Dan Wesson Firearms DWX Pistol Review: Something Old, Something New

By Todd Burgreen

CZ-USA is the U.S. subsidiary for the CZ Corporation based in the Czech Republic. CZ dates back to 1936, when, based on a political decision of the National Defense Council, it was established as a branch plant of Ceska zbrojovka (translates to Czech Armory) located in the town of Strakonice. In January 1937, production of military and civilian arms commenced. The first products were aircraft machine guns, military pistols, and rifles. During the Nazi occupation, the plant was forced to produce and repair military arms. Events leading up to and through WWII, combined with the subsequent Cold War between the West and East, saw the removal of the CZ name from the U.S. market for the last half of the 20th Century.

In 1990, state-controlled production for the Czechoslovakian armed forces ceased with the newly available capacity turned to expanding production of arms for hunting and sporting purposes, as well as exports for police and military units. CZ is one of the largest firearm manufacturers in the world with numerous subsidiaries such as CZ-USA located in Kansas City, Missouri, as well as Dan Wesson and, recently, Colt. Dan Wesson became part of the CZ group of companies in 2005. CZ acquired Colt in 2021, further expanding its corporate girth.

Prior to the CZ acquisition, Dan Wesson Dan Wesson Firearms began working on the development of a 1911 style pistol. The objective for this product line was the same as Dan Wesson revolvers—to make the most accurate and reliable out-of-the-box 1911s on the market with features dictated by customers. Operating under the CZ corporate umbrella gave Dan Wesson the financial backing and corporate resources to once again pursue the quality products Dan Wesson was known for with its innovative revolvers in the 1980s.

Where is all this going? Well, not so obviously, the Dan Wesson DWX. It takes an operation like CZ to bring a weapon on the market that combines features of the original iron curtain “Wonder Nine” CZ75 with the American icon 1911 (the modern rendition is the 2011) with aspects of other well-known firearm models sprinkled in for good measure. The DWX tantalized the market at the 2019 SHOT Show with two variants previewed—full size and compact. However, the world shutting down soon after with the COVID crisis impacted supply chain and production. Only recently has the full size DWX started to arrive on shelves.

Too Good To Be True?

None other than the late Jeff Cooper heralded the CZ75 as the finest 9mm service pistol made. This is a strong statement considering Mr. Cooper’s well-known affinity for the 45ACP 1911. Few original CZ75 pistols made their way to the U.S. during the Cold War; with the handful available from whatever means held onto tightly by the fortunate individuals so blessed, as the CZ75 commanded an artificially exorbitant price tag due to import restrictions. The end of the Cold War combined with rescinding of the ridiculous and misguided high-capacity magazine ban led to the rebirth of the CZ “Wonder Nine” as well as CZ Incorporated.

For many, there is no debate over choosing a personal defense handgun. Any discussions of preferred weapons start and stops with John Browning’s 1911. The association between the 45ACP cartridge and the 1911 platform is seamless—though this has given way to more acceptance of 9mm 1911s in recent years—especially as capacity increases with the 2011 frame. Most will admit to the proclivity for carrying eight rounds of 45ACP in the classic single-stack 1911 frame over ten rounds of 9mm. This opinion changes for many once the 9mm count reaches 15+ rounds, especially as case studies and growing experience derived from force-on-force training has come to light. Consideration of handguns chambered in 9mm becomes more feasible as capacity increases.

Platypus Effect

The CZ75 grip frame and 1911-like slide profile with single action “cocked and locked” trigger aesthetics make the DWX CZ75/1911 combo analogy an easy leap of the imagination. An oversized trigger guard makes the DWX easy to operate while wearing gloves. An integral Picatinny rail under the pistol’s frame readily accepts lights, lasers, and other accessories. A more detailed study of the DWX will shine even more light on the DWX’s firearm family tree.

Yes, the DWX operates via Browning’s short-recoil principle as templated by the 1911. However, Dan Wesson chose to go with SIG Sauer’s version that became predominant with the SIG P220’s arrival in 1975 versus the original 1911 style. For the record, the CZ75 also used Browning’s original lug design, as well. With the DWX, the locking lugs have been removed from the barrel as well as interacting slots in the slide that interface with the lugs. Instead, SIG used the forward edge of the barrel chamber to lock into the slide’s ejection port. A much simpler manufacturing method that can be held to tight tolerances in our age of CNC machining.

The use of Browning plug/bushing capturing recoil spring and surrounding barrel is dispensed with. The DWX uses a full length guide rod that fits into the slide’s integral barrel bushing. A 1911-style spring is used, making adjustment (spring weight tinkering) simple. The DWX barrel is machined to sit flush with the slide. An external extractor is fitted on the DWX , just as well to get away from the finicky internal extractor design of the original 1911.

