Table of Contents

• Specs
• Build
• Performance
• Mags
• Accessories
• Conclusion

Wilson Combat may be well known for their 1911s, but their sweet collection of AR-platform rifles is often overlooked. For a company with a reputation for crafting some of the finest firearms in the industry, it should come to no surprise that their rifles follow suit. While following the conventional designs, these weapons are anything but. Over the course of the past twenty years, the Arkansas-based gun makers have been perfecting the AR-platform one feature at a time. By combining their own CNC-machined components with outsourced Mil-Spec contractors, the Wilson AR rifles feature some of the best technology and parts money can buy. Furthermore, with one of the widest varieties of calibers to choose from, there is a Wilson rifle for everyone.

Wilson Combat was founded out of a necessity when Bill Wilson, the founder/president of Wilson Combat, decided to nearly singlehandedly address all of the M1911’s issues. After first working on their magazines and feeding problems, he moved on to tackle recoil, accuracy, and reliability. Once he built up his company, Wilson took on the AR-platform and was met with immediate success. For an in-depth analysis of the renowned Wilson Combat company, check out our breakdown of the American firearms enterprise here. In the meantime, let’s get down to business and have a look at Wilson’s exciting assortment of tactical rifles.     

Wilson AR Spec Sheets

• 

  Model: AR-9 Carbine (Fluted Barrel) 

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 15+1
• Barrel Length: 14.7”
• Overall Length: 31.25”
• Sights: Adjustable Low-Profile Folding Quick Deploy
• Finish: Upper & Lower Mil-Spec Anodizing and Armor-Tuff Coated Finish
• Weight (Unloaded): 6 lbs. 1 oz.
• MSRP: $2,095.00

• 

  Model: AR-15  Recon Tactical 

• Caliber: 7.62 x 40 WT
• Capacity: 20
• Barrel Length: 16”
• Overall Length: 33”
• Sights: None – Rail for Mounting Optics
• Finish: Upper & Lower Mil-Spec Anodizing and Armor-Tuff Coated Finish
• Weight (Unloaded): 7 lbs.
• MSRP: $2,250.00

• 

  Model: AR-10 Super Sniper (Fluted Barrel) 

• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Capacity: 10
• Barrel Length: 22”
• Overall Length: 44”
• Sights: Leupold 4-12x40mm VX-R Scope
• Finish: Upper & Lower Mil-Spec Anodizing and Armor-Tuff Coated Finish
• Weight (Unloaded): 10.2 lbs.
• MSRP: $3,145.00

Wilson AR Builds

While Wilson Combat’s lineup of AR-platform rifles may be diverse, they all share Wilson’s proven reliability and accuracy. Ever since the end of the 20th century, the Arkansas firearms manufacturer has shifted their priorities and has allocated many of their resources to developing top-notch long guns.

A rifle is only as good as its receiver, and these Wilsons start with CNC-machined receivers built in-house by skilled professionals. Likewise, many of their other small parts, such as muzzle devices and gas blocks, are also crafted by Wilson’s experts in their Arkansas factory. On the other hand, whatever parts not made in-house are outsourced to some of the best Mil-Spec contractors such as Bravo Company USA. Besides for finishes and grips, Wilson relies on outside help for components as major as bolt carrier groups.

To boost their durability, WC gave their rifles match grade, carbon steel barrels, aluminum receivers, and Armor-Tuff finishes. Similarly, to ensure the longevity of the rifles, they incorporated a pillar in front of the bolt lock to protect the inner components from the potential damage resulting from the blowback action. Additionally, when developing their AR action, they made it so that the bolt holds open and locks back when the chamber is empty. 

Moving forward, one of the best features on these rifles is the Wilson Combat Tactical Trigger Unit (TTU). Considering that the AR-9 is a pistol caliber carbine, this trigger set-up gives more than you could ask for. With its two-stage trigger, fantastic reset, and crisp lightweight pull, Wilson’s 9mm AR offers effortless and rapid fire.

Even though most shooters will opt for some type of optic, the AR-9 still comes with a great set of adjustable spring-loaded Quick Deploy Sights (QDS). But after running a quick field-strip, I was even more impressive with the 6-position Super-Stoc and Tactical Rail Interface, Modular (T.R.I.M.) free-floating handguard. Lastly, once I became familiar with the Wilson pistol caliber carbine, I realized how important the threaded muzzle and Q-COMP flash suppressor really are.

Moving on to Wilson’s AR-10s – these are not your run-of-the-mill long range rifles. Available in .308, .338 Federal, and 6.5 Creedmoor, these long guns are popular among competition shooters, hunters, military/law enforcement, and defense shooters alike. These tactical firearms feature many of the same popular elements as the AR-9, including T.R.I.M. rails, Armor-Tuff finishes, Roger/Wilson Super-Stocs, and Q-COMP flash suppressors.

However, many of the AR-10s are equipped with superior bolt carriers, barrels, and improved ergonomics. Of all these rifles I can’t help but love the 6.5 Creedmoor Super Sniper; In fact, I’m willing to call this one of the most user-friendly snipers on the market. Furthermore, with a 1:8” twist, these rifles can take targets down at about 1000 yards with ease.

Although I already knew Wilson rifles were anything but standard, I was surprised to find out exactly how special they really are. With a variety of cartridges, including a modified version of the legendary 5.56 NATO, Wilson’s AR-15s are something to behold. By combining some of the sturdiest yet lightweight components with state-of-the-art gas systems, Wilson Combat has just about perfected the tactical rifle.            

For other great guns check out our top new CCW’s, AR-15’s, Revolvers, and Most controversial guns.

Performance of the Wilson AR Rifles

Although I could sit here all day praising Wilson’s line of AR rifles, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention their lack of versatility. Not that it’s such a bad thing, but because they produce their rifles for specialized purposes, these are not one size fits all kind of guns. As a result, if you’re looking for a firearm that’s multi-functional, you have slim pickings in Wilson’s catalog. On the flip side, by developing these ARs in a variety of specialized calibers, users are provided with the best tool for their designated task – For example, the .204 Ruger AR-15 is perfect for hunting small game and varmint thanks to its extremely high velocity and medium range accuracy while the 6.5 Creedmoor offers superior extended-range and low recoil performance in competition thanks to its unique ballistics. 

One of the most comforting things about buying a Wilson Combat rifle is that you can know with certainty that no firearm leaves the factory without achieving sub-MOA performance. Plus, as a result of their specific chamberings, these guns are as reliable as they come. Although many gun writers tend to ignore it, I wholeheartedly believe that one of the most important features of a firearm is how well it instills confidence. That being said, I don’t know if I’ve ever been as confident with a weapon as I was with a Wilson AR. Not only are they sexy and intimidating as all hell, but they are also loaded with some of the most reliable and cutting-edge components, and have an incredible reputation for their performance excellence.

Wilson AR Magazines & Versatility

Though I just claimed that Wilson’s ARs are not so versatile, that certainly doesn’t apply to their magazines. Keep in mind that Wilson Combat was launched in an effort to improve faulty mags, so it should come to no surprise that they are some of the best in the industry. Take the AR-9 for instance: these sweet rifles are capable of chambering mags from the Glock 17, Beretta 92, and S&W M&P9. To accomplish this, Wilson had to really put their engineers to work; instead of simply incorporating a conversion block onto the magazine well, Bill Wilson had his team develop three different lower receivers. Additionally, these flared mag wells are contoured beautifully for a sleeker build and faster reloads. The biggest advantage of having the ability to switch mags is being able to outfit your weapon appropriately. Let’s say you’re going to the range, you might want to load a 30+ round mag, but if you’re just storing your AR-9 for home-defense, a smaller 16-round mag should do the trick.

However, because loading the AR-9 with pistol mags can damage the rifle’s components over time, Wilson offers extra heavy-duty magazine springs.

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I see long distance shooting in my future. . . #girlsthatpewpew #girlswithguns #guns #sickguns #gunchannels 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 @blackinkapparel @rockwellwatches

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Accessories for the Wilson AR’s

The Wilson Combat AR-platform rifles are top-shelf firearms, and as such, they require top-shelf accessories. Fortunately, Wilson has close relationships with some of the best accessory brands in the industry. It gets me super pumped up knowing that these long guns are suppressor-friendly and are compatible with standard AR attachments, triggers, charging handles, stocks, and optics. 

Interestingly, many of these affiliations are with premium grip manufacturers. Between Challis, Thunder Ranch, VZ Grips, and Hogue, Wilson-owners can choose from a wide variety of first-rate grips to boost both comfort and aesthetics.

