The Dan Wesson Guardian is a .38 Super single-action-only 1911 with a 4.25-inch barrel, 9+1 capacity, and a forged aluminum frame with black finish. The slide has a duty finish stainless steel. It weighs 28.50 oz and measures 8 inches overall. Fixed tritium night sights, wood grips, ambidextrous manual thumb safety, and grip safety are all standard. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Dan Wesson 
• Model: Guardian 
• Caliber: .38 Super 
• Action: Single Action Only (SAO) 
• Capacity: 9+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 4.25 inches 
• Overall Length: 8 inches 
• Weight: 28.50 oz (1.8 lbs) 
• Frame Material: Forged Aluminum 
• Finish: Black with Duty Finish Stainless Steel Slide 
• Grip Type: Wood 
• Sights: Fixed Tritium Night Sights 
• Safety Features: 
  • Manual Thumb Safety Ambidextrous 
  • Grip Safety 
     

Detailed Features 

The forged aluminum frame keeps the Guardian at 28.50 oz — notably lighter than equivalent steel-framed 1911s, which makes carrying it more practical. The stainless steel slide with duty finish provides corrosion resistance. Fixed tritium night sights provide visibility in low light without requiring a battery or optic. Slide serrations aid consistent racking under different conditions. The wood grips provide a traditional look and comfortable handling. 
 
The .38 Super caliber offers higher velocity than .45 ACP with a 9-round capacity versus the 8-round standard of most .45 1911s. Ambidextrous safety accommodates both-handed shooters. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

The Guardian is well-suited for competition, particularly IPSC/USPSA Open division where .38 Super is popular. The combination of lighter aluminum frame and 9+1 capacity makes it usable for concealed carry, though at 8 inches overall it is on the larger side. Home defense and precision range work are additional applications.

Feedback on the Dan Wesson Guardian .38 Super consistently highlights the build quality and aesthetics as primary strengths.

Owners describe the pistol as well-balanced and comfortable to shoot, with the aluminum frame's lighter weight making it more manageable than steel-framed 1911s of the same size. The black aluminum combined with wood grips draws frequent positive comments for its classic-modern aesthetic. Dan Wesson's craftsmanship and attention to detail are recurring themes — buyers at this price point expect quality and generally report finding it. Reliability and accuracy meet expectations for a Dan Wesson product, with the .38 Super's manageable recoil relative to its energy output being a practical advantage.

Two practical concerns come up regularly: .38 Super ammunition is less common and more expensive than 9mm or .45 ACP, which affects both cost of practice and emergency sourcing. Price is the other discussion point — the Guardian sits in premium territory, and while most owners feel the quality justifies the cost, it is a real consideration for buyers comparing it to less expensive options.