Practical Gun Works PGW D-Max 100P Pistol .45 ACP Semi-Auto 4” Sten Gun
SOLD FOR: $2,051.00
LSB#: LSB250825JP028
Make: Practical Gun Works (PGW). Pre DMAX Industries.
Model: D-Max Pistol
Serial Number: P0140
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1986
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Magazine Fed, Direct Blowback
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed on the ventilated barrel shroud. The rear sight is an adjustable u-notch Williams sight screwed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece walnut with a pistol grip and handguard. The rear of the receiver has a sling ring with a sling attached. The wood shows attractive natural grain with light handling marks and compressions. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Four 30rd .45 ACP Grease Gun Magazines in Very Good – Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Textured black finish on metal components; natural oil-stained hardwood furniture.
Finish Originality: Original
Overall Condition: This pistol retains approximately 99% of its textured finish. The ventilated barrel shroud, receiver, and magazine housing show only faint edge wear and small marks. The controls are crisp, the markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The blowback system cycles smoothly and the controls operate as intended. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with its factory box, a total of 4 magazines, catalog, and owner’s manual.
Our Assessment: The D-Max series occupies a fascinating niche in the 1980s wave of American-made pistol-caliber firearms, blending inspiration from the Sten and M3 “Grease Gun” with a distinctly commercial refinement. Before DMAX Industries fully took shape, Practical Gun Works produced the earliest variants—rarer, lower-serial examples such as this P0140—built around a robust direct-blowback system, tubular receiver, ventilated barrel shroud, and simplified controls meant to evoke the utilitarian efficiency of mid-century military guns. The walnut furniture used on these early pistols adds an unexpected touch of warmth and craftsmanship, contrasting with the stark, industrial lines of the action and shroud. This example shows excellent preservation, with about 99% of its textured finish remaining strong, crisp markings, and clean edges throughout, making it a standout among surviving first-run PGW pieces.
Chambered in .45 ACP, the D-Max platform capitalizes on the cartridge’s long history as a proven, authoritative service round since its adoption in 1911. In a compact blowback pistol configuration like this one, .45 ACP offers a uniquely stout and satisfying recoil signature while maintaining reliable cycling and straightforward maintenance. The included quartet of original 30-round Grease Gun magazines underscores the gun’s military-inspired lineage and gives the package significant completeness and collector appeal, especially when paired with its factory box and manual. Well-preserved, mechanically sound, and historically interesting, this PGW-marked D-Max captures the transitional moment between homemade-leaning American PCC experimentation and the refined production of later DMAX firearms. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
