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The 1911 double-stack pistols have grown in popularity in recent years. Companies like Staccato, Wilson Combat, and Nighthawk all make options. Dan Wesson has recently jumped into the mix with their DWX Compact pistol. I was curious about the use of preexisting magazines and the overall construction of their new compact handgun. Let’s take a closer look at the new Dan Wesson DWX Compact.
Dan Wesson @ TFB:
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Specs
Just like its bigger brother the DWX Compact is a mash-up of two different pistols. The DWX Compact uses a frame similar to the CZ75 P-01 with a 4″ compact 1911-style slide and barrel setup. Dan Wesson decided to give the DWX Compact magazines from the CZ75 P01 with a 15+1 capacity, making magazines easy to find and fairly affordable than making a special magazine for this specific model. The overall weight for the DWX Compact is just under 31oz unloaded with an all-metal frame as well as Henning aluminum grip pieces for added traction and a secure grip. The 4″ match grade barrel comes with a bushing-less system that allows easy take down without tools.
Other features include a serrated top rib on the slide for glare reduction and added traction, chamfered curves for a snag-free slide and frame, as well as a squared skeletonized hammer. Dan Wesson included a new take on the standard 3-hole trigger with their flat-faced K-style trigger. Just like the full-size DWX, the DWX Compact comes with the flat-faced trigger in red versus the standard black color on their 1911 series. Sights on the DWX Compact come standard with a tritium big dot front sight and a blacked-out fixed rear sight. MSRP on the DWX Compact is set at $1,999.99 and is currently in stores available for purchase.
Spec List
| Price | $1,999.99 | Dan Wesson | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer Part # | 92102 | Model | DWX |
| Action | Semi-automatic | Type | 1911 |
| Size | Compact | Caliber | 9MM |
| Barrel Length | 4″ | Color | Black |
| Capacity | 15 Rounds | Safety | Ambidextrous |
| Sights | Front Night Sight | Subcategory | Pistols – Metal Frame |
| Material | Aluminum |
Range Time
So far, I’ve had the DWX for a few months now and took it out on 7 range sessions during my time of ownership. Throughout my range sessions, I have roughly 875 rounds through my DWX Compact which includes both regular FMJ rounds and a box of self-defense ammunition. For my testing, I used mainly Federal American Eagle 115gr, Remington UMC 115gr as well as a box of Federal 124gr Punch self-defense ammunition. The recoil impulse when firing the DWX Compact is very manageable due to the full metal construction with the ability to fire quick follow-up shots due to almost no muzzle flip on this gun.
The trigger is a crisp clean single-action trigger with slight take-up before hitting a defined wall and breaking right around 5.25 lbs with an audible reset. The high contrast sights with the big dot front and blacked-out rear sights make close engagements incredibly easy whereas shots at further distances can be rather tricky. This is a compact-sized handgun so the iron sights on the DWX Compact are perfect the this sized pistol and its intended use. If I had to pick something negative, I wish it had some sort of accessory rail on the frame for a weapon-mounted light, but the rounded edges on the slide and frame create a snag-free firearm that carries very comfortably.
Accuracy and Reliability
When it comes to accuracy, the DWX Compact shoots very similarly to a 1911-style handgun with accuracy being impressive for such a small carry gun. I put it into a bench rest and fired my DWX Compact at 25 yards with American Eagle 115gr. I shot 5 groups with 3 shots in each group. Out of all the groups, the average group size was 1.43″ with the tightest group being 1.13″. For a compact pistol, the DWX Compact is more than accurate enough to concealed carry and shoot accurately within reasonable distances.
In terms of reliability, the DWX Compact was 100% reliable with all the ammo types I used for testing. I shot in various conditions, whether it was sunny or raining that day, the DWX performed above expectations with 115gr ammunition which is reassuring when you want to carry a firearm every day for your personal protection. The DWX Compact also performed 100% reliable with 20 rounds of Federal Punch 124gr self-defense ammunition. Dan Wesson is known for their tighter fit firearms but so far in my experience, the DWX Compact is 100% reliable with range ammo and self-defense ammunition.
Concealed Niche Market
The DWX Compact is another example of a smaller 1911 double-stack 9mm hitting the market. Wilson Combat has its EDCX9 and the Shield Arms Platypus coming out with a 15-round magazine. There are a number of options but the Dan DWX is right in the middle of the two and I think the overall build quality is on par with the Wilson Combat while being a few hundred dollars cheaper. The double-stack 1911-style 9mm pistols have become a great alternative to the smaller compact 1911 pistols with 6 rounds of 45 ACP.
Having the ergonomic and comfortable grip of a thicker 1911 with the capacity of a modern carry gun really brings the best of both worlds into one package. These smaller 1911-style pistols with higher standard capacity will only continue to grow in popularity. These pistols are easier to shoot than something smaller like a Glock 43 or standard SIG P365 since they are slightly larger but are still easy to carry every day. I have grown to really enjoy my DWX Compact since it feels like it’s that happy medium between a good carry gun and a firearm that’s easy to shoot at the range.
Overall Thoughts
The DWX Compact is a pleasant surprise in the gun market this year, it takes the common magazines from the CZ75 P-01 and incorporates it into the 1911 platform making it an extremely comfortable carry gun to shoot at the range. If I had to say a negative aspect of this firearm it would be the bright red color on the trigger, and if that’s the biggest complaint, it should show you how good this gun really is overall. In general, I would recommend this pistol to anyone looking for something a step up from the run-of-the-mill carry guns on the market today.
What do you guys think of these higher-priced carry guns? Do they have a place in the market today or do you think the more common carry guns on the market are the way to go? Let me know in the comments below. If you have questions about the DWX Compact or carry guns in general, don’t hesitate to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you in the next review.
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