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My Opinion About Wilson Combat

9K views 138 replies 36 participants last post by  SpringerTGO 
#1 ·
As I've stated several times in the past I really like Wilsons but I've also mentioned that, in my opinion, they were a bit over-priced and Wilson thinks all their parts are made of gold. Quality is not cheap and they have spent a boatload of money over the last fifteen years to tool up and produce their own parts, very high quality parts. I can remember years ago when some of their lower end models used MIM including some critical parts such as the hammer and sear.

Thanks to Kimber and their crappy MIM, in the early years, people started to wonder why the hell does my expensive Wilson 1911 have these MIM parts in it. Wilson said screw you, even though the parts were good parts, we'll just start using some tool steel parts and raise the price $400. That was a long time ago.

I came across this thread earlier today and it was quite the eye opener. Again I think Wilson is one of the premier semi custom 1911s and have shot several. But if I had just spent $6K on this Supergrade I would certainly wonder what the hell has this market come to. It's a long read but the awesome pictures really tell the story. Thoughts.



https://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=497792&highlight=extreme+engineering
 
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#96 ·
I will wade into this discussion. I have been shooting and collecting 1911's since 1982. I went through a period after attending Gunsite with Col. Cooper wherein I purchased just about one of everything the Gunsite Smithy was churning out at that time. Those were my range and competition guns. During that time frame I was reloading and shooting a large amount of ammo.

I carry and train with my 1911's exclusively since retiring from the NYPD in 2002. While employed by them I HAD to carry their prescribed weapons. From my retirement day on I carried 1911's. Had two pistols built for my retirement carry at Novak's. One was a five inch and the other was a CCO type compact.

Those guns saw a TON of shooting and carrying during my first eleven years of retirement life. I even dabbled in gunsmithing, taking an on-line build your own 1911 course and wound up building three 1911's on my own. The reason for this little personal history summary is to let you know my basis of experience when introduced to the Wilson Combat line of pistols.

In 2011 I attended a 1911 100 Year Anniversary class taught by Larry Vickers and Ken Hackathorn. Upon arriving I discovered that the class was being sponsored by Wilson Combat. Not only that, but Bill Wilson, his lovely wife, son Ryan Wilson and a few of their technical staff were in attendance and shooting along with everyone else.

Here is what impressed me about the WC shooters. First, they could all shoot well. Turns out they compete and it showed in their performance on the shooting line. The second thing I noticed was that their guns all ran like stripe assed babboons. I did not see one single malfunction in their group and I was watching. Third thing was how helpful and friendly they all were. They had no problem assisting shooters with technique or assessing pistol issues. They did this of their own volition.

Now up to this point in my shooting experience I had no interest in Wilson Combat pistols. I used their parts on my pistols, but was of the opinion that their firearms were too much money. I did not think that their product would differ much from the 1911's I had in my collection at that point.

Second day on the range in the middle of a downpour, all of the Wilson Combat shooters unloaded their pistols and placed them on a table out in the rain for the rest of the class to shoot and try. They even provided their own ammo for those interested.

Never one to pass up free ammo, I picked up a five inch Supergrade and took aim at a well used target. Shot at a blank upper right corner that no one else had marred so I could assess how the gun performed. Just fooling around I shot a happy face. It came out perfect. The gun fit, felt and fired. like it was a part of my hand. The slide felt like it was moving on ball bearings, and the whole pistol had a solid and well-constructed feel that just spoke of quality.

Gave it back to the owner and asked him why didn't they pull the table in under the overhang from which we were shooting to get their guns out of the rain. He replied that their guns were shooters, and rain wouldn't hurt them. Now that's confidence and pride in product.

Overall the WC team impressed me so much that I placed an order for my first pistol upon my return home. I had asked Larry Vickers if it was worth it to get the Supergrade and he said very few people would benefit from the difference in build quality, so I ordered a CQB Elite. Once I had it and shot it my primary carry weapon was retired. Shortly thereafter I purchased a CCO model, The Bill Wilson Carry and that retired my summer carry weapon. Finally, when they announced the introduction of their Commander model I bought one the first day they were out. That pistol is now my constant companion.

