It was at this past CZ-Colt media day I had my initial opportunity to become acquainted with the Dan Wesson DWX. You can see that article/video by following this link.
The DWX being my favorite introduction of the CZ/Colt media day event, and I wanted additional time with the pistol to get a deeper perspective of how it worked, so I requested a test sample.
With CZ 75 ergonomics with a 1911 top end and trigger, the pistol melded two already proven and popular platforms. The fit to the CZ 75 was so much as the stocks are interchangeable, and magwells for the TS/Czechmate series fit the DWX. While the ambidextrous safety is identical to that of a 1911, the grip safety is absent; however, you still have a comfortable beavertail. The magazine catch can be swapped to operate from either side. A 1913 Picatinny Rail is machined into the full lug dustcover.
The manual of arms is of a 1911 with all the controls located in familiar spots. The trigger broke cleanly at four pounds with just a hint of take-up and a cat hair of overtravel, truly reminiscent of a quality 1911 trigger. Forward and rear cocking serrations adorn the port and starboard of the slide, and a serrated rib is machined into the top between the front and rear sight, an excellent detail to cut down on glare. The DWX has two nineteen-round magazines with matching red aluminum base pads, but P10 F and P09 magazines are also compatible.
The rear sight is the same footprint as the CZ Shadow 2, being fully adjustable and serrated at the face to mitigate glare. Notice how well the slide to receiver fit is, almost makes me want to used that tired cliche about “running on ball bearings” but I resisted.
The front sight utilizes a 1911 dovetail and is bright green fiber optic. The combination of the sights makes for an excellent and fast system.
The 1911-style barrel bushing was omitted, and a bushingless bull barrel design was used. Note the target crown on the end of the match grade 9mm barrel.
The DWX easily achieved sub two inch three shots groups at twenty-five yards from a rest.
Looking at the pistol detail stripped, the top end and ignition system has many 1911/2011 characteristics with some minor differences such as an external extractor, no barrel bushing, no barrel link, no radial locking lugs on the barrel, no grip safety, The area of the receiver that holds the sear, disconnector, and hammer removes from the grip module. This makes for disassembly/reassembly for maintenance far more accessible. In my opinion, the DWX is a proper melding of the two handguns.
With about 500 rounds downrange and nary a stoppage, the DWX test sample I received was just as reliable as the ones from the CZ/Colt media day. Not a single person disliked the pistol and everyone who shot it was impressed by the shootability. The all-steel gun had enough heft, so the warm 9mm rounds were easily tamed. The checkering on the stocks as well as the front strap and mainspring housing, ensured a solid purchase even with wet or tired hands. The barrel does not use a link or radial locking lugs instead, a single lug at the top rear of the barrel hood. This is a more robust system than the 1911 because there is no sheering force on the lugs during firing. While 500 rounds is not a lot, if there were a flaw in the design or execution, it would have shown up in my review. I am confident that the DWX will be a strong contender in the pistol market.
Specifications
Acknowledgments
Hello,
Do you know a seller (Dan Wesson DWX) who would ship to Europe?
Tnak you
Jean-Pierre
I am sorry, no.