Last year, Outdoor Life’s thorough handgun test at Gunsite Academy offered a detailed review of the latest sidearm technology and performance. The assessment took place at the renowned Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona, bringing together experts and enthusiasts to assess the newest models during an intensive week-long testing session.
The Dan Wesson DWX, Staccato CS, and Taurus GX4XL T.O.R.O. emerged as leading figures in the full-sized, compact, and great buy categories, respectively. The DWX, in particular, has drawn acclaim for its remarkable blend of design elements from legendary 1911s and CZ 75 pistols, resulting in a high-performing, aesthetically striking firearm that shoots as impressively as it looks.
The superiority of the DWX is evident in both its design and practicality. It has been constructed to deliver a flat-shooting experience with admirable ergonomics. The DWX is single-action only and is equipped with an ambidextrous safety that 1911 shooters will find as comfortable as a favorite pair of shoes. There is no mush or need to apply excessive pressure to switch between “safe” and “fire.”Its accuracy, averaging 1.271 inch for five-shot groups at 15 yards, further underscores why the Dan Wesson DWX clinched the Editor’s Choice award for the best full-sized handgun.
In the arena of compact handguns, the Staccato CS commanded attention with its high price tag justified by unparalleled performance.For its size, no other pistol combines speed and accuracy like the Staccato CS. With a 1.439-inch accuracy average, it ranks among the top full-sized pistols we tested this year. Its innovative dual-spring recoil system and intuitive controls set new benchmarks in handgun engineering.
On the more accessible end of the spectrum, the Taurus GX4XL T.O.R.O. caught the eye for its value-for-money proposition. This compact 9mm handgun delivered in the dynamic shooting drills, earning its place as the Great Buy Compact Handgun. Its reliability, combined with features like a textured pad for the support hand thumb and a solid trigger, make it an appealing choice for those seeking quality on a budget.During the dynamic testing phase, the Taurus GX4XL performed exceptionally well. It exceeded the expected standard for a concealable defensive pistol by effectively handling rapid fire on multiple targets at various distances.
Outdoor Life’s testing protocol, known for its independence and thoroughness, forms a strong basis for these evaluations. The assessments cover handling, accuracy, craftsmanship, aesthetics, ergonomics, functionality, versatility, reliability, and value. Each firearm received distinguished grades based on meticulously scored criteria.
The Dan Wesson DWX, Staccato CS, and Taurus GX4XL T.O.R.O. have been highlighted for their outstanding performances in 2023. It is important to recognize that the benchmarks established by these evaluations will shape upcoming designs and user expectations.
Relevant articles:
– The Best Handguns, Tested and Reviewed, Outdoor Life, Feb 1, 2024
– The Best 9mm Pistols of 2023, Outdoor Life, Jul 20, 2023
– 7 Best Survival Firearms: Which is Right For You?, gununiversity.com
– Why do Navy Seals Use a Sig P226?, usamm.com