Why did I go for the Wilson Combat line? It's not about status. No one ever sees my pistol outside of the range. Concealed means concealed and whether I carry a Kel-Tec or a Wilson Combat IWB neither is going to impress anyone as they are not seen. I carry Wilson Combat's now because they are hands down more refined and better built than anything else I have in my armory.

As to WC's that are kept as safe queens, mine are all well shot and have incurred the nicks, dings, and scrapes that are endemic to daily carry weapons. It bothers me not at all. I'm pretty pragmatic about my firearms. They work or they get sold.

I'm glad that I got my Wilson Combats when I did. The prices are only going up so it's great knowing that I got a bargain in comparison to current pricing. As I said, I'm pragmatic. I wear Rolex watches because they work and take a beating. I shoot Nikon cameras for the same reasons. Wilson Combat pistols just fit in with a philosophy of using the best gear I can afford for the job.
 
#97 ·
I like the Escalade. But am just as happy with a Yukon Denali for a $15k-$20k, or so, savings. Even a fully-optioned Suburban/Tahoe is essentially the same vehicle, minus some doo-dads. Nothing wrong with buying any of them, of course.

I do love the exterior lighting on the Escalade... but you pay a pretty penny for that look and, for many thousands less, can drive the nearly equivalent Yukon Denali - minus the very cool Cadillac rear tail lights.
Yeah, they are essentially the same vehicle, except different engines, transmissions, suspension, and interior. ROFL!
 
#99 ·
It's not Wilson Combat's fault that people who own their guns don't use the guns for serious hard stuff.

It's not Ferrari's fault that their cars are garage queens instead of being driven like the dickens on the track.

It's not Rolex's fault that their watches aren't being used as purported.

I will wade into this discussion. I have been shooting and collecting 1911's since 1982. I went through a period after attending Gunsite with Col. Cooper wherein I purchased just about one of everything the Gunsite Smithy was churning out at that time. Those were my range and competition guns. During that time frame I was reloading and shooting a large amount of ammo.

I carry and train with my 1911's exclusively since retiring from the NYPD in 2002. While employed by them I HAD to carry their prescribed weapons. From my retirement day on I carried 1911's. Had two pistols built for my retirement carry at Novak's. One was a five inch and the other was a CCO type compact.

Those guns saw a TON of shooting and carrying during my first eleven years of retirement life. I even dabbled in gunsmithing, taking an on-line build your own 1911 course and wound up building three 1911's on my own. The reason for this little personal history summary is to let you know my basis of experience when introduced to the Wilson Combat line of pistols.

In 2011 I attended a 1911 100 Year Anniversary class taught by Larry Vickers and Ken Hackathorn. Upon arriving I discovered that the class was being sponsored by Wilson Combat. Not only that, but Bill Wilson, his lovely wife, son Ryan Wilson and a few of their technical staff were in attendance and shooting along with everyone else.

Here is what impressed me about the WC shooters. First, they could all shoot well. Turns out they compete and it showed in their performance on the shooting line. The second thing I noticed was that their guns all ran like stripe assed babboons. I did not see one single malfunction in their group and I was watching. Third thing was how helpful and friendly they all were. They had no problem assisting shooters with technique or assessing pistol issues. They did this of their own volition.

Now up to this point in my shooting experience I had no interest in Wilson Combat pistols. I used their parts on my pistols, but was of the opinion that their firearms were too much money. I did not think that their product would differ much from the 1911's I had in my collection at that point.

Second day on the range in the middle of a downpour, all of the Wilson Combat shooters unloaded their pistols and placed them on a table out in the rain for the rest of the class to shoot and try. They even provided their own ammo for those interested.

