Dan Wesson - Specialist v Valor ( and maybe PM-9)

[lfine]

Have a great problem. 

 

Have a line on a used Valor at a good price and a used Specialist for just a little more. (Or a new PM-9 for a few hundred more than that. )

 

Love my Production Shadow2 but decided it was time for some 1911 education and possible SS. 

 

Any thoughts on those two - and now three? Realizing that we’re mixing 45 apples and 9 oranges. 

[Posvar]

Hmmm....they all will work in SS but have different advantages/disadvantages. Also, the Valor does not have front cocking serrations and I’m not sure about the Specialist. My vote is the pointman nine all day long. It’s made very well, amazing to shoot, and ammo is cheap. 

 

 

[Kilrb]

I have a PM 9 it is an amazing gun for a production gun. Was my first 1911 I debated a lot before buying and compared to several 1911’s, never regretted buying it.

[Bamboo]

PM9 would be my choice.  Have one and love it. 

[IronicTwitch]

I had a Specialist in 45 with the black duty treatment. Beautiful gun. Rail made it a little harder to find a holster, but I liked the idea of weight out front. Magwell isn't ideal for USPSA games. Weight stock is 42.4oz.

 

Valor is the same as the Specialist but without the rail. More holster options.

 

I've got a gamer PM-9 as my SS gun of choice now. Front serrations and adjustable rear sight. I like the almost 43oz gun shooting 9mm. Same stage planning as Production.

[JayDee]

All are good options, you can't go wrong with DW. I have owned PM9s, Valors and a couple other DWs.

 

A couple notes:

If you get the Specialist, double check the weight of Specialist to make sure it is SS legal, the 9mm versions often weigh a bit more than 45s. Also, BladeTech makes a basic molded holster that works with the rail.

 

Valors are the top-of-line and typically have a bit more fit/finish than the other models. The brushed finish will show some wear with a kydex holster. The Duty Coat versions reportedly hold up better. They lack front cocking serrations but I am OK without them in single stack. 

 

PM9 is hard to beat for SS-minor. Only need a magwell to be competitive in USPSA. 

[lstone]

If you plan on using the Specialist understand that you might have to lighten it up some to make weight. It is right at a ounce over on the weight limit. At least mine is.

[lfine]

Missed my chance at the Valor and the Specialist contact has disappeared so the cheapest I’ve seen both the PM-9 snd theValor us $1200-1300 ish used. With a new PM-9 at $1400 I’m leaning that way. 

Cant see buying a used one to save $100.