Dan Wesson DWX vs. Jacob Grey NOX Limited Optic

A Hands-On Comparison of Two Premium 1911/2011-Style Pistols

The modern 1911/2011 market has no shortage of high-end pistols, but two names that have earned considerable attention are Dan Wesson and Jacob Grey Firearms. Both manufacturers have established reputations for producing refined, competition-oriented pistols with an emphasis on accuracy, fit and finish.

I had the opportunity to spend significant time testing both the Dan Wesson DWX and the Jacob Grey NOX Limited Optic. Although the two pistols occupy very different price points, putting them through the same practical testing gave me a clear impression of where each excels—and where the differences become apparent.

Dan Wesson DWX

The full-size DWX enters the market at approximately $2,200, making it considerably more accessible than the NOX Limited Optic. It is an attractive option for someone looking for a high-quality 1911/2011-style pistol without moving into the $5,000-plus price category.

One of the first considerations is the optic setup. The pistol I tested was supplied with an iron-sight plate rather than an optic installed from the factory, meaning an additional purchase is required for those who want to run a red dot.

The DWX’s adjustable trigger is one of its strongest features. I found no reason to alter the factory setup during testing. It provided a clean break at approximately 3 pounds and a positive reset that made it easy to prepare for the next shot.

Accuracy was also impressive. The combination of the bull barrel and trigger produced excellent results during 25-yard testing on paper targets at an indoor range.

My experience with the DWX was not without issues, however.

During testing, the front sight on my original full-size DWX came loose and separated from the pistol. I also began seeing the finish on the frame flake. Dan Wesson ultimately replaced the pistol. While I appreciated the replacement, the process meant losing the low-serial-number pistol I had originally purchased and receiving another example from available inventory.

The replacement pistol appeared to have a different finish, with more of a charcoal-gray appearance compared with the darker black finish of the original.

This was not my only experience with a DWX requiring factory service. I previously sent a DWXc back for fitment and finish-related issues as well. Having experienced issues with two pistols purchased from separate retailers naturally affected my overall confidence in the platform.

I also found the full-size DWX to feel somewhat undersprung during testing. In particular, the slide’s return to battery felt slower than I expected from a pistol in this category.

That said, the DWX remains an accurate and capable pistol. For my particular setup, I made one non-functional modification by installing LOK brass grips with a black Cerakote finish. The additional weight made the pistol feel extremely stable in the hand and suited my preferences.

There were also a few controls I found less intuitive. The slide catch is nearly flush with the frame and could be difficult to manipulate at times. I also found the factory thumb safeties somewhat small and would have preferred a larger profile.

Jacob Grey NOX Limited Optic

The Jacob Grey NOX Limited Optic occupies a very different segment of the market, with a price of approximately $5,500. At that price, expectations are understandably high.

The NOX arrives from the factory ready for an RMR-footprint optic, eliminating one of the additional steps required with the DWX.

I particularly appreciated the front sight design. The NOX uses a Glock-style front sight, making replacement or adjustment straightforward.

The trigger is another area where the NOX distinguishes itself. It is exceptionally smooth and light, with a softer reset than the DWX. There is a tradeoff here that is common among finely tuned 1911/2011-style pistols: a more pronounced reset can provide a stronger tactile response, while a lighter and smoother trigger system can prioritize overall refinement. The NOX clearly leans toward the latter.

Where the NOX impressed me most was its overall fit and finish.

The slide and barrel are exceptionally well fitted. Cycling the slide gives the impression of it moving over glass, with the tight tolerances and PVD finish contributing to an exceptionally smooth feel.

The grip design is also noteworthy. The grip, safety and mainspring housing transition into one another seamlessly, creating a package that feels cohesive rather than assembled from separate components.

That design proved surprisingly versatile during testing. I had numerous people shoot the NOX, including men and women across a wide range of ages and experience levels. The consistent feedback was that the grip felt secure and comfortable without becoming unnecessarily aggressive.

The controls were also superior to those on the DWX for my preferences. The NOX’s thumb safeties provide a comfortable shelf for the shooting-hand thumb, while the slide catch is easy to locate and manipulate.

I have not had to return the NOX to Jacob Grey for service or correction.

Accuracy and Range Performance

Both pistols demonstrated excellent accuracy at 25 yards during indoor range testing. Neither gun presented an accuracy problem, and both are capable of producing groups that exceed what most shooters will demand from them.

However, the NOX’s exceptionally tight fit and bull-barrel configuration gave it an observable advantage in my testing.

It is important to note that this was a practical evaluation rather than a formal laboratory accuracy test. Ammunition, shooter input and range conditions all influence results. The distinction I observed should therefore be viewed as my experience with these individual pistols rather than a definitive statement that every NOX will outperform every DWX.

The Price Difference

This is where the comparison becomes more complicated.

At approximately $2,200, the DWX is dramatically less expensive than the $5,500 NOX Limited Optic. The DWX therefore offers considerably more value for a shooter who simply wants a capable 1911/2011-style pistol without entering the ultra-premium segment.

The NOX, however, isn’t simply a more expensive version of the same product. Its hand-fitted components, finish, controls, grip design and overall execution place it in a different category.

For me, the question ultimately became whether the additional $3,300 provided enough improvement to justify the price difference.

After spending substantial time shooting both pistols and allowing other shooters to compare them, my answer was yes.

The difference became particularly apparent when allowing other people to shoot both guns. The DWX was often picked up, fired and evaluated before being set down. The NOX, by contrast, consistently kept people’s attention. Shooters wanted to continue running it, and the combination of the trigger, grip and overall smoothness was immediately noticeable.

Customer Service

Another significant difference in my experience was customer service.

My interactions with Dan Wesson surrounding the issues I experienced were frustrating. Reaching the appropriate customer-service personnel was difficult, and during conversations with customer service and the gunsmith, I felt that my concerns were not always being received as I expected.

My experience with Jacob Grey has been substantially different. Communication has been straightforward, and the company has been receptive to feedback and questions.

I also had the opportunity to meet Jacob Grey, President Todd Neice and head gunsmith Tanner Bradley at the Ohio Nationals. Rather than simply discussing the pistol, members of the Jacob Grey team spent time at the range gathering feedback from shooters, including my own observations.

For a premium firearm, that level of accessibility matters.

Warranty coverage is another consideration. Jacob Grey offers a lifetime warranty, while Dan Wesson’s warranty is five years. Warranty terms should always be reviewed directly with the manufacturer, but the difference is worth considering when comparing two pistols at very different price points.

Final Thoughts

The Dan Wesson DWX remains an accurate, capable and comparatively affordable entry into the premium 1911/2011-style market. Its trigger is excellent, its accuracy is impressive, and its approximately $2,200 price makes it significantly more accessible than many of its competitors.

However, my experience with two separate DWX pistols left me wanting more in terms of fit, finish, reliability of the components I encountered and customer support.

The Jacob Grey NOX Limited Optic is considerably more expensive, but the additional cost is reflected in the level of refinement. The hand-fitted slide and barrel, smooth operation, excellent trigger, thoughtful controls and exceptionally comfortable grip create a pistol that feels genuinely premium rather than simply expensive.

For someone whose budget is limited to approximately $2,200, I would personally explore several alternatives before choosing the DWX. At that price point, there are compelling options available.

But if the budget allows for the $5,500 NOX Limited Optic, my experience suggests that the additional investment is justified.

I had the DWX on my personal bucket list for some time, and ultimately it did not meet the expectations I had built around it. The NOX Limited Optic, however, restored those expectations—and gave me a much clearer picture of what I believe a premium 2011-style pistol should feel like.

For my money, the NOX is the clear winner.