That’s right—SIG has introduced the single stack 45ACP 1911 platform to the red dot age. One has to wonder why it’s taken so long. Could it be that manufacturers mistakenly labeled single stack 45ACP 1911 owners as not appreciative of red dot benefits? Anyone clinging to their single stack 1911 isn’t progressive enough to adapt to the times? That’s doubtful, I’m just trying to stir you up. Let’s just say SIG was taking its time, exploring the best way to make the 1911 red-dot-compatible, and the long-awaited result is the 1911-XFULL.

SIG invested the time and brain power to figure out the best way to mount a red dot to the slim 1911 slide, then committed the necessary resources in terms of machines and personnel to make it happen. The 1911-XFULL arrives with an ultra-low-profile, direct-mount optic slide cut in front of the rear sight. The SIG ROMEO-X Compact red dot is ideal for use with the XFULL thanks to its low deck height which allows standard-height iron sights to co-witness. A Shield RMS-c footprint is used.

The 1911 platform is still very popular with consumers. This is confirmed by the number of 1911 models on the market… with new 1911 models still being introduced. Major firearm manufacturers know having a 1911 in their catalog is a must. 1911 performance justifies it still being a valid choice for use albeit personal defense or duty. The SIG 1911-XFULL demonstrates the 1911’s versatility and potential.

MR. BROWNING STILL RULES

For many, there’s no debate over choosing a personal defense handgun. Any discussion starts and stops with John Browning’s 45 ACP 1911. The association between the 45 ACP cartridge and the 1911 platform is seamless. Browning was not only the architect of what many feel is the ideal handgun form—the 1911—but also the originator of the perfect personal defense handgun cartridge—the 45 ACP. SIG only builds upon these bulwark 1911 characteristics with its new pistol.

In this day and age of polymer, high-capacity handguns, the 1911 has turned into an aficionado’s weapon that attracts users with its natural handling, great trigger, and potent 45 ACP chambering. Yes, higher capacity, polymer-framed, striker-fired weapons have supplanted it in terms of general use. This is due to a variety of reasons outside the purview of this article. However, when you put a full-size 1911 in your hand, you quickly realize there’s nothing like it in the polymer world we live in. The allure of a well-put-together 1911 single-action semi-automatic handgun is hard to deny. No substitute for the confident heft of a steel frame with “cocked and locked” trigger begging to be set free.

Is the 45 ACP 1911 a prime weapon of choice for all situations or users? Of course not. However, no one can argue that there is a more instinctive handling weapon than the 1911. The trigger and grip size and angle cause it to be most accurate handgun in most arsenals. Why do you think hostage rescue units and other special purpose military and law enforcement teams still hold onto using it? It is accurate and conducive to precise shot placement. Along these same lines, no one can argue that the 45 ACP does not deliver the terminal ballistic payload. Many scoff at its limited single-stack capacity—8-rounds with the SIG 1911-XFULL. Practically speaking, eight rounds of 45 ACP will solve most problems. 10-round magazines mitigate some of this criticism. Chip McCormick Custom 10-round magazines supplemented the eight rounders that arrived with the 1911-XFULL for this article. This is not an attempt to start a 9mm versus 45 ACP debate. Modern 9mm loads have ended the banter of 9mm not being worthy of consideration. With that said, there is no denying the sensation of touching off a 230-grain full-power 45 ACP load even in a steel handgun weighing 42 ounces.

SPICING THINGS UP

In the spirit of the SIG 1911-XFULL giving off connoisseur vibes, I decided to separate it even further from the polymer frame striker fired horde by switching out the standard barrel for a threaded one. Fortunately, SIG offers a threaded barrel as an accessory. The SIG 45ACP threaded barrel proved drop-in compatible with the 1911-XFULL. This was a pleasant surprise, as many times a replacement anything with a 1911, let alone a barrel, will require fitting. The threaded barrel was added to enable the use of a SIG SRD45 suppressor. This suppressor was acquired several years back and has been replaced by the SIG MODX-45 model in SIG’s current lineup. The Chip McCormick 10-rounders protruding from the magwell seemed to balance out the suppressor, feel-wise and aesthetically.

The ROMEO-X Compact red dot proved the optimum way to operate the 1911-XFULL with a mounted suppressor, both eyes open with the red dot hovering above the SRD45 can. The ROMEO-X Compact offers a variety of built in red dot reticle patterns. I decided to use the circle/dot for this evaluation. The ROMEO-X red dot assisted in engaging targets at close distances with the red dot easy to pick up rapidly. Point shooting with the 1911-XFULL is still very feasible when using the ROMEO-X’s window as a ghost ring if forced to react spontaneously to a threat.

The SIG ROMEO-X Compact is a red dot offering 20,000 hours of runtime at its medium brightness setting and uses MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination). The housing is made from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum featuring machined, anti-reflection grooves on shooter-facing surfaces with distortion-free aspheric glass and a patent-pending beryllium copper flexure-arm adjustment system. The ROMEO-X incorporates a point source red LED emitter with a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle reticle with side-mounted independent brightness adjustment buttons, 15 brightness setting (including night vision settings) and a side-mounted CR1632 battery compartment with a threaded battery cap so the optic does not need to be removed from the pistol for battery changes.

FEEL THE POWER

While the bulk of firing was with 230-grain FMJ ammunition, an assortment of premium ammunition was proofed through the SIG 1911-XFULL, such as Hornady Custom XTP, Winchester PDX-1, Black Hills Ammunition 230-grain FMJ and JHP, Federal HST, and SIG Sauer V-Crown with 185-grain, 200-grain and 230-grain JHPs to verify reliability regardless of bullet profile or weight.

Initial evaluation with the 1911-XFULL as it arrived from SIG (sans threaded barrel) was all positive and exhibited excellent accuracy. The first order of business after adding the threaded barrel and suppressor was to verify that they caused no reliability issues with the pistol. As mentioned earlier, the threaded barrel had no issues after being dropped in. The suppressor also caused no problems with reliability. I was surprised by how much of a re-zero adjustment was necessary with the threaded barrel compared to the original barrel. 4-inches low and left at only 15 yards! Thankfully, accuracy was maintained—just not same place on target, thus requiring adjustment of the optic. The mounted suppressor also caused a slight shift of the point of aim versus the point of impact compared to the bare threaded barrel. While not as severe as changing barrels, the shift in POI was noted.

