I have a 9mm Guardian, it's extremely reliable and accurate. If it wasn't it would be gone. It gets carried almost constantly.

I have no idea where you read such things, but you won't see it here

 

My favorite uncle has near insane high standards, and I what he said mirrors my thinking:

I have a 9mm Guardian, it's extremely reliable and accurate. If it wasn't it would be gone. It gets carried almost constantly.

I have no idea where you read such things, but you won't see it here

It’ll also make a great base gun for future custom work.

 

Hello all,

I have read a few different posts and perhaps might be confusing my own self about this topic of 9mm vs 45 ACP.
But in general, I have heard that 9mm isn't naturally as reliable as 45 ACP without modifications in several aspects to the original 1911 design.

Are there specific manufacturers that take this into account?

I thought Dan Wesson would be one that had, but posts on the Guardian 9mm unreliability have me questioning what actually are the good 9mm manufacturers.

Or is there always some degree of unreliability even in say a perfectly tuned, full custom Wilson Combat? Simply because 9mm is 9mm and physics is decent hurdle to 'perfectly' overcome in adapting the platform? Then again one could also equally find a tale or two of common 45ACPs that jam up since they weren't originally designed to feed hollow points either, so the designs had to be adapted to allow for common self-defense ammunitions.

Ideally, I'd like to get the Dan Wesson Guardian, but I can't confidently say that anymore after browsing around what people have had to say about it without getting further information from anyone who may be willing to share it.

I owned 2. The only reason it's 2 and not 1 is because I was an idiot and sold the first one. It's one of my favorite 1911 9mm's to shoot.

There's always going to be someone somewhere with an issue. Just buy it and enjoy it. If you happen to have issues then diagnose and fix otherwise you're worrying about a tomorrow problem that may never exist. Both of my ran perfectly without any modifications.

 

It is a good point that there may always be a place where a lemon or two pop up, and as I went looking for the post I had read, I couldn't find it and instead just saw a bunch of positive ones. Tried to google search and only a reddit post came up, which I haven't really put stock in compared to when I search on forums like this one.

I suppose my only direct follow-up question is, in terms of lemons and vetting of any 1911, is there more testing of it done in the factory for say Ed Brown or Wilson Combat to avoid those lemons? Or are the end products pretty much vetted all the same once you get to Dan Wesson or higher tier?

 

It is a good point that there may always be a place where a lemon or two pop up, and as I went looking for the post I had read, I couldn't find it and instead just saw a bunch of positive ones. Tried to google search and only a reddit post came up, which I haven't really put stock in compared to when I search on forums like this one.

I suppose my only direct follow-up question is, in terms of lemons and vetting of any 1911, is there more testing of it done in the factory for say Ed Brown or Wilson Combat to avoid those lemons? Or are the end products pretty much vetted all the same once you get to Dan Wesson or higher tier?

This will likely be an unpopular comment here but I have bought and currently own several $300 1911's in 45, one with over 10k rounds and I have bought and own about every major 1911 manufacturer including some partial and full custom 1911's ($5k) and they all run fine. I bought a $600 Tisas Raider and took it to the range and immediately put 600 rounds through it. No issues.

If you clean, lube and replace springs at the correct intervals I have yet to have any issues. I think maybe 1 out of 100 I had to have a heavier spring installed. I'm really not sure why people have issues other than some aren't posting the full story would be my guess. Don't play kitchen counter gunsmith.

I think the concept of higher end brands, as you mentioned could be more reliable because they have more hours with a Smith. For example, Nighthawk's deal is that 1 smith will work on a 1911 from start to finish.
I think some of that makes people feel better about spending more $. Do my customs, Alchemy or Nighthawks have more features, better finish, nicer in the hand...sure....but I didn't need that to shoot or have a 1911 run...I wanted it.

 

I own a Guardian, a Valor, and a Vigil (all CDR-size Dan wesson 9mm 1911's). Never had a gun-induced issue with any of them. JHP, FMJ - if the ammo is right (i.e., not reloads with a "Glock bulge") they shoot. Until I went to a Wilson EDC X9, the Vigil was my daily carry.

OH - and I also PM'd the original poster.

 

I have Guardians in both 9mm and .45. Both perfectly reliable with any ammo I've tried. Don't hesitate if you find one you want.

 

I have and had 7 different 9 mm one is a current DW and no problems here. Not sure where you heard that. BTW welcome to the forum! 😃

 

I have both 9 & 45 Guardian zero problems

 

Better yet, pick up a Guardian in .38 Super and then you can add a 9mm barrel down the road.

 

I have 2 Guardians. One in 9mm and the other in 45acp. They are both accurate and reliable. The only issue I had with both was to replace the front sight to correct a POA/POI issue. The 9mm in particular is smooth shooting and easy to shoot very quickly. I will never willingly part with either.

 

I've got six 9mm 1911/2011's. Four commanders and two governments.
The platform is sensitive to magazine choice and ammo selection. Once you figure out what each individual gun likes, there really are no problems.
The shorter barrels, under 4.25" are more finicky, that's why I've stayed with the longer guns.
DW is an excellent gun with quality parts and very good machining. My DW PM9 actually has tighter slide/frame fit than one of my Wilson's.

