SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas (Jan 20–23 at the Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum) was the usual storm of bright lights, packed aisles, and “must-have” claims coming from every direction. So I did what I always do — ignore the noise, look for real craftsmanship, and spend my time where the product still makes sense when the hype wears off.
That’s exactly why I made time for CZ and Dan Wesson — and to be blunt, this stop was more about Dan Wesson for me.
Dan Wesson has a name that carries weight, but what I’m watching for isn’t nostalgia. I’m looking for consistency, build intention, and the kind of fit and finish that shows a company is still taking pride in the details — not just stamping a legacy name on something and calling it a day.
On the show floor, Dan Wesson’s presence felt like that: purposeful, refined, and clearly aimed at people who actually care about how a pistol is built, not just how it photographs.
The highlight: an informal interview with Eric Wesson
One of the best parts of this booth stop wasn’t just the hardware — it was the people.
I was able to do an informal interview with Eric Wesson, the grandson of Dan Wesson, and it was the kind of conversation that reminds you why some brands still matter. When you’re talking to someone with that direct family connection, you get a different kind of perspective — not a marketing script, but a real sense of pride and responsibility tied to the name.
It wasn’t a staged media moment. It was simply a quick, informal conversation on the floor — and honestly, those are usually the best ones. You can tell fast whether the passion is real or rehearsed.
CZ had plenty of attention on their side of the booth too, and their popularity isn’t an accident — they’ve built a reputation for practical performance and value that a lot of shooters trust.
But for me, this stop was about Dan Wesson — because Dan Wesson tends to hit that sweet spot where you’re paying for refinement you can actually feel, not gimmicks you’ll forget about by next SHOT Show.
Quick housekeeping: this was a show-floor overview. Everything I’m sharing is observational and educational. I’m not providing instructions on building, modifying, or manufacturing anything. If you handle firearms, follow all safety rules and manufacturer guidance — always.
SHOT Show is step one. The real story is always range time: reliability, accuracy consistency, and how the gun feels after real rounds — not just a few dry presses under booth lights.
So here’s what I’m doing next:
Keeping an eye on what Dan Wesson rolls out through 2026 and what actually hits steady availability.
If I get hands-on range time with any of the standout Dan Wesson models coming out of SHOT, I’ll break it down the way I always do — what works, what doesn’t, and what matters after the honeymoon phase.
If you want me to prioritize a specific Dan Wesson model for a deeper dive, tell me which one. “Because it looks cool” is still a valid answer. We’re allowed to enjoy things.
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