PERFORMANCE

230-grain 45 ACP loads are subsonic and an obvious choice for use with a suppressor. The 230-grain loads’ ability to reliably function in the 1911-XFULL, while still being subsonic, is one of the reasons why 45 ACP handguns are a favorite suppressor host. The SIG SRD45 proved effective at taming the muzzle blast of even 185-grain and 200-grain supersonic loads. All loads could be comfortably fired without the use of ear protection with the SRD45 installed, even in an indoor environment.

Various scenarios engaging targets from behind cover or on the move were run. The natural pointability of the 1911-XFULL comes into its own in this realm with the ROMEO-X Compact doing its part, as well. The ROMEO-X’s rectangular lens offers a superior field of view compared to other red dot options. The ROMEO-X’s minimal frame “disappears” when focusing on the target with the red dot. The reticle is crisp with no halos or disfiguration. The red dot was “there” and seamlessly located at first draw. This is a benefit of SIG choosing a direct mount method versus plates, allowing the ROMEO-X to sit as low as possible in the slide.

Magazine change drills were done for the dual purpose of getting a feel for manipulating the 1911-XFULL with the ROMEO-X Compact installed while making sure the red dot was seamlessly picked up after reloads and placed back on target. The combo performed way better than expected. Here was a weapon designed in the 1900’s, combined with red dot, more than holding its own in 2024.

OBSERVATIONS

A full-length guide rod is NOT employed in the SIG 1911-XFULL, but rather a plug bushing and spring as designed by Browning. This will warm the heart of many 1911 purists who deride the use of full-length guide rods as a solution to a problem that does not exist with the 1911; not to mention the full-length guide rod contributes to “over tightness” in the 1911 design that may cause finicky behavior in the reliability department. This is not the case with the 1911-XFULL. In fact, you can field strip the 1911-XFULL without having to resort to using a bushing wrench.

Here’s an interesting thing about the two 8-round magazines that arrive with the pistol. While function was no issue, I found that closing a locked rearward slide on an empty magazine was damn near impossible using the slide release lever. The same magazine when loaded posed no problem. Other magazine types used during my test and evaluation didn’t interfere when closing the slide with an empty magazine. Whether or not this is a real-world problem is up for the user to decide.

You have to wonder how many hours of engineering (and then analyzing best build practices) were required to find the proper balance between accuracy and reliability? Whatever it was, SIG pulled it off. Shooting five-shot groups from sandbags regularly produced a jagged single hole at 12 yards with the SIG 1911-XFULL ROMEO-X Compact duo. The pistol chugged thru round after round of 45 ACP during high volume drills.

The SIG 1911-XFULL serves as reminder as to why the classic design still holds a prominent place in the world. Users and manufacturers are keeping the 1911 going strong and the SIG Sauer 1911-XFULL certainly doing its part in that regard. The SIG duo I tested here is a solid combination, functionally speaking. It takes a backseat to nothing in terms of lethality, while still allowing a user to indulge by not having something so typical.

SPECIFICATIONS

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:

The plethora of 1911 manufacturers currently in the marketplace would boggle the mind of John Browning himself. The shapes and sizes the 1911 has morphed into would surely impress Mr. Browning. One specific style I would be curious of old John’s opinion of is the polymer/steel hybrid frame double-stack 9mm variants. The arrival of this form can be marked in the late 1980s; and really taking off in the 1990s. Over time, these competition-based weapons morphed into more serious tactical and personal defense offerings.

Mention of 1911 chambered in 9mm will cause many purists a side-eye. However, the quest for the 1911-style 9mm handgun is not a new phenomenon. After World War II it was recognized that a smaller frame 1911 versus the issued “Government Model” would aid in ease of carry for officers. A U.S. procurement solicitation issued requirements for a handgun chambered in 9mm (yes—9mm) not to exceed a 7-inch length or weigh more than 25 ounces. Candidates for this trial included Browning Hi-Power variants by Canada’s Inglis, Belgium’s Fabrique Nationale, Smith & Wesson’s S&W Model 39 and Colt. Colt developed a modified version of its M1911 pistol that was chambered for 9mm with an aluminum alloy frame, a 4.25-inch barrel, and a 9-round magazine. The Colt offering eventually spawned into the company’s “Commander” and “Officer” model 1911s.

Springfield Armory Joins the Double-Stack Club

Springfield Armory enjoys a solid reputation in the all-metal single-stack 1911 world. Their entry into the double-stack hybrid frame arena with 9mm 1911 DS Prodigy AOS surprised many. It shouldn’t. The last several years have shown Springfield Armory expanding into ARs, bolt actions, bullpups, classic Hi-Power variant etc. Each category has Springfield Armory providing a feature packed model. The saying “a lot of gun for the money” rings true here.

The 1911 DS Prodigy AOS serves notice with its features, price point, and performance. Certain entities in Texas and Arkansas immediately took note when the DS Prodigy was announced. Two Springfield models are available in the Prodigy line up—5-inch and 4.25-inch barrels with a factory mounted Hex Dragonfly red dot sight as an option.

One definition of prodigy is, “An amazing or unusual thing, especially one out of the ordinary course of nature.” Not only is the DS Prodigy AOS a good representation of the hybrid frame genre, but the pistol’s price is hundreds of dollars less than competitors.

Springfield stays away from any reference to a “2011 frame,” likely due to trademark or patent reasons. Since 1994 “2011” has been associated with another well-known manufacturer. With that said, the 1911 DS Prodigy’s frame is a modular two-piece design consisting of a forged steel sub-frame and polymer grip. The steel frame contains the rails that the slide runs on, fire control group, ambidextrous thumb safeties, grip safety, slide stop, and railed dust cover.

The DS Prodigy polymer grip is contoured to maintain 1911 characteristics while accommodating high-capacity double-stack magazines. The same grip texture used on the Springfield Hellcat Pro is found on the DS Prodigy. Use of polymer in the grip construction minimizes the material thickness required. The DS Prodigy grip circumference is not that much bigger than a single-stack, steel-framed 1911.

It is the high-capacity nature of the Prodigy that attracts so many. Springfield uses U.S.-made DuraMags with steel bodies and polymer followers and base pads. The standard magazine holds 17 rounds with 20- and 26-round mags available. For many, even for 1911 lovers, the consideration of handguns chambered in 9mm becomes more feasible as capacity increases. The Prodigy ships with one 17 and one 20-rounder. The 17-round mag sits flush, with only the small base pad extending below the frame. With the 20-round mag in place, the extended base pad extends almost an inch below the bottom of the frame. The 26-round magazine extends a little over 2-inches inches below the grip. Nothing like carrying most of a box of 9mm ammunition in one magazine.

A match grade 4.25-inch stainless bull barrel is fitted inside Prodigy’s carbon steel slide. The Prodigy uses a full-length two-piece guide rod system The steel slide features angled front and rear slide serrations. All external metal components have a black Cerakote finish. The full-length dust cover provides a resting place for lights/lasers. It also serves to reduce muzzle flip, especially if sending multiple rounds downrange quickly. Overall weight of the DS Prodigy 4.25-inch is 32.5 ounces.

My hands are average size yet have no issue working the trigger or other DS Prodigy controls. Trigger break measured 4.5 to 4.75 pounds. The grip size/angle combined with single action trigger help make 1911s the most accurate handgun in most arsenals. It is accurate and conducive to precise shot placement. No one can argue that there is a more instinctive handling weapon than the 1911-pattern handgun.

Raison D’Etre

The Springfield Armory DS Prodigy 4.25 9mm represents portability, capacity, reliability, controllability, and lethality. These are poster child traits for a duty, tactical, personal defense handgun. The commander-length slide with 4.25-inch barrel provides the optimum mix of sight radius, concealment, weapon balance, and reliability in a 1911 pattern handgun. With that said, sight radius for our purposes is not that important. The DS Prodigy arrived with a Hex Dragonfly red dot factory mounted. Typical of Springfield Armory, their path to red dot usage was well studied and meticulously applied.

Developed in collaboration with Agency Arms, the AOS (Agency Optic System) are red dot mounting plates designed exclusively for the 1911 DS Prodigy line up. Machined from billet steel, each plate is designed specifically to deliver proper optic height for intuitive sight picture and instant target acquisition and features an integral rear sight. For a tactical/personal defense weapon the ability to co-witness iron sights with red dot is a must.

Users of the DS Prodigy equipped with the Hex Dragonfly find that they no longer have to switch focus from target to sights, invariably eliminating the “front sight focus” so difficult maintain when using iron sights, especially under stress. Handgunners with a red dot-equipped weapon can now do as nature intends for them to do—focus on the threat/target. The red dot will be there for aiming purposes. Moreover, because the indexing of a red dot is far easier than aligning two separate protruding pieces of steel, shooters can make accurate shots beyond what was considered possible with iron sights.

Supporting Staff

One of the unspoken benefits of choosing a 1911/2011 for use is the plethora of available holsters. Versacarry Compound and Decree OWB holsters with a Versacarry Double Stitch gun belt were used with the Springfield DS Prodigy.

Versacarry continues to innovate beyond its initial ZeroBulk offering from ten years ago. Versacarry’s new hybrid Compound series takes their known use of premium water buffalo leather and combines it with Kydex by infusing it between leather layers. This offers better support and retention for your handgun. The holster is built with a recessed area in the Kydex to keep the front sight from snagging when the firearm is drawn. The draw tension is adjustable to give owners the flexibility to adjust the holster to their firearm for customized retention.

Versacarry’s line up is admirable in how many handgun models their holsters accommodate. This is because Versacarry holster sizing is based off of trigger guard and frame size, rather than specific features of one given pistol model. Since most handguns share a lot of the same design similarities, Versacarry can fit hundreds of different handguns into three main holster sizes using this method.

The Compound and Decree holsters were mated to a Versacarry Double Stich gun belt. The importance of a quality gun belt is overlooked at the user’s peril. You do not want gear hanging loosely or flopping around on your waist. Versacarry uses double ply water buffalo leather that has been vegetable tanned. Heavy duty, industrial-grade, bonded nylon thread is used for double stitching. The nickel belt buckle is removable.

The Versacarry Decree and Compound holsters kept the DS Prodigy tight to the body and at the proper cant, facilitating a proper draw stroke. Weight was distributed well between the Versacarry holster and belt.

5.11 Tactical is a company not only helping equip our military, law enforcement, and private security contractors, but has not forgotten civilians either. The LV6 Waist Pack 2.0—do not call it a “fanny pack”—has been updated with quick release buckle waist strap that facilitates being worn around the waist or slung across the body like the cool people do. Interior pockets accommodate various items you see fit to carry along with a hidden slip compartment for a compact handgun such as the Springfield Armory DS Prodigy. The LV6 can also be attached to the larger 511 Tactical LV18 Backpack 2.0, if desired.

The LV18 Backpack has an ambidextrous side entry CCW compartment with increased hook/loop area for holster retention strap for keeping a handgun discretely close by. The padded laptop sleeve has been expanded in size, as well. A second set of webbing loops offer an attachment point for the LV6 Waist Pack 2.0 when extra cargo space is needed, as mentioned previously. Additional features include side compression straps, a padded back panel with a flex cuff channel, and quick-release shoulder straps with a removable sternum strap. Let’s face it, the world is only becoming a more dangerous place, not only overseas but also here in the US. 5.11 Tactical is here to assist in keeping you safe.

Range Time

Range testing purposely included Versacarry holsters and 511 Tactical packs to determine if DS Prodigy was worthy of being considered for daily carry duties. The Versacarry holsters featured a generous open cut top to use with the co-witness sights and Hex Dragonfly red dot topped slide.

Drills consisted of drawing from concealment to see if the red dot was easy to obtain when operating in haste. Various scenarios engaging targets from behind cover or on the move were also utilized. Magazine change drills were done for the dual purpose of getting a feel of manipulating DS Prodigy with Hex Dragonfly installed and making sure the red dot was seamlessly picked up after reloading and the pistol is brought back on target.

The Springfield DS Prodigy has great potential in terms of accuracy, speed, and extending effective engagement distances. The sight radius of the DS Prodigy 4.25 is not an issue with the Hex Dragonfly mounted—in fact it is irrelevant, thanks to the red dot.

In terms of ammunition, the DS Prodigy handled all brands, bullet types, and weights with equal aplomb. Black Hills Ammunition, Remington, Federal, and Hornady were used. Loads fired spanned 115-grain to 147-grain with hollow points and FMJ bullet types utilized. The DS Prodigy 4.25 generated 1.5- to 2-inch groups at 25 yards. No malfunctions were experienced while test firing over 350 rounds during multiple range visits. The overall balance of the 32-ounce DS Prodigy made recoil negligible.

PERFORMANCE

Springfield Armory DS Prodigy 4.25

Accuracy test consisted of 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.

Final Thoughts

What sets the DS Prodigy apart is the amount of product development and field trials it received from Springfield Armory. For example, a key element of the DS Prodigy is the Agency Arms’ AOS method of mounting red dots allowing for co-witnessing with the handgun’s iron sights. Anything electronic can fail, no matter how rugged; it’s important to have back up sights ready. Another advantage of retaining elevated irons around the red dot is that it provides instant verification of zero. If the red dot has been knocked off, the iron sights are there for instant back up.

The key point with the Springfield DS Prodigy is that it is eminently adaptable. Everyone from homeowners, law enforcement officers, to elite tactical team members will find the DS Prodigy a handgun worthy of consideration. The DS Prodigy arrives ready to go right out of the box. The DS Prodigy is a potent package due to its accuracy, reliability, and capacity.

SPECIFICATIONS

Make: Springfield Armory
Model: 1911 DS Prodigy 4.25″ AOS w/Hex Dragonfly
Caliber: 9mm
Magazine Capacity: 17-round and 20-round magazines arrive with pistol
Barrel Length: 4.25in
Overall Length: 7.8in
Height: 5.5in
Width: 1.15in
Weight Empty: 32.5oz
MSRP: $1699
URL: www.springfield-armory.com

Of late, much attention seems to be focused on “improving” handgun platforms using compensators, suppressors, red dot optics, lasers, and lights. This is not only for running more efficiently, but also to add increased flexibility when responding to threats. Staccato is here to help with their Staccato XC. The Staccato XC platform itself is the enhancement. Don’t worry, the XC also accommodates the accessories mentioned and has an integrated compensator seamlessly fitted up front. The XC is Staccato’s labor of love, exhibiting an extra degree of hand fitting and tweaks and making it the premier rendition of what the high-capacity 9mm 2011 platform offers.

From STI to Staccato

From its beginnings in the 1980s as a supplier of high-end 1911 components, then transitioning into offering high end 1911/2011 pistols under the STI moniker, one thing is certain—Staccato has been at the forefront of modernizing the 1911 in ways not previously conceived. The area of competition shooting led their initial market drive. Staccato later decided to focus on the tactical arena based, on experience garnered with its STI Tactical models. The adaptation into the tactical realm—and name change to Staccato in May 2020—was, and is, based on Staccato’s new leadership team which features people with strong military and law enforcement backgrounds. This was all foreshadowed in 2018 when the U.S. Marshal Service chose the 2011 STI Staccato 9mm for its elite SOG unit. Long Beach SWAT was another early convert to the Staccato 2011 9mm platform. High round count testing protocols with these agencies gave invaluable feedback to Staccato in terms of production methods, material upgrades for certain high wear parts, its recoil system, and, most importantly, improvement to its magazine design.

The 2011

In AR terms, think of the 2011 frame as the “lower” and the slide as the “upper.” The patented 2011 frame arrived in 1994 as an invention of STI. It’s is a modular, two-piece design consisting of a 4140 steel forend section mated to a polymer grip section. The steel component contains the rails that interact with the slide, fire control group, thumb and grip safeties, slide stop, and railed dust cover. The grip is made of a proprietary glass-filled polymer with side panels featuring a raised pattern design for texture. The same raised pattern from the grip is found on the front strap and flat mainspring housing. The Staccato XC’s slide is CNC-machined, heat-treated 4140 steel. The stainless-steel slide features angled front and rear slide serrations. All metal components have DLC finish.

The 2011 polymer grip is contoured to maintain 1911 characteristics while accommodating a high-capacity double-stack magazine. Staccato sagely decided to keep the 17-degree grip angle that the 1911 is renowned for. A nuance of the polymer grip construction is its relatively thin front strap and sidewalls, which allows for measurements comparable to a typical single-stack 1911 but with twice the round capacity. The 2011 frame does not require a gargantuan paw for the shooter to feel in control of the gun. There is only a 0.25-inch difference in circumference in a 2011 frame compared to a 1911.

Staccato’s design philosophy is to combine the highest quality raw materials, the best CNC equipment, and the most thought out components. The most important part of the manufacturing process is the master gunsmiths pulling it all together. There are no assembly line methods with the Staccato XC. It’s a limited production item.

The Details

The Staccato XC’s single action trigger pull is factory set for a 2.5 pounds. Performance enhancing features include oversized ambidextrous thumb safeties, a high-grip beavertail safety with a palm pad, and an extended ejector. The Staccato XC weighs 37.5 ounces with its 5-inch bull barrel.

The XC’s barrel/slide configuration is an indicator that something special is afoot. The “island” front sight affixed to the barrel nestled behind the single-port compensator quickly grabs your attention. Typical of Staccato, the compensator is not merely screwed onto a threaded barrel. In fact, a design was created that does not require a threaded barrel. This is good news for those living in jurisdictions prohibiting threaded barrels. The compensator and island front sight are part of the barrel that’s independent of the slide. This maintains maximum sight radius and allows for superior front sight tracking between shots.

