Dan Wesson DWX Review [Range Tested]
Part CZ 75 and part 2011? We take a hands-on look at the Dan Wesson DWX to see if this pistol is better (or worse) than its inspiration.
PPT Editor. NRA & USCCA instructor. Hunter, former competitive shooter, collector (200+ firearms)
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Dan Wesson DWX Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent trigger
- Accurate
- Very flat-shooting
Cons
- Only two magazines
- Not optics-ready
The Bottom Line
Throughout testing, the DWX proved to be accurate, ergonomic, extremely fast-shooting, and 100% reliable.
Every once in a while, a product is announced that grabs your attention.
When I first laid eyes on the early pictures of the Dan Wesson DWX, I was absolutely smitten. Half 2011, half CZ 75? Sign me up!
But I had to stop myself and remember that my heart had been broken in the past by incredible concepts with poor execution or production issues.
With all of the production delays behind the DWX, I became increasingly skeptical of the gun’s potential. But they finally released this year; Dan Wesson sent us one, so I took it out to see if the wait was worth it.
So keep reading as we dive into the DWX's specs, features, pros and cons, and get it to the range.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Trust Us
What can I say? I am a gun guy! I love them so much I have over 200 firearms (I know, I have a problem).
Being around guns most of my life has given me two decades of shooting experience, including shooting in USPSA, IDPA, and other competition matches.
Aside from recreational shooting, I am an NRA-certified handgun and rifle instructor and avid hunter. If it has anything to do with guns, I am probably into it (except selling them).
Dan Wesson DWX Specs & Features
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Single-action only
- Capacity: 19+1
- Overall Length: 8.5"
- Barrel Length: 4.95"
- Height: 5.85"
- Width: 1.5"
- Weight: 43 oz
- Frame Material: Steel
Features
- Ambidextrous thumb safety
- Adjustable rear sight and fiber optic front sight
- Integrated Picatinny accessory rail
- 1911-style trigger
Source: Dan Wesson
Dan Wesson DWX Background
Way back in 2005, Dan Wesson, who is known for their high-quality 1911s and revolvers, was acquired by CZ-USA.
With the CZ 75 platform being an extremely popular and well-respected platform and the 1911 being the same, the companies sought to blend the two guns. In 2019, the DWX was announced, and after a long wait, they were released in early 2023.
Who Is It For?
It is no secret that CZ-pattern guns like the Shadow 2 and double-stack 1911s rule the roost when it comes to competition.
Combining the ergonomics of the CZ 75 platform with the trigger of the 2011 while retaining the awesome shootability of both platforms seems like a no-brainer.
Dan Wesson set out to target both competition shooters and people looking for a high-end target pistol. They designed the gun to have the benefits of each platform without any of the drawbacks of either.
Fit & Feel
Many people gripe about the blockiness of the grip on 2011 pistols, and I get it; I am one of those people.
Dan Wesson’s answer was to utilize the near-universally praised grip of the CZ 75, specifically the Shadow 2.
Gentle palm swells, an undercut trigger guard, an expertly contoured rear portion of the grip, and a generous beavertail allow for a very natural and comfortable grip.
Aggressive checkering on both the front and rear of the grip is accompanied by metal grip panels that sport their own sharp checkering.
The grip is nice and long to fit the 19-round magazines, allowing for full purchase regardless of hand size. My medium-sized hands nestled up nice and high on the gun, giving me a very natural hold.
An ambidextrous safety is present and makes for a nice thumb rest without being overly intrusive for those that prefer a thumbs-under grip. The slide release is reachable for me without being in the way, and the textured SP-01 style magazine release is easy to hit without breaking my grip.
Dan Wesson went with a blacked-out and serrated Shadow 2 rear sight and a 1911 fiber front sight. The front sight is a bit thinner, making for a precise sight picture, but the fiber still ensures it is quick to acquire.
Those who find the CZ 75 slides too thin to grab easily will rejoice here. A fuller slide reminiscent of the 1911, combined with decently front and rear cocking serrations, makes slide manipulation a breeze. However, the lack of an optics cut here is a monumental miss.
Reach to the flat-faced 1911-style trigger was perfect for me out of the box, but the bow is adjustable for those that may need a longer or shorter reach.
The trigger is flat-out amazing. It has a short amount of take-up before breaking cleanly at 3.5 pounds on a Lyman Digital Gauge. We get a nearly instant forced, tactile, and audible reset. It is everything you could hope for in a 1911 trigger.
Barrel-wise, you get a 4.95-inch bull barrel with a recessed target crown — a nice touch. And at 45 ounces, this a large, heavy pistol. There is no mistaking that this is meant for fast shooting and recoil mitigation.
