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Two Compact Dan Wesson 1911 Handguns for Concealed Carry

Choosing a concealed carry handgun is about more than just picking a smaller firearm. Guns meant for concealment should have a number of features to enhance their use for that purpose, and that goes for all handgun platforms, including 1911s. These two compact Dan Wesson 1911 handguns are specifically designed with concealed carry use in mind. Considering the gun maker’s reputation for excellence, these guns are certainly worth a closer look if you’re looking for a new carry gun.

The Dan Wesson ECP—Enhanced Compact Pistol—was created by the gun maker to be ideal for concealed carry use. (Photo credit: Dan Wesson)

Dan Wesson made the following statement regarding their ECP and TCP pistols:

Specific characteristics are essential when it comes to a concealed carry handgun. The Dan Wesson Enhanced Compact Pistol (ECP) and Tactical Compact Pistol (TCP) check all the boxes for reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, and weight. Both compact 1911 pistols deliver serious firepower in 9 mm and .45 ACP configurations.

Compact 1911s can be great for concealed carry, and the Dan Wesson TCP is offered in both 9mm and 45 ACP. (Photo credit: Dan Wesson)

Features:

  • U-notch rear sight for faster alignment
  • Brass bead front sight provides a high visibility front sight
  • Serrated flat top rib reduces glare between the front and rear sight
  • A 1913 Picatinny rail for adding a light or laser (TCP only)
  • Bull barrel enhances accuracy and smooths shooting
  • Square commander-style hammer; a new tactical design
  • Flat K style trigger (a 3-hole layout that looks like a ‘K’)
  • Frontstrap 25 LPI checkering, excellent grip without being too aggressive (ECP)
  • Mainspring housing 25 LPI checkering provides superb grip.
  • Bobbed mainspring housing reduces frame size, equals less CC printing (ECP)
  • Flared magwell funnel speeds reload (TCP)
  • Bull barrel with a 30-degree crown; its flush-cut provides an easier disassembly
Dan Wesson ECP
The Dan Wesson ECP is available in either 9mm or 45 ACP. (Photo credit: Dan Wesson)

Dan Wesson ECP Specs

  • Caliber: .45 ACP (01883); 9 mm (01884)
  • Magazine Capacity: 8 (.45 ACP); 9 (9 mm)
  • Frame: Forged aluminum
  • Slide Finish: Duty finish
  • Sights: Front brass; Rear U-notch
  • Grips: G10
  • Overall Length: 7.64 inches
  • Barrel: 4 inches
  • Height: 5.4 inches
  • Width: 1.25 inches
  • Weight: 29 ounces
  • Trigger Mech: Single action
  • Safety: Manual thumb safety; Grip safety
  • MSRP: $1,705.00 – $1,739.00
Dan Wesson TCP
The Dan Wesson TCP has a 4.0 inch barrel and an overall length of 7.64 inches. (Photo credit: Dan Wesson)

Dan Wesson TCP Specs

  • Caliber: 9 mm (01845); .45 ACP (01846)
  • Magazine Capacity: 9 (9 mm); 8 (.45 ACP)
  • Frame: Forged Aluminum
  • Slide Finish: Duty finish
  • Sights: Front brass; Rear U-notch
  • Grips: G10
  • Overall Length: 7.64 inches
  • Barrel: 4.0 inches
  • Height: 5.6 inches
  • Width: 1.25 inches
  • Weight: 32 ounces
  • Trigger Mech: Single action
  • Safety: Manual thumb safety; Grip safety
  • MSRP: $1,809.00 to $1,845.00

Some people prefer striker-fired pistols like Glocks while others want 1911 platform handguns. Regardless of platform, what you should be requiring of your carry gun is that it be reliable, accurate, and a good fit to your hand size. And if capacity is your concern, remember two things: shot placement and carrying a spare magazine. If your reloads aren’t on point for speed, it’s a wise idea to work on them no matter what gun you carry.

Would you carry a compact 1911 for defensive purposes? Tell us why, or why not, in the comments below.

Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a long-time outdoor writer, official OGC (Original Gun Cognoscenti), and author of Handgun Hunting: a Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Firearms for Big and Small Game. Der Teufel Katze has written for a number of industry publications (print and online) and edited some of the others, so chances are you’ve seen or read her work before, somewhere. A woman of eclectic background and habits, Kat has been carrying concealed for over two decades, used to be a farrier, and worked for a long time in emergency veterinary medicine. She prefers big bores, enjoys K9 Search & Rescue, and has a Master’s Degree in Pitiless Snarkastic Delivery.