of the 1911 features that made it so successful. A hinge-link and locking lugs allow the barrel to securely lock into battery for fire and quickly disengage to reload itself after firing.
Another famous feature and perhaps for different reasons is the 1911’s single stack magazine. One drawback in the eyes of many handgunners is the 8-round capacity, which a hundred and ten years ago was a step up from the typical six-round capacity of most handguns. Despite only carrying eight cartridges, it carries them well and cycles them flawlessly through the gun.
The Dan Wesson Heirloom 1911
Aside from the classic 1911 features, the Dan Wesson Heirloom model appears to bring a great deal of class with it. As it’s name implies, this pistol seems to be built to pass down from one generation to the next.
Smooth lines and high gloss finish polish on this pistol give it a very classy feel. And custom engraving throughout the gun set it apart from your typical 1911. The finish-work on the pistol is fantastic, with polished feed-ramps and perfectly machined barrel bushing for a tight fit and smooth operation.
Finish reading here
fine finish and fit make the Heirloom pistol function smoothly.