The Staccato XC’s second generation double-stack magazine is a redesign of the original STI magazine with its body set to precise and consistent measurements at the feed lips and follower and throughout the length of the magazine body—both front-to-back and side-to-side. This translates into more consistent reliability and performance. In addition, features such as witness holes and polishing of the interior and exterior of the mag body further enhance the quality of these magazines. The “ribs” of the 9mm magazines run all the way down both sides. The days of needing to “tune” STI competition weapons and magazines are over. Staccato 2011s are meant to function reliably right out of the box. The 2011 9mm platform uses 16-, 17-, 20-, or 26-round magazines with the Staccato XC arriving with two 17-round and one 20-round magazine.

It Feels Good

My prior experience with STI Tactical 45 and Staccato C2 2011s left me impressed. How could the Staccato XC improve? All the descriptions, no matter one’s best effort, fall short in conveying how smooth the XC operates. The pistol harkens back to the STI competition days with its performance level. However, the XC is all about real world applications—whether it’s on the range for training, sporting, and, most importantly, duty or personal defense roles. Staccato’s commitment to reliability for the tactical realm stays in place with the XC.

It’s not just the integrated compensator that defines the shooting experience. While the single-port compensator is certainly icing on the cake, Staccato doesn’t rely on it to define the XC experience. The XC is not just another Staccato model with a comp screwed on to create a different model SKU. Staccato has hand fitted, tuned and timed the XC’s slide using a tool-less guide rod spring assembly for efficiency.

Effective shooting is not just dealing with recoil and blast. The slide returning to battery is also a factor impacting sight alignment and grip. This is why professional shooters take the time to analyze different recoil spring weights during shooting sessions. You want enough spring poundage to cycle the slide reliably, but not so much that it causes the slide to slam forward violently after ejecting empty brass.

The Staccato XC’s slide seems to operate on ball bearings, moving so fluidly that the island front sight tracks smoothly during recoil. The XC’s setup allows the bulk of kinetic energy to be expended in the process of loading a new round from the magazine with the slide coming forward more gently and with a fraction of the force found in a typical recoil spring set up. This reduces the slide slamming forward and reduces muzzle dip. It also provides less felt recoil, helping you keep follow up shots on target or stay on track with moving onto the next one. Now after taking all this into account, add a compensator. Most literature on compensators indicate a 30% to 40% reduction of muzzle flip. Muzzle flip reduces the speed with which you can accurately fire multiple rounds. A well-designed compensator allows for an easier job in firing the weapon under normal conditions as well as under duress or with one hand. When in a personal defense situation, there’s no responsibility to engage in a fair fight. That’s why premium weapons, such as the Staccato XC, attract tactical shooters with its superior ergonomics and performance.

Drilling Down

I used diagnostic instructional scenarios in the form of the Bill Drill, El Presidente, and IDPA 5×5 qualifier drills to explore what the Staccato XC offered. Each of these drills place a premium on recoil control, trigger manipulation, and sight tracking. Blackhawk, Crossbreed, and C&G holsters were used with the Staccato XC. Ammunition spanned the gamut from Ammo Inc. 115-grain TMC, SIG Sauer 124-grain JHP, and Norma’s 115-grain FMJ, exotic 65-grain NXD, and 108-grain MHP loads.

With the Bill Drill, you start with handgun in the holster with hands in surrender position at shoulder level. A target is placed seven yards downrange. On command, draw and fire six rounds as rapidly as solid hits allow. Following your sights during recoil is crucial. When done properly, the front sight is never stationary—you just ride the recoil long enough to confirm the front post is back in the “A” zone and send another round into the target. The Staccato XC allowed me to generate times in the 2.4- to 2.8-second range.

The El Presidente (“El Prez”) is a three-target array spaced three feet apart and placed 10-yards downrange. You start with your back to the targets, hands in surrender position, firearm in the holster with six rounds in the gun and six rounds in a spare magazine. Upon command turn, draw and fire two rounds into each target starting from the side of your choice, reload and engage targets with two more rounds opposite your first run. The El Prez works draw stroke, movement, sight alignment, reload, and transitioning between targets. The Staccato XC allowed me times of 10.5 to 11.5 seconds while achieving proper hits.

The IDPA 5×5 classifier is another good indicator of how well you and handgun meld together—especially if you track performance with different handgun styles. Target is 10 yards away. Four strings of fire are used to generate total time with penalties for anything out of the “A” zone.

• String 1 Draw and fire five rounds freestyle.
• String 2 Draw and fire five rounds strong hand only.
• String 3 Load five rounds into a magazine, draw and fire, emergency reload, fire five more rounds.
• String 4 Draw and fire four rounds into the body and one round to the head of a target, freestyle.

The Staccato XC helped me generate times in the 22-24 second range for this IDPA qualifier drill.

I felt I was letting the XC down at times during all the drills. While my drill times were some of my best (of late) I could tell the Staccato XC wanted to go faster, but my abilities were not up to it. This is a credit to the weapon. The Staccato XC’s island fiber optic front sight, combined with its muzzle-flip- minimizing compensator, allowed for superior sight tracking between shots. The Staccato XC’s excellent single-action trigger pull provided another important advantage. The XC’s magazine well acted like a funnel during magazine changes. There were no reliability issues during the high volume, fast paced drills.

Performance

Range Observations

Mind your hand placement when manually racking the slide. Don’t grab the slide too far forward, near the comp. If you do, two things can happen: you might pinch your hand between the slide and comp, or you’ll end up fruitlessly trying to rack the gun while pinching the stationary compensator instead of the movable slide. The brass ejection is eerily consistent on the Staccato XC, with spent casings landing a few feet away nearly 90 degrees from slide. This illustrates the uniformity of the pistol maker’s machining, the time spent hand-fitting the slide to the frame, and the value of properly adjusting the pistol’s extractor and ejector.

Ammunition Notes

There were no issues with any of the ammunition we used in our test, with one caveat related to the Norma NXD and MHP premium defensive loads. Each cycled the slide, and were very accurate, however, neither would lock the Staccato XC’s slide to the rear after the last round was fired.

