Wilson Combat is a custom pistol manufacturer located in Berryville, Arkansas, that specializes in customizing and manufacturing M1911A1s.[1] First started under the name "Wilson's Gun Shop" in 1977, Bill Wilson started his new gunsmith business in the back of the family jewelry store, "Wilson's Jewelry", on the corner of Berryville's public square. In 2000, the company bought "Scattergun Technologies", and markets combat shotguns under the name "Wilson Combat Scattergun Technologies".[2]

Wilson Combat
Company typePrivate
Industryfirearms
Founded1977; 47 years ago (1977)
FounderBill Wilson
Headquarters,
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsCustom M1911-A1 pistols, AR-15 pattern rifles, tactical shotguns, knives, parts, accessories, and ammunition
Servicescustom gunsmithing
OwnerBill Wilson
Websitehttp://www.wilsoncombat.com

History

edit

Some of the first firearms Wilson modified for customers were the Colt 1911-A1, Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver and Ruger Single Action Revolvers. Models like the PPC .38 Special and the .44 Magnum Hunter made Wilson's reputation for producing quality firearms.[3][4][5] Wilson originally customized pistols with aftermarket parts from gunsmiths such as Armand Swensen, and by 1983, had begun making his own parts.[6] By 1996, Wilson was building his own M1911 pistols completely in-house.[6] Wilson's handguns have a quality guarantee of 1 in (25 mm) groups at 25 yd (23 m).[7][8]

Wilson Combat has developed custom pistols with professional competitive shooters, including IDPA co-founder Ken Hackathorn[9] and retired US Army 1st SFOD-Delta combat veteran Larry Vickers.[10]

They also have a partnership with Delta Force member Paul R. Howe. One of the signature Paul Howe models is the Wilson Combat Paul Howe G19.[11]

Products

edit

Military

edit

Handguns from Wilson are used by special forces, including Delta Force[12] and Navy SEALs.[13]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Wilson Combat Scattergun Technologies company profile". Manta. Retrieved 12 September 2010.
  2. ^ "Wilson Combat/Scattergun Technologies semiautomatic shotguns (United States), Tactical shotguns". Jane's. Retrieved 12 September 2010.
  3. ^ Rodriguez, Greg. "Wilson Combat's M4T". Guns&Ammo. Retrieved 12 September 2010.
  4. ^ Humphries, Michael O. "Wilson Combat Carry Comp .45 ACPs". Combat Handguns. Retrieved 12 September 2010. When it comes to a sterling reputation for quality, few in the firearms community have earned the standing of Wilson Combat.
  5. ^ Crane, David. "Wilson Combat UT-15 Urban Tactical Rifle/Carbine: Fast and Light". Defense Review. Retrieved 12 September 2010. Grassi found the Wilson UT-15 Urban Tactical Rifle/Carbine to be accurate and reliable.
  6. ^ a b Sweeney, Patrick (2010). 1911: The First 100 Years. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. p. 166. ISBN 978-1-4402-1115-7.
  7. ^ Ayoob, Massad (Nov–Dec 2003). "Promised functionality: Wilson Combat CQB .45s". American Handgunner. Retrieved 12 September 2010. nd did indeed break 2.5" at 50 yards
  8. ^ Rodriguez, Greg. "Wilson Combat Master Grade Limited". Shooting Times. Retrieved 12 September 2010. As expected, the sights were dead-on, and the crisp, light trigger pull made breaking accurate shots easy.
  9. ^ "Hackathorn Special". Wilson Combat. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  10. ^ "Vickers Elite". Wilson Combat. Retrieved 2021-06-29.
  11. ^ Towsley, Bryce (25 February 2019). "Review: Wilson Combat Paul Howe G19". Shooting Illustrated. Retrieved 2 January 2022.
  12. ^ Pushies, Fred J (2010). Weapons of Delta Force. Zenith Press. p. 128. ISBN 978-0-7603-3824-7. Among the favorites are Colt National Match, Wilson Combat, and Les Baer
  13. ^ Pushies, Fred J. (2004). Weapons of the Navy Seals. Zenith Press. p. 87. ISBN 978-0-7603-1790-7.
edit