In addition to grip options, Wilson also partners with Streamlight, which produces arguably the best weapon mounted tactical flashlights in the business. Your best options for these ARs is to go for their PROTAC Rail Mount HL-X long gun light and the TLR-4 G gun light. The former might even be the best long distance bright light on the market, while the latter is a great compact dual light/laser with impressive long-range capabilities. 

One of Wilson’s closest partnerships is with the up and coming Bravo Company USA (BCM), who manufacture all kinds of grade-A weapons and accessories. Besides for their collection of grips, stocks, and handguards, BCM also makes top-of-the-line upper & lower receiver groups, compensators, mags, and tactical gear.

Regardless of your shooting preference, there are endless options for attaching optics to your Wilson AR. First and foremost, you gotta check out the Leupold VXR 4-12x40mm; this long range rifle scope is one of the best money can buy. On top of the Leupold, most Wilson-owners opt for an Aimpoint or Trijicon. I’m a huge fan of Trijicon’s Accupoint 1-6x24mm MOA-Dot Crosshair because it’s not only insanely accurate and reliable, but it’s also one of the most versatile optics out there. For something a little more tactical, the lightweight and rugged Aimpoint Micro T-1 red dot sight is an excellent choice to hook up to a Wilson AR.

Bear in mind, that these are just some of the best accessories around, but there are plenty more affordable options to choose from.      

Conclusion

At the end of the day, my experience with Wilson Combat’s line of AR-rifles was a blast. These impressive weapons feature just about anything and everything you could want in a firearm with a reputation to back it up.

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The new .458 HAM’R is designed from concept to completion to be the hardest hitting, most powerful (practical size) AR platform carbine ever produced, exceeding the ballistics of the .450 Bushmaster, .458 SOCOM and .500 Beowulf. By using an AR10 size bolt and barrel extension, this new cartridge is capable of handling maximum pressures of 46,000 PSI while enabling it to exceed 3,000 foot pounds of energy from an 18” barrel. The .458 HAM’R is more than capable of cleanly killing any animal in North America, stopping a vehicle or blasting through a brick wall. It uses purpose designed “hybrid” length receivers, BCGs that are ¾” shorter than a standard AR10 and feeding from a Lancer AR15 magazine. Find out more at WilsonCombat.com

A post shared by Wilson Combat (@wilsoncombat) on Jan 3, 2018 at 2:34pm PST

Looking for more innovative gunmakers? Check out Daniel Defense, Armscor, Springfield, & Taurus.

The post Wilson Combat AR-Platform Rifles appeared first on Gunivore.

Table of Contents

• History
• Handguns
• Rifles
• Shotguns
• Custom Workshop
• Conclusion

When it comes to the finest custom firearms in the world, the U.S. is home to the best; from Clark to Limcat to Wilson Combat, nobody does it like we do in America. Whether you’re in the market for a competition rifle, home defense pistol, or just looking for something new to flaunt at the range, Wilson’s got you covered. In this Gunivore company overview, we’re going to be looking at Wilson Combat’s history and impressive collection of custom firearms.

Although Wilson has an extraordinary reputation now, it didn’t come that easy. The Arkansas-based gun makers started as a simple family business and only found success once they could market their remarkable products to the masses. These guns are not only trusted by competition and defense shooters around the world, but even by special forces groups such as Delta Force, U.S. Border Patrol, and the Navy Seals.  Furthermore, in addition to their reputable products, Wilson Combat is known for their exceptional customer service. Let’s take a look at how it all began.

Wilson Combat History

Rewind to about 40 years ago – The Soviet Union was still standing, there was no Star Wars, and Elvis was alive – it was then that Bill Wilson first got into the weapons industry. At that point, he was still working out of the back of his parents’ jewelry store, essentially teaching himself the art of gunsmithing. Wilson had been trained as a jeweler and watchmaker and had a passion for firearms, which made gunsmithing an easy transition. Having both a love and experience in these two fields led the Arkansas-native to combine his talents and begin customizing guns. Eventually, Wilson’s Gun Shop expanded and became the Wilson Combat we all know and love today.

Around 1980, Bill Wilson teamed up with Bill Rogers (a former FBI agent and shooting instructor) and Ken Hackathorn (an expert marksman and small arms trainer for Delta Force) to develop their own 1911 magazines. As many of you may remember, 1911 mags were notoriously unreliable and weak. These three specialists joined forces and crafted what would be some of the best magazines ever made. Besides for fixing the 1911’s feeding and durability issues, they also went on to produce high-end compensators, unbreakable ejectors, and recoil buffers. While primarily manufacturing premium M1911s and sticking to their traditional specs, Wilson threw a major curveball a few years ago when they released a *gasp* polymer-framed model.

After an already remarkable career, the firearms pioneer was awarded one of the industry’s most prestigious awards back in 2002. To no surprise, Wilson was presented with the American Pistolsmiths Guild’s Pistolsmith of the Year Award in recognition of his commitment, innovation, and excellence to the field.

In addition to manufacturing a massive array of their own parts and accessories, Wilson Combat also has working relationships with several big names in the industry such as Hogue Grips, Streamlight, and Bravo Company USA. In fact, they’ve developed quite a reputation for their custom ammunition and knives, Ultima-Lube II, and suppressors.

Somethings age better with time, and Wilson definitely falls into that category. The Arkansas firearms producer not only has one of the best customer services in the industry, it’s also established quite an online presence. On top of their extensive educational materials, Wilson has a great YouTube page with dozens of useful and informative videos and tutorials.

Now that we have a better picture of how Bill Wilson’s one-man operation turned into a first-class weapons enterprise, it’s time that we take a closer look at their incredible collection of firearms and accessories.       

Wilson Combat Handguns

Wilson Combat founder, Bill Wilson, began his business after experiencing one too many failures with 1911s. After deciding to take matters into his own hands, Wilson started tinkering with his weapons and eventually built his own models. Over the course of the next forty years, his company has continuously been perfecting the classic handgun. By modifying everything from the ammunition to the flat wire recoil spring, Wilson Combat has a nearly endless variation of 1911s to choose from. In addition to full-size and compact variants, Wilson’s line of 1911s includes a plethora of finishes, calibers, and grips.

Besides for their massive array of 1911s, the Arkansas-based manufacturer also produces an AR-style pistol variant that is simply gorgeous. Plus, upon a request from Bill Wilson himself, Beretta teamed up with Wilson Combat to create a new 92 series pistol called the 92G Brigadier Tactical. 

• 

  Model: Tactical Supergrade Compact

• Caliber: .45 ACP, 9mm, or .38 Super
• Capacity: 7 Rounds (in .45)
• Barrel Length: 4”
• Overall Length: 7.6”
• Height: 5.1”
• Width: 1.3”
• Weight (Unloaded): 36 oz.
• MSRP: $5,045.00

• 

  Model: CQB Elite 

• Caliber: .45 ACP, 10mm, .40 S&W, .38 Super, or 9mm
• Capacity: 8 Rounds (.45)
• Barrel Length: 5”
• Overall Length: 8.7”
• Height: 5.6”
• Width: 1.3”
• Weight (Unloaded): 41 oz.
• MSRP: $3,425.00

• 

  Model: X-TAC Compact 

• Caliber: .45 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super
• Capacity: 7 Rounds (.45)
• Barrel Length: 4”
• Overall Length: 7.6”
• Height: 5.1”
• Width: 1.3”
• Weight (Unloaded): 37.4 oz.
• MSRP: $2,785.00

• 

  Model: Sentinel Professional 

• Caliber: 9mm, .38 Super
• Capacity: 10 (9mm)
• Barrel Length: 3.6”
• Overall Length: 7.2”
• Height: 5.4”
• Width: 1.3”
• Weight (Unloaded): 38 oz.
• MSRP: $3,750.00

• 

  Model: 92G Brigadier Tactical 

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 15
• Barrel Length: 4.7”
• Overall Length: 8.25”
• Height: 5.5”
• Width: 1.5”
• Weight (Unloaded): 36 oz.
• MSRP: $1,995.00

Wilson Combat Rifles

Although Wilson Combat is better known for their 1911s, they also manufacture an impressive range of AR-9s, AR-15s, and AR-10s in a variety of calibers. For nearly 20 years, Wilson has been crafting custom AR-15s with some of the best components and techniques in the industry. Furthermore, whichever parts are not produced in-house by their CNC machinists are subcontracted to some of the best Mil-Spec contractors in the States. Besides for their famously durable and attractive builds, these rifles are some of the most accurate you can find; all Wilson AR-rifles are rigorously tested and targeted for sub 1” accuracy. Whether you’re in the market for a home-defense weapon, hunting companion, or target shooter, Wilson Combat has got you covered. Plus, if their pre-designed models don’t satisfy you, their custom workshop allows users to build their own ARs to their exact desires.

