The Dan Wesson TCP (or Tactical Combat Pistol) is a lightweight, aluminum-framed 1911 designed for everyday carry. They are my favorite weapon. I use them to hunt and compete. I love the system. However, it is so old that there are constant attempts to “improve” it. It is also open to debate whether these proprietary designs are true 1911s or just a reinterpretation of it. The Dan Wesson Tactical compact pistol (TCP) is an example of such a gun. It has a unique design. Although it is not a 1911, the TCP has some significant advantages over legacy guns. It can also be used with modern carry ammunition such as the Hornady Critical Defense. These 185-grain loads make it easy to shoot.
This article is focused on the 32-ounce TCP pistol, but it should also be discussed the materials used in its construction. The TCP pistol is an alloy-frame pistol. A large number of purists reject the idea of an aluminum frame for the 1911. I have never had any issues with the TCP’s alloy frame 1911. The TCP is the only 1911 with an alloy frame that I had no issues with. In the 1990s frame cracking and constant malfunctions were common. Even though I came from a high-end company, my alloy-frame 1911s weren’t well-designed. The slide would bind if I dried it. The problems continued even after I switched the magazines to Wilson Combat, which is a default remedy for 1911 feed issue issues. I lubricated it constantly. It could only go through a few magazines that were soaking wet and the lube was chalky gray. I was seeing particles of the frame fall off as I fired. The grips on the TCP are tapered to the slide, which is a nice feature that slims the gun down. It can be used with standard 1911 grips if you need to. I tried a few more alloy-frame 1911s made by two different companies and had constant problems with them. I have never had an issue with any of the steel-frame 1911s. Alloy framed 1911s are the only ones I have ever had problems with. It was a surprise to me when the TCP proved to not only be extremely accurate, but also highly reliable. I have shot the hell out Sig P226 and P229 variants, and have never had an issue with my P238.380ACP. The Beretta pistols that I have shot for years have also never had an issue. What is it about aluminum 1911 frames? This comes down to execution as well as materials. Although the 1911 was intended to be a gun made of steel, it can’t replace some roles. Aluminum screws are not recommended for putting together decks or other tasks that require a lot of impact. Although the 1911 is a very reliable gun, it can also be quite dangerous. Aluminum screws are not recommended for putting together decks or any other task that requires a lot of impact. My local range found that his alloy frame cracked in two places. One in the slide-release pinhole and one in the notch where the slide release is located. His frame snapped in half. This is a weakness, and the material makes it better.Shooting the TCP
The TCP was put to serious use. It handled like a full-size gun, despite being lightweight. It was clearly designed with the frame material as its primary focus. Although the gun’s dimensions were identical to a regular 1911 frame, internal dimensions were stronger and more reinforced than the previous model. Some lights won’t fit on the TCP rail. The rail fit to the slide was exceptional, and it was as tight as it was when it arrived. I’m used now to the fact that many of my steel guns rattle from constant use. TCP was so tight that it worried me when I first touched it. I knew that it would become grity and start choking. The TCP would be just like the others I have used over the years. It also had a sub-Commander-length bushing-less bull bar. This is because it is an alloy frame. It is light and robust. However, the result is tasteful and subtle if you don’t want to mount a light. I have shot many Commander-size guns over time, and I would rather have an extra 0.75 inch on the barrel than spend my time altering frames or recoil spring assemblies. I have always appreciated the fact that I can find parts for my 5-inch guns. However, these short 1911s seem to have heavy springs with a sharp, stiff recoil. This is a sign of design necessity. A shorter slide must travel and return to lockup with a smaller spring length and a lower power cartridge than a longer slide. This has led to difficult-cycling, hard-shooting 1911s. All this changed when I took my TCP to the range for my initial reliability and accuracy tests. The gun ran flawlessly for more than 1,000 rounds of FMJ and JHP, as well as solid Black Hills Honey-Badger loads. I never had a failure. The TCP just spit out brass like it didn’t care. This has never happened to me with an alloy-frame 1911. The gun shot like it had eyes. It has a tapered, bushingless bull bar and a proprietary recoil Spring. Although the assembly is different from a standard 1911, it is extremely well executed. It is capable of producing accuracy comparable to some of the most accurate.45 ACP pistols that I have had the pleasure of testing. It’s as accurate and precise as the Colt M45A1 production 1911, which has a National Match barrel. This is high praise from a dedicated 5-inch Colt fan; I was deeply impressed with what Dan Wesson did with this gun.One-and-a-half-inch groups for five shots at 25 yards from the bench were achievable with 135-grain BHA HoneyBadger and 220-grain +P Hornady Critical Duty. These loads are my preferred accuracy loads for.45 ACP and the TCP delivered outstanding results. Common 230-grain FMJ balls grouped an average 2.5-inches for five shots. This is nothing to sneeze about. It’s a cross between Glock 19 size and CZ slide contours. It is lighter than a steel frame gun and balances to the magazine more like a Glock than a 1911. It’s almost perfect with a light mounted (I used a SureFire X300UA-A), and barely misses the target while firing.
One minor complaint is that it does not come with night sights. The rear is plain and the front has a brass bead. Modern guns should come with night sights, if any, for self-defense and carry. This gun is a great candidate for night sights, but you will need to be careful about which ones you choose. The Dan Wesson sights may not be the same as standard 1911 dovetails. It is not a deal breaker but it is something to consider if you are looking to buy a gun. This is great for a match gun, but it makes the grip too long for a carry pistol. Wilson Combat mags with a steel baseplate are my favorite for the 1911. They are too short to allow for speed reloading. However, they do seat. The Wilson mags will work if you keep the plastic base pad on. This is the first part that I swap out when I get new ones from that company. The mainspring housing can be changed to a flush version if you want to save grip length. I would also like to see future versions that do not use the magwell. This is acceptable for a gentleman’s item, but it is not a night gun.
The slimmer and tapered stocks are another plus. Although I don’t have Andre The Giant hands, I do have long fingers. I shoot with standard thickness grips on my 1911s. I also prefer larger grips. If you need an indicator, I am one of those guys whose hands a Glock 21 feels like it was made for. TCP grips are wider at their base and thinner than the slide. This drives the hand up into the slide and makes it feel more secure. You will need to disassemble the gun using a paper clip or similar pin. To relieve the pressure from the spring after the slide has been removed, the slide must be locked back. This is a tedious task as you won’t have the ability to field strip the gun easily. It’s important to remember this.
The TCP is the most popular alloy-frame 1911 variant. I don’t care about my guns and if I do carry one, I have to be sure that my life will be okay. The TCP next to a J-Frame. Although it is a 1911 variant, it is also compact and lightweight. It’s not cheap but it’s one you’ll likely find room for in your safe if you get the chance. Dan Wesson TCP SPECS : Caliber:.45ACP
Magazine: 8 Rounds
Frame: Aluminium
Slide Finish
Grips: G10
Overall Length: 7.64 Inches
Barrel Length: 4 Inches
Height: 5.6 Inches
Weight: 32 Ounces
Sights: Brass Front, U-Notch Rear
Safety: Manual Thumb & Grip
MSRP: $1,725Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the EDC 2021 special issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.For more on Dan Wesson, please visit danwessonfirearms.com.More 1911 Pistols For DefenseNEXT STEP: Download Your Free Storm Tactical Printable Target Pack62 Printable MOA Targets with DOT Drills – Rifle Range in YARDSThis impressive target pack from our friends at Storm Tactical contains62 printable targetsfor rifle and handgun range use. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. Get Free Targets