The DWX’s double stack frame is contoured to maintain CZ75 characteristics while accommodating high-capacity CZ P09/P10F magazines with a 19-round capacity right out of the box. The DWX exudes a “steely” feel thanks to its grip being created from metal from versus the polymer found with most high capacity frames including the 2011 double column 1911 variants. This will warm the hearts of many who do not care for the polymer revolution.

Thanks to 1911-style dovetailed front sight and adjustable CZ Shadow 2-style rear sight, sights are easily customized if the end user desires something different. Target acquisition is fast due to the fiber optic giving a fast and clear “flash” at close range, yet allowing for more precise aimed fire at distance. You will automatically focus on the most important part of your sighting system—the front sight. In a perfect world, the DWX would have arrived with an optic cut for mounting a red dot. However, considering production issues dating back to 2019, we should be glad the DWX wasn’t delayed longer to provide this option. The word is, an optic cut DWX model is in the works… as well as a compact DWX version.

Living Up To Expectations

All of these DWX enhancements mean little if it feels like an unwieldy paperweight in ones hands instead of a natural pointing handgun stemming from esteemed lineage such as the CZ75 and 1911. The majority of range testing with the DWX took place at Echo Valley Training Center. Two main evaluation priorities were the focus—make sure that DWX’s reliability was beyond reproach and determine if the DWX offered something beyond the other handguns on the market. Of first concern, the Dan Wesson DWX handled several types of ammunition without a problem. Firing began with basic drills to get acclimated with the trigger, sights, and overall feel. The sights were zeroed out of the box for 25 yards using the classic six o’clock hold. Various bullet profiles and weights were used to ensure nothing interacted with the DWX to cause malfunctions. A wide range of 9mm loads were tested including 115-, 124-, and 147-grain JHP and FMJ loads from Black Hills, Federal, Hornady, and Winchester.

Several magazines’ worth of ammunition was spent engaging plate racks and man-sized steel targets. Drills quickly moved past stand and deliver drills to more dynamic drills involving movement, magazine reloads, and firing from behind cover. The DWX’s world class ergonomics and trigger allowed for rapid engagement of targets combined with well thought out ergonomics positioning the hand near optimum position, starting with the presentation from the holster. Approximately 500 rounds were fired while compiling this article without encountering any issues.

PERFORMANCE

Dan Wesson DWX

Accuracy test protocol includes three five-shot groups with each ammunition type; Group sizes were averaged. Velocity figures obtained by averaging five rounds fired over Caldwell Precision Shooting chronograph.

The DWX did not disappoint, regularly producing 2.5-inch groups at 25 yards when fired from standing, unsupported positions. Bench testing could not be resisted after witnessing the unsupported accuracy results. Sub-2-inch groups at 25-yard were not unusual. The advantage of the single action trigger option was quickly evident during the bench testing where accuracy was the goal. As can be expected recoil impulse was minimal in a 45-ounce handgun chambered in 9mm, especially one with the ergonomics of the DWX.

Thinking Inside the Box

Even though the Dan Wesson DWX is more intended to be a sporting or competition handgun from the manufacturer’s point of view, it is easy to envision it in a more basic role as personal defense weapon. The 19+1 capacity mated to low recoil and the capability to deploy from condition one “cocked and locked” carry certainly compares well to the numerous 2011 9mm models hitting the market.

A DWX sitting in a SecureIt HG2 handgun safe is not hard to envision. A nightstand weapon is not concerned with on body carryability or concealability. Heavier, larger frame weapons with accessories such as light and/or laser are all more practical for a nightstand choice than daily carry.

The SecureIT HG2 is a compact hybrid design combining a gunbox with quick digital finger code access. A spring-loaded top door flips open allowing for easy access with an illuminated, padded interior where your handgun rests. A pouch under the door allows for storage of extra magazine, flashlight, etc. The patented HG2 handgun safe has pre-drilled holes for mounting, with popular locations including your nightstand, kitchen drawers, closet shelves, dressers, or under the bed. The HG2 is reassuringly stout weighing 10 pounds. The HG2 follows SecureIt’s concept of decentralize firearm storage locations taking advantage of a criminals limited available time on the scene. SecureIt HG2 is far better than hiding your weapon in a sock drawer or hidden with coats. SecureIt products are made from hardened steel providing lockable solutions preventing thieves, unauthorized members of your home or guests to access a firearm. This is superior to any sort of “hide and seek” solutions.

That Is A Wrap

The CZ 75 and 1911 designs are too well known to attempt any new expose story, however The Dan Wesson DWX tested here serves as reminder why the CZ75 and 1911/2011 designs still hold a prominent place in the world. Many will argue that the CZ75 and 1911 are the finest service pistols created, with both also having distinguished competition careers, as well. The Dan Wesson DWX allows a user to indulge oneself by having something not so typical.

SPECIFICATIONS: