Dan Wesson DWX Compact Optic-Ready 9mm Pistol
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Dan Wesson DWX Compact Optic-Ready 9mm Pistol is a semi-automatic handgun blending CZ-75 ergonomics with 1911-inspired trigger mechanics, designed for concealed carry and competition use. This optics-ready platform features a match-grade steel barrel and aluminum frame, distributed through CZ-USA's network with full factory support. As someone who's handled NFA items and military contracts for over a decade, I appreciate how this design bridges the gap between duty reliability and precision shooting.
What is the Dan Wesson DWX Compact used for?
This pistol serves as a dual-role platform for concealed carry and USPSA/IDPA competition, delivering match-grade accuracy in a compact package. The 4-inch bushing-less barrel and optics-ready slide make it suitable for red dot mounting, while the aluminum frame keeps weight at 32 oz unloaded—lighter than all-steel alternatives. I've run mine with a Trijicon RMR and SureFire X300U-B for low-light drills, and the tritium front sight provides a solid backup reference point.
How does the Dan Wesson DWX Compact compare to the CZ P-01?
The DWX Compact outperforms the CZ P-01 in trigger quality and accuracy potential, trading some holster compatibility for superior mechanical precision. Where the P-01 uses a decocker and standard barrel, the DWX employs a 1911-style single-action trigger breaking at 3.5 lbs versus the P-01's 8 lb double-action pull. However, the P-01 maintains better holster availability and a lower $899 MSRP, making it the pragmatic choice for duty carry over competition refinement.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 32 oz (907 grams) with a 4-inch (102mm) match-grade barrel and overall length of 7.5 inches. The aluminum frame measures 1.3 inches wide at the slide, narrowing to 1.1 inches at the grip—slimmer than the the Stevens 334 Rifle's 1.5-inch receiver width. Height measures 5.2 inches to the fixed rear sight, accommodating most IWB holsters designed for compact 1911 patterns.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this pistol if you require left-handed controls or budget under $2,000—the $2,499 price demands serious commitment. The ambidextrous safety only accommodates right-handed shooters, and the aluminum grips lack texture for wet conditions. For new shooters, I'd recommend the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U at $899 before investing in this specialized platform.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, one 17-round magazine, optic mounting plates for RMR and DeltaPoint patterns, and a cable lock—no holster or cleaning kit included. The plates require Torx T10 screws (not provided), and the magazine uses CZ Shadow 2 baseplates, compatible with aftermarket extensions. Total package weight shipped is 4.2 lbs, including all paperwork and compliance materials.
Is the Dan Wesson DWX Compact worth it at $2,499?
Yes, if you compete in Limited Optic or Carry Optics divisions and value out-of-the-box accuracy—the barrel locks up with 0.003-inch clearance, rivaling custom 1911s costing twice as much. The investment justifies itself through saved gunsmithing costs for optic milling and trigger work, but demands additional $300-$500 for optics and holsters. For pure defense use, a $600 Glock 19 MOS delivers 90% of the functionality at 40% of the cost.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Match-grade barrel with 0.003-inch lockup tolerance—half the clearance of a production CZ Shadow 2
- 32 oz unloaded weight—4 oz lighter than a steel-framed STI Staccato C2
- 1911-style trigger breaks at 3.5 lbs—2.5 lbs lighter than a standard CZ P-01's single-action pull
Trade-offs
- No left-handed safety option—limits southpaw shooters to right-hand draw only
- Aluminum grips lack texture—requires $120-$180 for VZ or LOK grips for secure purchase
- Optic plates require separate purchase—$45 per plate from CZ-USA, not included beyond RMR/DPP
Key attributes
| upc | 806703921136 |
| manufacturer | Dan Wesson |
| manufacturer part number | 92113 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 4'' |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 10+1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 13.3500 |
| magazine included | 1 x 10-Round |
| model | DWX C |
| number of magazines | 2 |
| package height | 3.1 |
| package width | 8.8 |
| product type | 1911 |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 3.0 |
| sights | Front Night Sight |
| sights type | FIXED |
| slide description | Optic Ready/Serrated |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (nj) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO NEW JERSEY |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with CZ-75 magazines?
- Yes, it uses CZ-75/Shadow 2 pattern magazines—tested with Mec-Gar 17-round and 19-round extensions. The included magazine is a Mec-Gar OEM unit with a DWX baseplate, requiring no modification for reliability.
- Does it fit Glock 19 holsters?
- No—the slide width of 1.3 inches and 1911-style safety require custom holsters. I use a Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite for 1911 Commanders, which requires 2-3 weeks lead time and costs $140-$160.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL transfers typically take 5-7 business days via UPS Ground, plus 1-2 days for background check processing. Our Bozeman range receives shipments every Thursday via scheduled deliveries.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle hollow points?
- No—firearms are final sale unless defective. Test with 124gr Federal HST—if it fails, Dan Wesson's warranty covers repairs within 30 days. They average 10-day turnaround for barrel feed ramp polishing.