Sight Options

Lastly, testing for this evaluation did not involve mounting a red dot optic on the XC. The XC does arrive with the innovative Dawson Precision Optic reflex sight system in place for those who want to mount a red dot. Multiple plates allow for red dots (with Trijicon RMR and Leupold Delta Point Pro footprints) to attach to the XC while providing a co-witness with iron sights. The XC’s steel frame dust cover with rail offers a solid connection point for lights and lasers. A Surefire X300 was mounted at different times for this evaluation with no detriment to reliability.

Wrap Up

Cost is inevitably brought up when discussing a handgun with a price tag over $4000. With the Staccato XC, you feel as if you have reached the pinnacle of craftsmanship, design, reliability, and efficiency that can be found in the 1911 and 2011 genres.

 While the gun is certainly a viable consideration for competition, a more applicable role is using it as a duty or personal defense weapon. While you cannot purchase proficiency, the Staccato XC certainly feels like it offers a a skill enhancement. You perform better with the XC in your hand. There is no better compliment than this. A weapon like the Staccato XC feels analogous to a medieval knight’s broadsword or a samurai’s katana; it’s as much a talisman that signifies a warrior’s martial commitment as it is a weapon worthy of a legacy.  

SPECIFICATIONS:

Make: Staccato
Model: XC
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 5in bull barrel with island front sight and compensator
Overall Length: 8.4in
Weight: 37.5oz
Sights: Dawson Precision Fiber Optic Front, Tactical Dawson Precision Rear sight. Equipped with Dawson Optic System for mounting red dot optics.
Capacity: Includes two 17rd and one 20rd magazines
MSRP: $4299
URL: Staccato2011.com

The Guns of “Overlord”

On June 5, 1944, Nazi Germany was in control of most of France. The French people lived in fear of the brutal German soldiers who occupied their country. But there was hope. The French Resistance, also known as the Maquis, caused the Germans endless setbacks. In the east, millions of Soviet soldiers prepared to charge across Eastern Europe, drawing large numbers of German resources to the Eastern Front. In the south, Italy had switched sides, and the Germans found themselves in a second front against American and English soldiers. Finally, across the English Channel, a powerful force created German Chancellor Adolf Hitler’s worst nightmare: a Third Front.

In England, an alliance including the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, Poland and other nations amassed a large military force and were prepared to launch a great offensive to liberate Western Europe. While the German command was distracted by a fake army miles away, thousands of Marines, paratroopers, pilots, other soldiers and equipment were prepared for battle. The date for the offensive was supposed to have happened on June 5, but the weather forced them to change it to the next day. So on June 6, 1944, one of the greatest invasions in history began. Just after midnight, thousands of American, British and Canadian paratroopers landed across northern France, causing chaos for the Germans stationed there. This was D-Day, the first day of Operation Overlord. This was a campaign to invade Fortress Europe, liberate northern France and open the door to enter the heart of Nazi Germany. On August 24, American and French soldiers entered Paris. “Operation Overlord” officially ended on August 30, with Canadian troops entering Rouen to cheering crowds.

On November 9, 2018, “Overlord” was released in the United States. The movie tells the fictional story of a group of American paratroopers dropped behind German lines on D-Day. They stumble upon a secret German facility experimenting on human beings with a strange serum. The film was produced by J. J. Abrams and stars Jovan Adepo from the new “Star Wars” movies and Wyatt Russell, son of Kurt Russell.

The Allies used a number of different firearms, but the following are the ones that were used in the movie.

M1903 Springfield Rifle is one of America’s most successful rifles. It was adopted in 1903 in response to the mixed performance of the Krag-Jorgensen Rifle. The M1903 first saw service in World War I and did well in the trenches. Even after the American Armed forces adopted the M1 Garand, the M1903 and other variants of the gun served on until the Vietnam War.

The M1903 in the “Overlord” movie is actually a variant of the rifle called the M1903A4. The main differences between the M1903 and M1903A3 guns are that the sights on the A3 were moved to the rear of the receiver, some of the parts are stamped, and many had two-groove barrels. The main difference on the M1903A4 is its sights were removed and replaced with mounts for a sniper scope. While it was a good infantry rifle, it did comparatively poorly as a sniper rifle. The gun holds five .30-06 rounds in an internal magazine like other bolt-action rifles and has a range of 1000m or more.

One of the most famous weapons of World War II was the M1 Garand. It was first produced in 1934 and saw service in dozens of conflicts across the world. It loads eight .30-06 (7.62x63mm) rounds that are loaded into the gun through the top using a clip. One problem the gun had was that the clip would cause a ping sound when it injected with the last round. Despite this minor flaw, the M1 Garand was a good rifle and was well liked by the soldiers who carried it.

Another rifle made famous in World War II was the M1 Carbine. It was produced for officers and tank crews, as well as paratroopers. From a distance, it looks like a lighter version of the M1 Garand. It shoots .30 Carbine (7.62x33mm) from 15- and 30-round magazines, with the M2 full-auto version at a rate of 750 rounds per minute. It was very light and had a range of 300 yards. There was actually a special M1A1 variant which had a folding buttstock for paratroopers. Sadly, that is not the model that was used in the movie.

The story behind the M1 Carbine is interesting. The gas piston was designed by David “Carbine” Williams, who had been sent to jail for the murder of a deputy. However, he showed such a talent for mechanical engineering that even the widow of the deputy who was killed agreed to his release to help serve his country.

I did not see “Overlord,” but from what I heard, the movie was well-received from critics. If movies like “Overlord” are your cup of tea, by all means go enjoy this film.

Special Note: June 6, 2019, will be the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. There will be ceremonies throughout Normandy, and it is likely that this will be the last time for many of the real soldiers who took part in it to be there. I have signed up for a tour and will be there to report on it. If you have any interest in going, it would be a good idea to start looking into it now.

Colts intent with the .38 Super was a cartridge capable of penetrating the body armor and automobile sheet metal of the 1920s-30s combined with the preeminent semiautomatic handgun designed for fighting: the 1911.