 

9mm 1911s have been around for almost 75 years, any caliber related 'issues' were sorted decades ago. You can buy a new one in any size from any manufacturer and expect it to function reliably.

 

Thank you all for posting all your positive experiences with the Dan Wesson brand, since I don't often purchase new firearms, it is easy to end up tying myself up on concerns.
I will think about whether I want to go with the Guardian or save a little more and see about the semi-custom productions, but I feel a lot more confident now if that is the route I go.
And also thank you very much for the warm welcome to the forum, I appreciate it a lot!

 

If you’re set on a dan wesson just get it in .45 like it was meant to be.

 

Hello all,

I have read a few different posts and perhaps might be confusing my own self about this topic of 9mm vs 45 ACP.
But in general, I have heard that 9mm isn't naturally as reliable as 45 ACP without modifications in several aspects to the original 1911 design.

Are there specific manufacturers that take this into account?

I thought Dan Wesson would be one that had, but posts on the Guardian 9mm unreliability have me questioning what actually are the good 9mm manufacturers.

Or is there always some degree of unreliability even in say a perfectly tuned, full custom Wilson Combat? Simply because 9mm is 9mm and physics is decent hurdle to 'perfectly' overcome in adapting the platform? Then again one could also equally find a tale or two of common 45ACPs that jam up since they weren't originally designed to feed hollow points either, so the designs had to be adapted to allow for common self-defense ammunitions.

Ideally, I'd like to get the Dan Wesson Guardian, but I can't confidently say that anymore after browsing around what people have had to say about it without getting further information from anyone who may be willing to share it.

Aw Grasshopper, buy that DW Guardian of your heart's desire in 9mm and go live in peace.

 

My Dan Wesson Guardian 9mm is my favorite 1911 to shoot. Reliable and accurate.

Unfortunately it's also my wife's favorite to shoot.

 

Welcome to the forum!
As another member pointed out a lemon will always show up from time to time. I have a SA Garrison 9mm that had to go back to Springfield for several issues. Its now fixed and runs great!
As far as DW goes I only own one and its a 9mm Guardian… I can’t praise the gun enough. There’s been no reliability issues or malfunctions of any kind out of it. I say go for it ! Just pick your flavor. I will point out however the recoil is definitely milder with the 9mm considering its aluminum frame .

 

Welcome to the forum!
As another member pointed out a lemon will always show up from time to time. I have a SA Garrison 9mm that had to go back to Springfield for several issues. Its now fixed and runs great!
As far as DW goes I only own one and its a 9mm Guardian… I can’t praise the gun enough. There’s been no reliability issues or malfunctions of any kind out of it. I say go for it ! Just pick your flavor. I will point out however the recoil is definitely milder with the 9mm considering its aluminum frame . View attachment 1574243

that grip is beautiful sir

 

I have a Guardian. .38 Super.

It is one I bought new two years ago (has the checkered mainspring housing).

It was a single shot jam master when it arrived. First range session was terrible. Jammed every shot.

Home, field stripped and pulled the extractor and adjusted it.
It ran okay on next session, however, the extractor had concerned me as it wasn't very robust.

I'd ordered a new WC extractor and replaced the DW part. Never had another problem or another concern.


This same exact experience was had on my DW Razorback, too. Also a new gun.


Not sure what DW methods are for extractor set up, but both those guns were terrible as delivered.


I'd rather have extractor issues than something more unsettling. Easy fixes vs not easy.
I'd rather, however, have Dan Wesson get things right the first time.....like they once did.

I digress......that Guardian, is a great gun. It is my carry piece today.

 

I have shot and carried a 9mm Guardian for years with zero issues.

IMO any carry or home defense weapon should go through multiple range sessions before put to use to diagnose and fix any issues. No brand or caliber is immune from potential problems.

 

the 9mm Guardian on my list of next 1911s, if it had a rail I would already own one. It's been hard for me to let go of a weaponlight on a carry gun.

 

I'm in the market for a 9mm Guardian. They are so well thought out- rounded butt, tough finish, decent sights. Only gripe I hear is that the hammer is "in the white", so it rusts easily. I'd probably change the sights for a U-notch rear and orange/tritium front.

 

I bought a new DW Guardian in 38super about a month ago. First time taking it out to shoot with factory ammo, it would not go into battery, fully every couple shots. I started reading the forums to find out why it was doing this. I saw "Dub's" post on his experience and what he did. I checked the extractor tension, and it was way too tight. I removed it, de-tensioned it, and it ran fine after that. But I, like Dub, ordered a Wilson extractor because the original DW one looked, like Dub said, not that robust. I put the Wilson in and haven't had a problem since. This pistol is so nice.

 

There’s been several reports of fellas who have had a rough start with there 38 supers.
The 9’s run right of the box as do the .45’s
Im glad you figured yours out with out having to send it back

 

I have a switch caliber Guardian and have had it for years . My example came with too little extractor tension. A quick tweak and it hums along . It is a laser 😳 in 38 super . Two buddies EDC Guardians in 9mm . They are great pistols 👍