The Dan Wesson Specialist is a full-size single-action .45 ACP built for duty use and home defense. Dan Wesson still builds the stainless version. Its frame and slide are both forged stainless steel under a matte black duty finish, and at 42.3 oz the gun is heavy for a 1911, which holds the muzzle down under full-power .45 ACP loads.

An ambidextrous thumb safety, an extended magazine release and a two-piece magwell are fitted at the factory, which a 1911 buyer usually pays a gunsmith to add. The magwell unbolts and leaves a conventional 1911 profile behind it. The pistol measures 8.75 inches overall on a 5-inch barrel, stands 5.5 inches tall and is 1.5 inches wide, with the magwell adding depth below the grip. There is no optic cut in the slide.

If you're cross-shopping, the Springfield Armory 1911 TRP weighs 42 oz in forged carbon steel, carries G10 panels of its own and lists a trigger of 4.5 to 5 lb, with two 7-round magazines and an MSRP of $1,648. The Nighthawk Custom GRP Recon is the hand-fitted alternative at 39 oz, 3.3 oz lighter, with a trigger set during fitting at 3.5 to 3.75 lb and two 8-round magazines. Neither of them carries a magwell, so a holster cut for a plain Government 1911 may not clear this one.