Dan Wesson DWX
Ok, at the NRA Show in Indy I had a chance to paw at the Dan Wesson DWX. For those who don’t know CZ/DW decided to come out with a hybrid pistol that is a cross between a 1911 the CZ75.
After getting a real good look at the gun, I will tell you that my interest is even more piqued. The chances we will be buying one is 100%. However, the folks at DW did tell us an optics ready version is coming later this year. So plan accordingly.
Opinions and observations. If you like 1911s, you WILL like this gun. Don’t be put off by the shape of the grip. You will feel right at home here. Think Browning Hi-Power but much, much, much better. Any CZ guy will confirm this.
It’s an all steel gun with 19 round capacity. Has actual 1911 compatible fire control parts in it and with that great trigger pull you all expect and love. Where it beats the CZ75’s hands down are these same 1911 controls. In particular the thumb safety. 1911 perfection.
Now…I did personally observe some misinformation about these guns from fans of the 1911. Mind you we were surrounded by Dan Wesson 1911s on display. In particular while chatting with the DW/CZ rep about how it obviously locks up on the hood, more then one “1911 guy” listening would chime in with the claim, “It’s all 1911 top-end”.
No. It. Is. Not. This guns locks on the hood like a CZ, Glock or my X9L. This is a good thing. Regular readers will know I think the dual radial lugs on 9mm 1911’s are overdone and hurt reliability. And I am relieved to see the DWX didn’t make the same mistake Staccato did.
Summary. I would describe the DWX as basically Dan Wesson’s version of the Wilson EDC X9L, but all steel and stuffed with their already proven CZ magazine. Not that it is a X9 gun. It absolutely isn’t! A Glock 17 isn’t the same as a HK VP9, but from 10,000 feet looking at the technology across the industry, they ARE the same gun. Much like how at the same altitude, my X9L and the Staccatos ARE the same gun.
Note: If you feel compelled to swing at me just now and gripe that the single-action sear of the VP9 is worlds different than the half-cocked Glock 17, I get it. But you are being pedantic and showing yourself blinded by brand thus missing the greater point.
Looking at sales trends and agency adoption patterns, it’s become more and more obvious two types of pistols have “won” the 21st Century pistol market: Glocks & double stack 9mm 1911’s.
The DWX is the latter. And it’s probably better than the 2011.
Sincerely,
Marky
www.John1911.com
“Shooting Guns & Having Fun”
Areas of focus: Defense and National Security, Modern Light Weapons, Small Arms, Weapons Training.
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