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.