First Look: CZ DWX Compact Comes in a Concealed Carry Size

CZ has been synonymous with the development of exceptional handguns for a very long time. They make some of the most highly sought-after handguns in the competition and EDC market. Equally as respected is the name Dan Wesson. This is exemplified in the CZ DWX Compact, little brother to the full-size DWX.

The CZ DWX Compact

Wesson founded Wesson Firearms Co., Inc. in 1968. His goal was to build the finest revolvers that the shooting world had ever seen. As a result of his hard work and dedication, his firearms are known for their innovation, indestructibility, and match-grade accuracy.

Today the focus has been on world-class 1911s. Continuing in his footsteps, Dan Wesson Firearms joined the world’s largest firearms producer CZ in 2005. The Dan Wesson legacy continues with new and exciting products and innovations from the excellent people of CZ and Dan Wesson Firearms.

While there have been some fantastic guns to come from this new mix, the most exciting and interesting was the DWX. Following that success, CZ and Dan Wesson have added to the DWX line with the DWX Compact.

DWX Compact Details

The DWX Compact pistol inherits the best traits of two flagship pistols, the CZ 75 and the Dan Wesson 1911. Both handguns are synonymous with quality, durability, and performance. The DWX Compact incorporates the same premium features as the full-sized DWX but in a smaller, more concealable package.

Its lightweight aluminum frame and shorter barrel make it ideal for everyday carry, while its design delivers improved ergonomics.

One of the features that stands out is the trigger. The crisp single-action trigger is from a Dan Wesson 1911 and is combined with the ergonomics and capacity of a CZ pistol.

One of the features that stands out is the Dan Wesson trigger.

A flat, K-style trigger with a textured face offers positive contact and a familiar feel to 1911 shooters. Likewise, its grip angle and contour draw their lineage directly to the proven CZ 75, known for comfort and control.

Handling the Compact

Grip wise it is a mix of form and function. The DWX Compact utilizes the Ned Christensen style frag pattern on the front, backstrap, and Henning aluminum grips for a comfortable shooting experience that provides traction on the gun.

The DWX Compact utilizes the Ned Christensen style frag pattern on the grip.

The grip’s low-profile design naturally positions the shooter’s hand high in the beavertail for optimum recoil control. The CZ 75 Compact grip’s compatibility with the DWX allows customization with aftermarket options. This is a huge bonus for CZ 15 shooters and people looking to customize their guns.

As mentioned, the DWX Compact has some 1911 DNA inserted, but in some cases, it is slightly modified. The four-inch match-grade bushing-less barrel, for example, is linkless, which adds strength and simplicity.

Field maintenance is a breeze with the CZ-style take-down via the slide stop. Borrowing the time-proven CZ 75 Compact double-stack magazine body, the new pistol has a 15+1 capacity with Henning aluminum base pads for added durability.

The team at CZ and Dan Wesson have done a good job at choosing sights that work well in both the personal protection realm as well as competition. It uses an Ameriglo H3 19 night front sight and fixed Battlehook rear sight. As a result, comes rapid target acquisition day or night and easily slips in and out of a holster. Both are rugged and reliable.

It uses an Ameriglo H3 19 night front sight and fixed Battlehook rear sight.

The gun also has other great features like low profile safeties, reversible mag release, and solid front, and rear serrations on the slide to improve grip for cocking. Likewise, a good-looking DLC (diamond-like coating) protects the pistol’s exterior metal surfaces from wear and corrosion.

A Solid Performance

I was honored to get a DWX Compact in before the launch, and I put it through its paces. First off, the fit and finish of the gun are everything we have come to expect from CZ and Dan Wesson. It is immediately obvious that this is not a quickly thrown-together project.

The action is smooth with a mix of tight tolerances without being an ammo diva. On the range, it quickly proved itself to be a serious shooter. I’ve always liked the ergonomics and general low bore axis of CZ pistols, and the DWX follows that same line.

I wanted to run a spectrum of ammo during the test, so I chose three of my favorites; Federal 147gr American Eagle, Hornady 115gr FTX Critical Defense, and Blazer Brass 115gr FMJ. The gun cycled everything without issue, and each ammo performed well.

Recoil on the gun was very easily managed. The gun comes in at just over 30 ounces which allows it to help soak up some of the 9mm recoil without being heavy. Manipulations on the gun were easy, and the slide serrations provided a good purchase without removing skin in the process.

The gun has a slightly beveled mag well that fed easily. I foresee competition shooters doing a little aftermarket add-on here, though.

Lives up to the Hype

Overall, the gun is everything it is built up to be. While the competitive world will take quick notice of this gun, I believe it is a solid EDC gun as well. It has been carefully rounded and smoothed to make it both comfortable in the hands and on the body.

When the original DWX launched with the hybrid 1911 / CZ, I was skeptical. While it looked good on paper, I wondered how it would play out. What became a reality, however, was the development of an exceptional pistol.

Now CZ and Dan Wesson have succeeded in taking that magic and putting it in a compact package. Two thumbs up.

For more information, please visit DanWessonFirearms.com.

CZ DWX Compact Specs

Caliber: 9mm
Mag Capacity: 15 + 1
Frame Material: Aluminum
Slide Finish: DLC
Grips: Henning Aluminum
Overall Length: 7.5 in
Barrel Length: 4 in
Height: 5.2 in
Width: 1.3 in
Weight: 30.8 oz
Trigger Mech: Single Action
Front Sight: Tritium
Rear Sight: Fixed Battlehook
Safety: Manual thumb safety
MSRP: $1999.00