SKU: DW01829
UPC: 806703018294
MPN: 01829
The Dan Wesson Guardian 45ACP 4.25" 8-Round Night Sights 1911 Pistol represents a refined evolution of the time-tested 1911 platform, purpose-built for law enforcement, military, and professional security personnel who demand reliable defensive capability in compact form. This mid-frame variant balances the stopping power of .45 ACP with practical concealability, making it suitable for duty carry, backup roles, or civilian self-defense applications where proven reliability trumps magazine capacity. Dan Wesson's Guardian series exemplifies American gunsmithing tradition with modern operational standards.
Built on the traditional 1911 single-action, locked-breech short-recoil principle, the Guardian employs a 4.25-inch barrel—shorter than full-size competition guns but longer than pocket carry alternatives—optimizing accuracy and velocity without compromising holster compatibility. Factory-installed night sights provide reliable low-light target acquisition without battery dependency, critical for law enforcement response scenarios or defensive encounters beyond daylight hours. The 8-round magazine capacity reflects .45 ACP's inherent limitation but aligns with duty carry doctrine emphasizing shot placement over volume; the single-stack magazine well maintains slim profile geometry suitable for strong-side or appendix carry. At 3.19 pounds unloaded, the Guardian sits in the practical mid-weight range—substantial enough for recoil management yet light enough for extended wear without fatigue.
Law enforcement agencies transitioning from full-size duty weapons to compact alternatives, armed security professionals, and civilian shooters prioritizing terminal ballistics and manual safety systems will appreciate the Guardian's proven ergonomics and service record. The traditional 1911 platform remains fully compatible with decades of aftermarket support—holsters, magazines, grip panels, and gunsmiths—ensuring long-term customization and repair accessibility. Proper break-in through 200+ rounds of quality ammunition and regular field stripping for maintenance will establish reliability baseline; night sight replacement follows standard 1911 dovetail procedures if future upgrade desired.
WARNING ⚠️ You must be 18 or older to purchase shotgun or rifle ammunition and 21 or older to purchase handgun ammunition and firearms. Please reference our requirements for ammunition orders to "restricted" states HERE. Always make sure you use the correct ammunition for your firearms. Ammo cannot be shipped to a PO Box. Please reference state & local laws before making a firearm or ammunition purchase.