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
Latest
A Shorter 2011: Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy 3.5" AOS
In its latest 1911 DS Prodigy 3.5" AOS model, Springfield Armory has combined features from its Standard Prodigy and its Prodigy Compact models.
Going the Distance: Winchester's New Supreme Long Range Ammunition
Winchester’s new Supreme Long Range ammunition means it’s now easier to “go long” when on the hunt for game.
36 New Rifle Suppressors for 2026
Today's suppressor makers have developed a host of new rifle suppressors that reduce weight and overall length while still offering impressive sound reduction.
Review: Springfield Armory SA-35 4"
Springfield Armory has made its SA-35 High Power clone even more appealing to those interested in a compact, concealed-carry pistol with a new 4-inch barreled version of its SA-35.
Legacy Sports International Expands Howa Bolt-Action Rifle Lineup
Japanese-made Howa M1500 rifles continue to be some of the best value-for-the-money bolt-actions on the market, and for 2026, the company is adding two new models, along with a new chambering.
The Armed Citizen® Aug. 17, 2026
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