By Todd Burgreen

The Dan Wesson (DW) Guardian 1911 evaluated herein represents over 100 years of various tweaks in the 1911 developmental path. The DW Guardian is a Commander sized 1911 chambered in .38 Super. It is also available in .45 ACP and 9mm. A word about both the .38 Super and Commander frame is in order. It may surprise many to learn that the .38 Super cartridge has a lineage dating back to the late 1920s and was not that uncommon of a 1911 chambering during the heyday of organized crime and professional criminals fostered by the Depression along with the lawmen assigned to stop them. Colt designed the .38 Super with the full sized Government 1911 platform in mind; Colt’s intent was a cartridge capable of penetrating the body armor and automobile sheet metal of the 1920s-30s combined with the preeminent semiautomatic handgun designed for fighting. The longer case length of the .38 Super (22.86 mm) facilitates its feeding from magazines fitted in a 1911 frame better than the shorter 9mm cartridge. The .38 Super has almost the identical overall length of the .45 ACP – explaining why it works so well in the 1911 platform. The .38 Super was derived from the .38 ACP and shares its dimensions, though loaded to higher pressures for a boost in velocity. The .38 Super was designed to fire a 130 grain bullet at the 1,300 feet per second (fps) threshold while the .38 ACP is in the 1,100 fps range.

From its inception, the 1911 .38 Super attracted savvy aficionados to it; a characteristic that continues to this day. The .38 Super experienced resurgence in the 1970s due to its “discovery” by IPSC competitors with its ability to make “Major” in terms of cartridge classification due to its high velocity and mild recoil especially when combined with a muzzle brake; not to mention its ability to fire reliably from the 1911. The .38 Super combined in a 1911 based Match gun became, and still is, a favorite platform for competitors. This is for a variety of reasons such as flat shooting, tame recoil, and the extra capacity offered by the .38 Super compared to a .45 ACP 1911. These same characteristics are valued in a personal defense handgun as well.

Due to similar case dimensions between the .38 Super and the .38 ACP, in 1974 SAAMI added a +P headstamp to the .38 Super to help distinguish it from the lower powered .38 ACP. A .38 Super fired in a .38 ACP weapon could prove disastrous. The 38 Super is popular in Europe as well as Central and South American due to gun laws limiting access to military caliber such as .45 ACP and 9mm. Here in the U.S. the .38 Super has more of a cult following with limited sales numbers. However, ammunition is still carried by multiple manufacturers with reloading a popular option. The .38 Super’s performance benefits greatly by the increased sophistication of bullets and powders that wring the most out of its capability compared to when it first appeared in 1929. Originally, the .38 Super headspaced off of the cartridges semi-rim and led to early reports of inaccuracy due to stray tolerances in weapon manufacturing impacting accuracy. More modern manufactured .38 Supers headspace off of the case mouth similar to the .45 ACP with accuracy on par with any pistol cartridge. Let’s face it; professional shooters would not have embraced it if it was not accurate.

Background pulled from various sources show the Commander 1911 as designed for ease of carry compared to pure combat effectiveness. Sources state, “The pistol that would eventually be named the Colt Commander was Colt’s Manufacturing Company’s candidate in a U.S. government post-World War II trial to find a lighter replacement for the M1911 Government model pistol that would be issued to Officers. Requirements were issued that the pistol had to be chambered for 9mm Parabellum and could not exceed 7 inches in length or weigh more than 25 ounces.” (Yes, that is right: 9mm.) Candidates included Browning Hi-Power variants by Canada’s Inglis and Belgium’s Fabrique Nationale and Smith & Wesson’s S&W Model 39. Colt entered a modified version of their M1911 pistol that was chambered for 9mm, had an aluminum alloy frame, a short 4.25-inch barrel, and a 9-round magazine. In 1951, Colt decided to move their Commander service candidate into regular production for the civilian market. It was the first aluminum-framed large frame pistol in major production and the first Colt pistol to be originally chambered in 9mm. The first year’s civilian production included .45 ACP and .38 Super chamberings. In 1970, Colt introduced the all-steel Colt Combat Commander. To differentiate between the two models, the original aluminum-framed model was re-named the Lightweight Commander.

The Dan Wesson’s connection to the 1911 is interesting. In 2000, Dan Wesson started working on the development of a 1911 style pistol. Their decision to focus on making quality 1911 handguns surprised many as they were known for their revolvers. The objective for the Dan Wesson 1911 product line was the same as the Dan Wesson revolvers – the most accurate and reliable out of the box weapon on the market with features dictated by listening to feedback from customers. Dan Wesson became part of the CZ group of companies in 2005. CZ is reputed in various sources as the largest firearms producer in the world. 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 in the 1980s. The Dan Wesson 1911s are “Made in the USA” at Dan Wesson’s Norwich, New York facility.

The Dan Wesson Guardian is equipped with features more likely to be found on full-blown custom 1911s costing much more. This includes an undercut trigger guard facilitating better hand placement. The 25 LPI (lines per inch) stippling pattern on the front strap provides positive grip and recoil management. The Guardian’s bobtail aluminum frame and mainspring housing signify Dan Wesson’s intent for it to be a personal defense concealed carry candidate. The shorter length Commander slide and bobtail grip is conducive to concealed carry and minimizes the chance of printing under a cover garment. The barrel features an integral ramp. The Guardian has dimensions typical of a Commander-style 1911. Thanks to its aluminum frame it weighs in at 28 ounces empty. The Guardian measures nearly 8 inches long from barrel bushing to beavertail safety and 5.5 inches high. The Match grade 4.25 inch barrel provides the optimum mix of sight radius, concealment, weapon balance, and reliability. The DW Guardian uses a plug bushing and spring following Browning’s original design intent. This will warm the heart of many 1911 purists who deride the use of full length guide rods in a 1911 as a solution to a problem that does not exist with the 1911. The stainless steel slide and other parts are coated in a ceramic based duty-coat finish for protection against wear that a concealed carry handgun is subjected to. An Ed Brown tactical thumb safety is utilized with the DW Guardian. It is not an ambidextrous design. A textured slide stop and magazine catch round out the DW Guardian package.

