The great-grandson of D.B. Wesson, co-founder of Smith & Wesson, began a company in 1968 that has since grown outside the wheelhouse of fine revolvers, and has flourished in the market of semi-automatic handguns. Today, Dan Wesson Firearms provides a full suite of M1911-based handguns, and for this week’s review, American Rifleman's David Herman focuses in on a commander-size M1911-variant built around an aluminum frame and chambered for 9 mm Luger. The Vigil Commander pistol aims to protect those who carry every day. This all-businesslike pistol features a rounded butt, a beavertail safety, tritium in the front sight and many other features that put this pistol in the ranks of value without sacrificing quality. For more, watch this week’s NRA Gun of the Week video, and visit danwessonfirearms.com.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Dan Wesson Firearms
Model: Vigil Commander
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic center-fire pistol
Frame: forged aluminum
Slide: stainless steel
Barrel: 4.25"
Finish: black Duty
Sights: single-dot tritium front; serrated, tactical rear
Trigger: 5-lb. pull
Magazine: nine-round detachable box
Weight: 30.5 ozs. (empty)
MSRP: $1,298
Additional Reading:
Dan Wesson’s System
Tested: Dan Wesson Valkyrie Commander Pistol
I Have This Old Gun: Smith & Wesson Model 1
Tested: CZ USA Sharp-Tail Coach Gun
NRA Gun of the Week: Dan Wesson Firearms Vigil Commander Pistol
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
NRA CEO/EVP Doug Hamlin Talks Politics, the NRA, and the Future of Our Freedom
In this interview with The Armed Citizen Podcast at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin talks about what is going on with the NRA, the many battles for our freedom around this nation the NRA is involved in, and what’s to come.
Best of the Best: American Rifleman's 2026 Golden Bullseye Award Winners
From firearms to accessories to optics to ammo and suppressors, we’ve determined these to be the stand-out products from the last year, providing firearm enthusiasts with innovation, value, utility and performance.
Review: Diamondback 9 mm SDR
Folks might be a bit surprised that Diamondback would choose 9 mm as the second caliber for its SDR revolver, but a closer look reveals why 9 mm is a solid caliber option for the platform.
Port Authority Doubles Down on Constitution-Free Zone with High-Profile Arrest
There exists a zone within the New York City metropolitan area where law-abiding gun owners are not just imperiled but specifically targeted for exercising their rights. It is an outrage that has continued for far too long.
Wilson Combat Acquires Guncrafter Industries
Wilson Combat has acquired the Guncrafter Industries brand and assets, uniting two of America’s foremost custom firearm manufacturers.
Bill Bachenberg Unanimously Reelected NRA President; Doug Hamlin Unanimously Reelected as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO In Houston
Today, the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), unanimously reelected Bill Bachenberg of Pennsylvania as President of the NRA, and Doug Hamlin as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
