[Shot 2020] Dan Wesson's New DWX Compact Hybrid 2011

Matt E
by Matt E

Probably one of the coolest handguns to come out of Shot Show 2020 was Dan Wesson’s new DWX Compact chambered in 9mm. Late in 2019, Dan Wesson released its DWX pistol chambered in 9mm based off a 1911 slide on a CZ 75 frame. It may seem like a crazy idea at first, but over time starts to make more sense when looking at the positives. With 2020 here now, Dan Wesson has decided to introduce a smaller railed Compact version of the DWX.

Specs

The DWX Compact is a railed 2011 hybrid pistol based off a 1911 slide on a CZ 75 compact frame. It has a 4″ match grade barrel along with a capacity of 15 rounds. The grip contours the shooter’s hand when gripping the handgun and it gives a more natural and instinctive grip on the gun. Unloaded, the DWX Compact weighs in at 28.5 ounces with ambidextrous thumb safeties. The gun felt really well balanced in my hand and is a nice addition to the DWX family. The Picatinny rail allows for accessories to be attached to the gun like a weapon light or laser device.

A fairly cool feature of the DWX full size and compact is the fact it takes 1911 trigger components. This makes the trigger incredibly smooth and testing it out, you could definitely tell it was a 1911 trigger. The trigger had very little take-up and broke on a defined wall. I would guess the trigger pull was somewhere around the 4-pound mark but don’t quote me on that. Right now the MSRP for both the full-size DWX and DWX Compact is priced at $1,799.

Overall Initial Impressions

I had the opportunity to play around and look at the DWX for about an hour yesterday. My initial impression of the gun is its a great SAO carry option if someone doesn’t want to spend the money for something like a Wilson Compact EDC 9. The value you get with this pistol is pretty impressive with the overall fit and finish being as high as it felt. The DWX Compact and full size will probably be guns I acquire for testing down the road so let me know what you guys think and want to know about the DWX down the road. If you have any questions feel free to contact me on my Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay tuned for more Shot Show coverage coming up in the next few days.

Matt E
Matt E

I'm an avid shooter and love educating whether it's at my job or in the shooting community. I'm an average joe that really loves talking with other people about firearms and other passions.I'm active on Instagram on @fridgeoperator.

More by Matt E

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 19 comments
  • Harry's Holsters Harry's Holsters on Jan 24, 2020

    I really think they'll do well with this gun. It's expensive yet a missive bargain when compared to the staccato and XDC X9 in terms over overall cost of ownership. I'm excited to get one whenever they start shipping.

  • Tom Tom on Jan 26, 2020

    It's interesting, I don't see anything that would make it buy it over a TSO though. If it had 2011 grip angles, or was a .45, something to set it apart from say the CZ TSO or AO1. Also today many users want an optic ready slide, the TSO at least can take an optics mount (with the benefit of not being reciprocating, since it's tapped for the gas pedal.

    I've owned high end 1911 guns, and the CZ TSO trigger will hang with any of them unless you are shooting off the reset bounce (the TSO trigger reset spring is a little soft to shoot off the reset). However as far as feel, creep, break it will stay with any 1911 trigger I've ever shot (Volkmann, STI, Wilson, Nighthawk etc.) . In fact if you like light triggers the TSO can be set well below what I've seen on any factory 1911. Mine came out of the box at about 1.8lbs.

    I can say I like running the 1911 style safety/slide lock better than the CZ version, and more people are probably used to that setup, so I guess that's one thing it has going.

Next