Trijicon tritium night sights compliment the DW Guardian’s intended role as a concealed carry weapon. The front and rear sights contain contrasting color vials for easier orientation when aiming in dark conditions. Furthermore, a white ring on the front post assists in concentrating on the front sight. The sights are designed in a way allowing for fast target acquisition while still allowing for precise shot placement as situation demands or increase in target distance. The Dan Wesson Guardian is a sharp looking pistol exuding understated confidence with “Guardian” inscribed on its side in a low profile script. Aesthetically pleasing, yet functional, dark wood grips contrast nicely with the Guardian’s dark metal components. The DW Guardian is proof positive that a weapon can look good and still function as designed. The DW Guardian typifies why the 1911 is still popular as ever. The 1911’s slim width and classic, svelte ergonomics has it carry and handle like no other. The DW Guardian .38 Super features nine round capacity magazines with two provided with the pistol. These were supplemented by .38 Super magazines from Wilson Combat – a main source of reliable aftermarket magazines for 1911s in most calibers.

The DW Guardian .38 Super 1911 stems from a prior similar DW 1911 model chambered in .45 ACP. Dan Wesson decided it was time to introduce .38 Super and 9mm variants. The intent of this article is not to rehash debate of .45 ACP versus other handgun cartridges. Let’s leave it at modern non-.45 ACP loads have come a long way from FMJ bullets that are the basis of much of the disdain focused on them. .38 Super ammunition selections chosen for this article consisted of Winchester, Federal/American Eagle, Wilson Combat and Corbon. Modern premium .38 Super defensive loads fire 115 grain bullets near 1,450 fps. Chronographing of all loads took place to verify if the .38 Super lives up to its hype as the original .40 S&W/.357 SIG cartridge for semiautomatic handguns: it does with the Corbon loads being the “hottest” as per their reputation. The Corbon 100gr Pow’RBall clocked just over 1,500 fps with the 115 grain JHP at 1,435 fps and 125 grain DPX chronoing 1,320 fps.
The Dan Wesson Guardian is a 1911 that benefits from nearly a century of refinement. While the association between the non-.45 ACP cartridges and the 1911 platform is not a natural one for most, we should not let prejudices block us from exploring what cartridges such as the .38 Super offers. The Dan Wesson Guardian represents portability, reliability, controllability and lethality. These are poster child traits in a personal defense handgun. The 1911 is often labeled as an aficionado’s weapon that continues to attract users with its natural handling, and great trigger. Is the 1911 a prime weapon for all situations or users? No. However, you should not give it a second thought as a carry weapon once it has fully proofed on the range. A 1911 should be trained with to ensure that functions are natural and instinctive if having to deploy in haste; the same as any other personal defense weapon. No one can argue that there is a more instinctive handling weapon as the 1911. The trigger and grip size/angle cause it to be most accurate handgun in most arsenals. Why do you think hostage rescue units and other special purpose military/LE teams use it? It is accurate and conducive to precise shot placement.

The DW Guardian’s ergonomics and handling characteristics are quickly appreciated and make a user understand why the 1911 is a legend. The Dan Wesson Guardian was initially tested by verifying sight zero and then proceeding to fire several magazines rapidly at various steel man targets. This quickly shows if any reliability issues exist. Firing was at a relatively steady pace with different shooters running the Guardian through its paces on plate racks, dueling trees, and other drills. During this, all made comment on the .38 Super Guardian’s surprisingly uncanny accuracy. Despite its lightweight alloy frame, the .38 Super was amazingly tame in the recoil department; showing why it was so favored by modern competitors and professionals on both sides of the law dating back to the 1930s.

Drills started from the holster firing as fast as the front sight was verified on target. It was refreshing to see a 1911-style weapon functioning out of the box without needing a “break in” period. I rarely bench test pistols for accuracy due to reliability and quick engagement of targets being more paramount in a self-defense handgun. However, it could not be resisted with the DW Guardian being advertised as having a match grade barrel combined with producing one jagged hole on paper silhouette targets engaged at 15 yards. The Dan Wesson Guardian did not disappoint regularly producing 2-3 inch groups at 25 yards. This rivals full-size Match 1911s. Nearly 350 .38 Super rounds were fired without a hitch. An assortment of bullet configuration from various ammunition manufactures mentioned above were tested to verify reliability.
The DW Guardian’s 1911 configuration facilitates a user finding accessories in terms of holsters and other gear. This is because holster and accessory manufacturers always make sure to provide customers with 1911 options. Flexibility is the key to effective carry practices with inside-the-waistband (IWB), Yaqui slides, belt slide, side-of-back, and shoulder holsters all a part of a concealed carry practitioners repertoire. Quality holsters, magazine carriers, and gun belts are not to be underestimated in importance for effective carry. A Galco Royal Guard IWB and CDM Double Mag case was used primarily with the DW Guardian. Other holsters from DeSantis, Comp-Tac Victory Gear, and BlackHawk were also employed on a more limited basis. All are comfortable, but the Comp-Tac paddle holster is a viable option if weather and dress allows. The Comp-Tac paddle holster remains secure on the belt and the Guardian is retained with a pressure point around the trigger guard. Its open top design allows quick access. Remember the defender is reacting to an attack and must overcome the reactionary curve. The paddle allows a user flexibility in putting on and taking off the holster without having to “undress.” A fact of life for civilian carry is that there are places you cannot go with your firearm. The on/off ease of the Comp-Tac paddle holster is much appreciated when having to dismount your weapon into a lock box or other means of storage.

The reduced size and weight of the Dan Wesson Guardian is far more beneficial for concealed carry compared to a full sized steel framed 1911. The .38 Super chambering came to be appreciated as well in the 1911 DW Guardian with its 9 + 1 capacity stoked with high velocity premium defensive ammunition. The Dan Wesson Guardian .38 Super’s performance combined with 1911 nostalgia is difficult to resist when pondering a concealed carry handgun.

SITES OF INTERESTS

CZ-USA/Dan Wesson
PO Box 171073
Kansas City, KS 66117
(800) 955-4486
www.cz-usa.com

Galco International
2019 West Quail Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85027
(800) 874-2526
www.usgalco.com

Wilson Combat
2234 CR 719
Berryville, AR 72616
(800) 955-4856
www.wilsoncombat.com