DW Patriots vintage 2002/2003 how do they compare?

[dwsmithjr]

It seems not too many Patriots and pre-CZ DWs are still around or in general circulation. Based on production numbers on this forum, DW produced about 3600 1911s during the three years 2002-2004. I have two of them, 2002 and 2003 both blued.

I’m curious how they compare, fit, finish, parts, accuracy, to the current say Valor. The Valor is the flagship of DW it seems, runs about $1600 street price. The 2002/2003 Patriots were the flagship of DW at that time. They retailed, I believe, for around $995, but could be had for $700 to $800 retail. That translates to about $1000 in inflation dollars now.

Most of the testimonies I read are rav reviews. Guns are tight, dead accurate, shoot and handle well, generally flawless. I did read a review by the now deceased Stephen Camp for a forum on a 2004 PTE-S and he mentioned some issues like a broken mag release first time out, a trigger set screw working loose and some parts he changed like a plastic mainspring housing, which surprised me. I checked my two blued guns and the MSH is definitely metal.

So, I’m curious, just from a parts, build and accuracy perspective, how do they compare with current higher end guns? Were they just good mid-range 1911s?

[MajO]

I have a VBob, Guardian (9mm) and 44 magnum revolver, but no Patriots. A check on Gunbroker indicates none are for sale, so that seems a good thing.

[DrHenley]

I have a well worn Panther, which was an entry level DW. Fit is a bit loose from wear, but not sloppy. It's the most reliable 1911 I own. The most reliable pistol I've ever owned, in fact. It's the only one I can count on to get me through an IDPA match with zero malfunctions.

OH, and yes, it came with a plastic mainspring housing, which got replaced posthaste.

[BadOscar]

I think I have 5 DW's from this Era but no Patriots.
I always suspected their use of the external extractor would be short lived. It worried me a little to own one with a part that could eventually be hard to source.

[DaFadda]

Hmmm.... Dave Severns sold me a DW Patriot a few years back. Easily the most accurate gun in my collection.