Dan Wesson Specialist .45 ACP vs Wilson Combat CQB Elite .45 ACP

On paper these are close: both are single-action full-size .45 ACP 1911s holding 8 rounds, both use a 5.0" barrel, both list a 4.0 lb trigger pull, both run a thumb safety with a beavertail grip safety, and neither is optic-ready. Overall length differs by 0.05" (8.75" vs 8.7") and weight by 1.3 oz, with the Wilson Combat CQB Elite .45 ACP the lighter at 41.0 oz against the Dan Wesson Specialist .45 ACP's 42.3 oz. The Dan Wesson is 0.2" wider (1.5" vs 1.3"), with a forged stainless frame and slide in a matte black duty finish, tritium night sights front and rear, and two magazines. The Wilson uses carbon steel in Armor-Tuff with a fiber-optic front and Battlesight rear. MSRP is the widest gap: $4,799 against $2,012, a difference of $2,787.

Pick the Dan Wesson Specialist if:

• You want tritium front and rear night sights as delivered
• You want a forged stainless frame and slide in a matte black duty finish
• The $2,787 MSRP difference ($2,012 vs $4,799) decides it

Pick the Wilson Combat CQB Elite if:

• You want the fiber-optic front and Battlesight rear combination for a range or match gun
• 1.3 oz less weight and 0.2" less width (41.0 oz, 1.3") change how it carries for you
• The listed 6.6" sight radius and carbon-steel Armor-Tuff build are what you are buying

Capacity, barrel, action and trigger weight are identical. The choice is sight preference, frame material and whether the Wilson's $2,787 premium is worth it to you.