One of their most popular models is their redesigned AR-9, an insanely accurate and reliable competition and home-defense rifle that is as ergonomic as it is intimidating.

• 

  Model: AR-9 Carbine (Fluted Barrel) 

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 15+1
• Barrel Length: 14.7”
• Overall Length: 31.25”
• Sights: Adjustable Low-Profile Folding Quick Deploy
• Finish: Upper & Lower Mil-Spec Anodizing and Armor-Tuff Coated Finish
• Weight (Unloaded): 6 lbs. 1 oz.
• MSRP: $2,095.00

Another great Wilson rifle is their hunting AR-15 chambered in 7.62 x 40 WT. This affordable Wilson cartridge was based on the classic 5.56 x 45 NATO but reformatted for better terminal performance on soft tissue and less recoil.

• 

  Model: AR-15  Recon Tactical 

• Caliber: 7.62 x 40 WT
• Capacity: 20
• Barrel Length: 16”
• Overall Length: 33”
• Sights: None – Rail for Mounting Optics
• Finish: Upper & Lower Mil-Spec Anodizing and Armor-Tuff Coated Finish
• Weight (Unloaded): 7 lbs.
• MSRP: $2,250.00

If you’re looking for one of the best long-range ARs, look no further than the Wilson Combat’s Super Sniper. This gorgeous rifle not only offers pinpoint accuracy at incredible ranges but is also one of the most reliable and consistent ARs money can buy.

• 

  Model: AR-10 Super Sniper (Fluted Barrel)  

• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Capacity: 10
• Barrel Length: 22”
• Overall Length: 44”
• Sights: Leupold 4-12x40mm VX-R Scope
• Finish: Upper & Lower Mil-Spec Anodizing and Armor-Tuff Coated Finish
• Weight (Unloaded): 10.2 lbs.
• MSRP: $3,145.00

Wilson Combat Shotguns

In addition to their collection of handguns and rifles, Wilson Combat also produces several distinctive shotguns based on the famous Remington 870. While these scatterguns are popular among citizens, they are primarily used by all kinds of military and law enforcement. Besides for their Standard and CQB models, Wilson’s Border Patrol and Professional scatterguns are among their most reputable and powerful firearms.

• 

  Model: Border Patrol 

• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Capacity: 6+1
• Barrel Length: 18.4”
• Overall Length: 39”
• Sights: Ramp-type w. Tritium Insert Front / Adjustable Trak-Lock Ghost Ring Rear
• Finish: Black Armor-Tuff Coated Finish
• Weight (Unloaded): 7 lbs. 7 oz.
• MSRP: $1,135.00

• 

  Model: Professional 

• Caliber: 12 Gauge
• Capacity: 5+1
• Barrel Length: 14”
• Overall Length: 31.4” (Collapsed)
• Sights: Ramp-type w. Tritium Insert Front / Adjustable Trak-Lock Ghost Ring Rear
• Finish: Black Armor-Tuff Coated Finish
• Weight (Unloaded): 8 lbs. 4 oz.
• MSRP: $1,550.00

Wilson Combat Custom Workshop (1911, Beretta, Glock, AR’s)

Wilson Combat Custom Workshop is your one-stop shop for all your custom firearm needs. In addition to offering updates, fixes, and cleanings for a variety of guns, including Glocks and Beretta, Wilson also does custom parts, finishes, and engravings. However, they are most famous for their custom 1911 and AR Gunbuilder program, which lets users handpick nearly every facet of their new firearm. In fact, Wilson lets their customers choose even the most minute features such as Nitre blued small parts accents for example.

For other innovative gunmakers revolutionizing the industry, check out Daniel Defense, Henry Repeating Arms, Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, & Armscor.

Conclusion

After handling several of their guns and speaking to representatives, it’s clear to me why Wilson Combat is one of the most trusted gun makers in the world. Their exceptional firearms are matched only by their tremendous company, dedication to excellence, and customer service. Whether you’re in the market for a top-shelf 1911, AR-platform rifle, or premium tactical shotgun, you gotta check out Wilson Combat.

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