Never one to pass up free ammo, I picked up a five inch Supergrade and took aim at a well used target. Shot at a blank upper right corner that no one else had marred so I could assess how the gun performed. Just fooling around I shot a happy face. It came out perfect. The gun fit, felt and fired. like it was a part of my hand. The slide felt like it was moving on ball bearings, and the whole pistol had a solid and well-constructed feel that just spoke of quality.

Gave it back to the owner and asked him why didn't they pull the table in under the overhang from which we were shooting to get their guns out of the rain. He replied that their guns were shooters, and rain wouldn't hurt them. Now that's confidence and pride in product.

Overall the WC team impressed me so much that I placed an order for my first pistol upon my return home. I had asked Larry Vickers if it was worth it to get the Supergrade and he said very few people would benefit from the difference in build quality, so I ordered a CQB Elite. Once I had it and shot it my primary carry weapon was retired. Shortly thereafter I purchased a CCO model, The Bill Wilson Carry and that retired my summer carry weapon. Finally, when they announced the introduction of their Commander model I bought one the first day they were out. That pistol is now my constant companion.

Why did I go for the Wilson Combat line? It's not about status. No one ever sees my pistol outside of the range. Concealed means concealed and whether I carry a Kel-Tec or a Wilson Combat IWB neither is going to impress anyone as they are not seen. I carry Wilson Combat's now because they are hands down more refined and better built than anything else I have in my armory.

As to WC's that are kept as safe queens, mine are all well shot and have incurred the nicks, dings, and scrapes that are endemic to daily carry weapons. It bothers me not at all. I'm pretty pragmatic about my firearms. They work or they get sold.

I'm glad that I got my Wilson Combats when I did. The prices are only going up so it's great knowing that I got a bargain in comparison to current pricing. As I said, I'm pragmatic. I wear Rolex watches because they work and take a beating. I shoot Nikon cameras for the same reasons. Wilson Combat pistols just fit in with a philosophy of using the best gear I can afford for the job.
 
#102 ·
The engine in the Escalade and Denali is the same 6.2 liter 440HP they use in a Vette. The engine in the Suburban is 5.3 liter 383HP.
The transmission in the Escalade/Denali is an 8 speed (same as a Vette), the Suburban is a 6 speed.
The suspension in the Escalade/Denali is magnetic (like a Vette), the suspension in the Suburban is standard.
I won't get into the interiors.

I wouldn't begin to call those "subtle" differences.
 
#108 ·
I know what the differences are between the vehicles and for the most part, I see them as much the same, with less significant variations. Of course there are some differences between them all. Your snide comments are a waste of bandwidth. Pick a more meaningful fight if you really want to waste more time doing this.
 
#109 ·
Yeah, almost a liter in engine size, a difference of 60HP, and entirely different (6 speed vs. 8 speed) transmissions are really similar. As is magnetic suspension vs. normal suspension.

You're the one fighting, over something you obviously know nothing about. Now tell us about your ownership experience with all 3 vehicles. I've only owned the one, so I don't have your expertise.
 
#112 ·
No argument and not wrong at all. The vehicles are quite similar for the most part. Quibble over the differences if you wish, but to what end? Don't you have anything better to do than act rudely on the internet? Get a life. This is a waste of your time. And mine.
 
#113 ·
Pointless argument. My time is more important to me than this banter. And I've got more meaningful things to tend to.
No argument and not wrong at all. The vehicles are quite similar for the most part. Quibble over the differences if you wish, but to what end? Don't you have anything better to do than act rudely on the internet? Get a life. This is a waste of your time. And mine.
Dude,........give it a break, PLEASE.
 
#114 ·
Ok,.....back to the topic at hand.

Wilson has gotten a bit too big for it's own good lately. Processes have changed and not for the better. Looks at ball cuts on the slide. They are done when the slide is machined. After barrel install, this often leaves to an misalignment at the dust cover. Piss poor way to do business.
 
