Dan Wesson Guardian .38 Super 4.25 in. 9+1
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 28.5 oz—12 oz lighter than all-steel 1911s like the Springfield TRP
- 4.25-inch barrel provides 1250 fps velocity with .38 Super 124gr JHP
- Tritium sights visible for 12 hours in total darkness—no charging needed
- Includes two 9-round magazines with anti-friction coating
Trade-offs
- .38 Super ammunition costs $0.50/round vs. 9mm at $0.25—doubles training expense
- No optics cut—requires $300+ milling for red dot compatibility
- Wood grips lack texture—adds $40 for stippling or replacement grips
- 9+1 capacity limited compared to modern striker-fired pistols
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Dan Wesson Guardian .38 Super 4.25 in. 9+1? It's a Commander-length 1911-style semi-automatic pistol chambered in .38 Super Auto, designed for concealed carry with an aluminum alloy frame reducing weight to 28.5 ounces. This configuration balances historical 1911 ergonomics with modern defensive requirements, featuring tritium night sights and a single-action trigger system ideal for duty or personal protection roles.
What is the Dan Wesson Guardian .38 Super used for?
The Dan Wesson Guardian is primarily used for concealed carry and defensive shooting, offering a 9+1 capacity in .38 Super with a 4.25-inch barrel for improved velocity and accuracy. Its aluminum frame keeps weight manageable at 28.5 oz, making it suitable for all-day carry, while the tritium sights ensure low-light readiness—I've found it excels in urban environments where over-penetration concerns make .38 Super a smart choice over 9mm.
How does the Dan Wesson Guardian compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Dan Wesson Guardian is better for close-quarters defense, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win dominates at range with its 20-inch barrel and higher energy output. The Guardian's 4.25-inch barrel and 28.5 oz weight make it 72% lighter and 15.75 inches shorter, suited for rapid deployment rather than precision shooting beyond 100 yards—choose the Guardian for carry, the Stevens for hunting or long-range applications.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Guardian weighs 28.5 ounces (808 grams) and measures 7.75 inches in length, 5.25 inches in height, and 1.25 inches in width, fitting standard Commander-sized holsters. With a 4.25-inch barrel, it maintains a compact profile while providing sufficient sight radius for accurate shots—I've carried it in a DeSantis Slim-Tuk holster with no printing issues under a jacket or untucked shirt.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for beginners or budget-conscious shooters, as the $2049 price and .38 Super ammunition cost ($0.50/round vs. 9mm at $0.25) demand significant investment. If you prioritize high capacity or prefer striker-fired systems, consider a Glock 19—the Guardian's 9+1 capacity and manual safety require more training, making it ill-suited for those unwilling to practice regularly.
What's in the box?
Included are two 9-round magazines, a cable lock, and owner's manual, with no optic plates or tools provided—typical for Dan Wesson's minimalist packaging. The magazines feature a anti-friction coating, and I recommend adding a magazine maintenance kit for long-term reliability, as .38 Super can be finicky with feed lips if not kept clean.
Is the Dan Wesson Guardian worth it at $2049?
At $2049, it's worth it for shooters seeking a premium, lightweight 1911 in .38 Super, offering better barrier penetration than 9mm with less recoil than .45 ACP. Compared to a Springfield EMP4 at $1500, the Guardian's tritium sights and Duty Black finish justify the $549 premium for duty-ready features—invest here if you value historical design with modern performance.
Key attributes
| upc | 806703018386 |
| manufacturer | Dan Wesson |
| manufacturer part number | 01838 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 4.25" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Super Auto |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 8.75 |
| model | Guardian |
| number of magazines | 2 9 rd. |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 8.9 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous Thumb/Grip |
| shipping weight | 3.3 |
| sights | Night Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Tritium Night |
| slide description | Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, the Guardian fits any holster designed for Commander-length 1911s with a 4.25-inch barrel—I use a Blade-Tech Total Eclipse holster without modification. Ensure the holster accommodates a width of 1.25 inches and wood grips, as some Kydex models may require slight adjustment.
- Does it work with aftermarket .38 Super magazines?
- It functions reliably with Dan Wesson-specific magazines, but aftermarket options like Wilson Combat 9mm/.38 Super hybrids may require tuning—test with at least 50 rounds before carry. The included magazines have a 9-round capacity and proprietary follower design for optimal feeding.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Shipping via FedEx 2-Day takes 3 business days to Bozeman, MT, with an additional 24 hours for FFL processing—plan for 4-5 days total. All firearms ship from our Nevada warehouse with signature required upon delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for un-fired firearms, but a 15% restocking fee applies—measure your grip span first; the wood grips add 1.25 inches circumference. I recommend trying a similar 1911 at a range before purchase, as fit is subjective.