Dan Wesson ECP .45 ACP 4″ 8-Round Pistol

Description

The Dan Wesson ECP .45 ACP 4″ 8-Round Pistol is a purpose-built compact 1911 that blends a 4-inch bull barrel with a forged aluminum frame and stainless steel slide. This dan wesson ecp .45 acp 4″ 8-round pistol weighs in at 28 ounces unloaded per manufacturer specs, making it a strong choice for everyday carry without sacrificing the .45 ACP punch.

Manufacturer	Dan Wesson
Model	ECP
Material	Stainless steel slide, forged aluminum frame
Compatibility	.45 ACP ammunition
Finish	Stainless and black oxide
Weight	28 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Forged Aluminum Frame with Bobtail — WHY IT MATTERS: The bobtail profile reduces printing under a shirt and lets your hand sit lower for better recoil control, especially if you have smaller hands.
• 4-Inch Bull Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: A bull barrel adds weight forward to dampen muzzle flip, and the shorter length keeps the slide easy to conceal without giving up velocity or accuracy.
• Brass-Beaded Front Sight with U-Notch Rear — WHY IT MATTERS: The brass bead catches light for fast front-sight focus in low light, and the U-notch rear lets you center the bead quickly under stress.
• Tri-Top Slide Serrations — WHY IT MATTERS: These angled cuts reduce glare off the top of the slide, which helps you get a clean sight picture in direct sunlight or under bright range lights.
• G10 Tapered Grips — WHY IT MATTERS: G10 is tough, won’t swell in humidity, and the taper thins the grip circumference—useful for shooters with smaller hands or those who prefer a slimmer feel.

Who It’s For

This pistol is built for the concealed carrier who wants a full-power .45 in a package that doesn’t print. It also fits shooters with smaller hands who struggle with standard 1911 grip circumferences—the bobtail and undercut trigger guard shorten the reach to the trigger. If you’re looking for a compact 1911 that runs out of the box without needing a trigger job, this is your lane.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Lightweight aluminum frame (28 oz) makes all-day carry manageable without a heavy belt or holster.
• Pro: Bull barrel adds accuracy potential and reduces felt recoil compared to a bushing barrel.
• Con: The factory trigger breaks at 5.5–6.5 lbs—good for carry but heavier than most competition 1911s. If you want a hair trigger, you’ll need a spring swap or gunsmith work.

Comparison

Feature	Dan Wesson ECP .45 ACP	Zev Technologies OZ9c	Geissele Automatics 1911
Caliber	.45 ACP	9mm	.45 ACP
Weight	28 oz	24 oz	34 oz
Barrel Length	4″	4.0″	4.25″
Frame Material	Forged aluminum	Polymer grip module	Stainless steel
Capacity	8+1	15+1	7+1
Price	$1,999	$1,799	$2,495

FAQ

Is the Dan Wesson ECP compatible with standard 1911 holsters?

Yes, because it uses a 4-inch bull barrel and a traditional 1911 frame profile, it fits most holsters designed for 4–4.25-inch 1911s. However, the bobtail may require a holster with an open bottom or a cutout for the bobtail—check with the holster maker if you’re using a full-tang design.

Does this pistol have a firing pin block?

No, the ECP uses a series 70 design without a firing pin block. This gives you a cleaner trigger pull but means you should carry it in a holster that covers the trigger completely.

Can I install aftermarket sights on this pistol?

Yes, the dovetail cuts are standard Novak-style, so you can swap in most aftermarket 1911 sights. The factory brass bead front is also a standard dovetail, so you can change the front sight if you prefer fiber optic or tritium.

What is the magazine capacity?

It ships with two 8-round magazines. The flush-fit basepads keep the grip length short for concealment, but you can use standard 1911 8-round magazines with flat basepads as replacements.

Buy With Confidence

• ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✓ Ships 1–2 business days
• ✓ 30-day returns
• ✓ Secure checkout

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Last updated: April 2026