Which pistol should I pick for concealed carry?

For concealed carry, consider compact or subcompact pistols that weigh under 28oz. Popular choices include striker-fired 9mm pistols with polymer frames for lightweight daily carry. Use our selector to find options matching your hand size and experience level.

What's the best handgun for beginners?

Beginners should look for pistols with manageable recoil, simple operation, and proven reliability. 9mm striker-fired pistols with polymer frames offer the best balance of ease-of-use, affordability, and training cost. Avoid high-recoil calibers and complex manual-of-arms.

Should I choose a polymer or metal frame pistol?

Polymer frames are lighter and better for carry, while metal frames (steel/aluminum) absorb recoil better and provide more stability for shooting. Choose based on your primary use case: carry weight vs shooting comfort.

What caliber should I choose: 9mm, .45 ACP, or 10mm?

9mm offers the best balance of manageable recoil, capacity, and affordable training ammo. .45 ACP and 10mm provide more stopping power but with increased recoil and cost. For most users, especially beginners, 9mm is the optimal choice.

What new guns were released at SHOT Show 2026?

The 2026 SHOT Show featured new pistol releases from major manufacturers. Browse our collection to see the latest 2026 handgun models, including new concealed carry pistols, competition guns, and innovative firearm designs debuted at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas.

Where can I see the 2026 SHOT Show new pistols?

Gun Selector features all the new 2026 SHOT Show pistol releases. Filter by the 2026 SHOT Show badge to see the latest handgun models announced at the show, with detailed specs, pricing, and comparison tools.

dan-wesson

Dan Wesson Specialist

$2649 MSRP

DutyRailRobust1911

Featured in: Premium 1911s

Dan Wesson Specialist - 45 ACP hammer handgun by dan-wesson

Specifications

Caliber 45 ACP

Capacity 8+1

Weight 42 oz

Barrel Length 5"

Overall Length 8.7"

Height 5.5"

Width 1.45"

Frame steel

Action hammer

Size Class full

Trigger Reach 2.93"

Optic Ready Yes

Release Year 2012

Country of Origin USA

Carry Analysis

Comfort Index

Heavy

0.61

Weight-to-size ratio measures how heavy the gun feels for its dimensions. Lower values indicate a lighter carry experience.

Pocket Index

Large

10.29"

Diagonal footprint measures concealability. Lower values mean easier pocket or IWB carry.

Overview

A purpose-built police and duty 1911 featuring an integral rail, magwell, and ambidextrous safety.

Similar Handguns

Compare the Dan Wesson Specialist to these similar 45 ACP pistols:

Les Baer Ultimate Tactical Carry

45 ACP | 8+1 | 37oz

$3088

Les Baer Premier II

45 ACP | 8+1 | 37oz

$3022

Les Baer Custom Carry

45 ACP | 8+1 | 37oz

$2799

Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special

45 ACP | 7+1 | 36oz

$2499

Les Baer Hemi 572

45 ACP | 8+1 | 38oz

$2899

ACW Prime

45 ACP | 8+1 | 38oz

$3595

Find Your Perfect Handgun

Use our intelligent selector to compare the Dan Wesson Specialist with hundreds of other handguns based on your specific needs.

Open Gun Selector Tool