Another huge bonus is the fact that Dan Wesson went with the CZ 75-style takedown instead of the much more annoying and difficult 1911-style. Kudos on that design choice.
The fit and finish are exceptionally nice on the DWX. Everything is put together like a Swiss watch and feels smooth. There is a killer sleekness to the entire gun, with the exception of the menacing-looking full-length Picatinny rail.
How Does It Shoot?
I found the DWX to be precisely what it set out to be. It is accurate, comfortable, and by Odin’s beard, a fast gun.
The grip feels just like my Shadow 2, while the trigger, safety, and slide manipulation feel like my Staccato. It was a bit strange feeling those ergonomics combined, but it felt intuitive and didn't take long to adjust.
I tested the accuracy over the course of a few range trips. The first go around, I rolled a target out to 7 yards and fired off a 10-shot group using Blazer 115-grain FMJ.
Braving the Texas summer heat, I headed out to shoot some steel outdoors. I ran the DWX as fast as my skill level would let me.
The weight, soft recoil impulse, and superb trigger had me shooting faster splits than I could with my Shadow 2, which I have far more time behind.
9mm Ammo in Stock
I backed up to 100 yards to try my luck at a few standing shots on a 12-inch steel target. I was able to hit three out of five shots, including the first two.
Here is another target with three different 5-shot groups at 10 yards from three different guns: A CZ Shadow 2 (left), the DWX (middle), and a Staccato P (right).
On the reliability front, the DWX required zero, and I mean zero, break-in. From 115-grain FMJ to 124-grain HP, the gun ran flawlessly from the first to the last round. Not even the slightest hint of a hiccup.
In an age where consumers are often used as beta testers for new products, it was refreshing to have a gun run like a top out of the box.
I feel that part of this is because they opted to use CZ P-10F/P-09 magazines instead of finicky 2011 magazines. Too bad they only include two mags. Seriously guys, for $2,000, you can throw in a third mag!
But the million-dollar question is, does it shoot better than the Shadow or the Staccato? My answer is no, but it's just as good.
What Sets It Apart
Many manufacturers have tried to combine guns in the past with varying degrees of success, but Dan Wesson pulled it off here.
The result is a distinctly unique-yet-familiar pistol that gives you the best of both worlds.
Is it a 2011 with a Shadow 2 grip? Is it a Shadow 2 with a 2011 trigger? It is both, and it is neither. It's like Schrodinger’s Pistol.
Most people will gravitate towards the 2011 or CZ guns for their popularity, aftermarket, and ability to mount optics. However, a niche few will enjoy the DWX for what it is: a gun that truly “splits the difference.”
Lo-and-behold, I am one of those niche few. This gun impressed me enough that I decided to buy the gun they sent for review.
By the Numbers By the Numbers
Accuracy
5/5
Reasoning: Ten shots touching at 7 yards and three out of five hits on steel at 100 yards with cheap ammo is impressive.
Reliability
5/5
Reasoning: The wise use of CZ P-10F/P-09 magazines and a good overall design led to a grand total of zero failures during testing.
Customization
3/5
Reasoning: No optics cut. Grips are standard CZ pattern, the rear sight is CZ pattern, and an accessory rail is present. Holster selection and other aftermarket is fairly limited.
Ergonomics
4.5/5
Reasoning: The combination of the Shadow 2-style grip and the 1911 trigger and safety makes for a very comfortable gun. It is a little front-heavy, but that is by design.
Value
4/5
Reasoning: It is notably more expensive than the Shadow 2 but about on par price-wise the the Staccato pistols. No optics-cut and only two mags is a big downer in the value department.
Overall
4.5/5
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Dan Wesson DWX Upgrades & Accessories
SureFire X300 Ultra
Magtech 115 GR 9mm Ammo
CZ P-10F 19-Round Magazine
Kore Essentials X7 Tactical Gun Belts
MagLula Pistol Magazine Loader
Final Verdict
After waiting for this gun with bated breath, I can say I am pleased. Dan Wesson put out a fantastic product here. I don’t think it is a Staccato or a Shadow killer, but it is definitely their equal.
The lack of an optics cut at its price point is going to hinder this gun’s popularity significantly, but I hope that Dan Wesson rectifies this in the near future.
But if optics aren’t your thing and you are looking for a high-end handgun that will knock your socks off, the DWX is worth a look. It is fast, flat-shooting, accurate, and has an amazing trigger.
What are your thoughts on the DWX? Do you think it was worth the wait? Let us know in the comments below! Interested in other high-end competition pistols? Check out our hands-on review of the Staccato XC and XL!