#115 ·
Colt didn't line the ball cuts up in 1913, either. They got close but not perfect in 1931.
Horseback guess, must be 3/4 of the posts about low volume - high price makers like Wilson are about cosmetics and fashion fads.

Unfortunately some number of the others are about unserviceable guns. Unacceptable in that price range, but the buyers usually just compliment the "good customer service" when they finally get them fixed.
 
#118 · (Edited)
Well, now this is fun! Now, I'm happy to roll along if you just want to perpetuate this.

You are the one with the attitude. Look in the mirror! I haven't made any mistakes whatsoever. You just want to argue and make a big issue of my personal opinion that those SUVs are just variations of the same vehicle. I'm not sure why this is so upsetting to you, but there it is. It's a fruitless argument you're attempting to carry on. But I'll keep on this topic as long as you want to keep bringing it up. Others who really just want to discuss Wilson Combat probably aren't very happy about this, though. And I don't blame them. I let it go yesterday. But today I can respond on as long as you would like to keep it rolling along.

Faawench decided to resurrect the off-topic discussion - at the same time attempting to say it needed to end! That's the hilarious twist here! It's kind of entertaining watching you squirm and writhe all over this. To a point. Then it's just boring.

We should probably allow this thread to return it's original topic, as I can't imagine readers coming here to discuss Wilson Combat 1911s will find anything useful in this interchange.
 
#120 · (Edited)
There are differences there, of course. But how meaningful those differences are to you, in the overall experience of the vehicle is entirely a personal matter.

I've never owned, nor driven either of these. Never had any interest in them, and I know very little about them, so you're the one who needs to sort that question out for yourself.
 
#122 · (Edited)
As if you don't yak it up around here? That's funny! No point being nasty and spiteful, though, is there?

At least your opinions seem to have some merit, judging from your Messages to Likes Received ratio. 70% speaks highly for you.

Why the animosity? If you don't agree with my opinion, that's fine. People rarely agree on most things. You don't need to take a spiteful attitude though.
 
#124 ·
I guess because I traded my Audi in on the Denali, I can tell people I owned a Porsche and a VW SUV. Who cares that the engines, interiors, and suspension are different. Oops! I'd better not do that, because if I do, people will think I don't know what I am talking about, or that I am a liar.

Getting back to the OP, some people would say a Wilson 1911 is the same as a Norinco ROFL!
 
#126 ·
Seeing I was the one who started this thread I would politely ask that the petty bickering to please stop. After all it just a stupid pistol, or a stupid car I guess, in question. As I've said before if Bill Wilson can get $6 or 7K for one of his 1911s God bless him, I hope he sells more than he can produce. His kids have to eat as well. :dunno:
 
#129 ·
There is much more difference between the Porsche and VW than the Escalade and Yukon/Suburban. FWIW, you can get the last with the 6.2 and most of the bells and whistles available on the Caddy.
You can't get the 6.2L engine, 8 speed transmission, or electro-magnetic suspension in the chevy's., for what it is worth. And those are pretty substantial differences between the chevy, caddy, and denali. And when you factor in different interior materials and external trim, there is a massive difference between the caddy and the chevy.
 
#130 ·
Looks like the 2018 Suburban is going to have the 8-speed or possibly 10-speed transmission and larger engine. And another, higher, trim level. Essentially, the Caddy, Yukon, and Suburban are variations on the same vehicle. Sure there are some differences, but they are far more alike than they are different.
 
#131 ·
It's good that you can talk about vehicles that aren't on the market yet.
For the past years, the Escalade, Denali, and Surburban have been SUBSTANTIALLY different vehicles. Especially the 15, 16, and 17 model years.
Maybe to someone who doesn't know anything about cars, body shape is all that matters. To car enthusiasts, a different engine, transmission, suspension, and trim make almost a different vehicle. That's why we have Porsche, VW, and Audi doing the same thing.
 
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