@@learningone7786 nah. JMB got it right. And if you're going to suggest significantly modifying his design, at least have the respect to refer to the parts by their correct names.
My first, a Dan Wesson PM-7, 1911 in .45 acp. When I think of freedom in the context of early to mid 20th century European wars to preserve it, a 1911 comes to mind, then a Garrand.
I learned my first 1911 during army officers training in 1980. Have owned over 10 in my life. Still have 5 and nothing feels as comfortable or as comforting.
I'm a confirmed 1911/.45ACP freak. I have several, including four Colts , an Auto Ordnance, a Kimber Compact Aluminum Stainless, and a Lightweight Commander that I built myself, with a titanium frame, Colt slide, Bar-Sto barrel, Millett sights, and a lot of no longer available Pachmayr parts (I used to work for Pachmayr, so I used a lot of their parts). The Commander is a very unique gun. I probably have the only one in the world like it. I just put a down payment on a Wilson 45th Anniversary model that you folks are producing, which will hopefully be ready next year. I'm really looking forward to this one. This will be my first Wilson firearm, and I know it's going to be a good one.
Perhaps a bit about Wilson Combat magazines? Evolution, models, and maybe baseplates... rubber vs metal? I've purchased a few of the Elite Tactical and have high confidence in them.
Very interesting video. I remember firing completion in Berryville, AK. in 70’s. Bill was the host. Almost all of us were L/E from CA. I am happy for your successful business. Stay safe, healthy & shoot straight!👍😊🇺🇸 At that time Ca. was a free state, now it resembles Kalifornia the People’s Republic!!!
Howdy from Wyoming! Thoroughly enjoyed hearing the history from its humble beginnings. I for one am extremely grateful that you made the decision to move from watches to pistols! Over the years, I have saved up and purchased 3 of your masterpieces of quality and craftsmanship. Now I’m saving for my 4th. Someday I hope to make a pilgrimage… 😜
I graduated from gunsmith school in 99 and started working on 1911s while I was in my last quarter and have been in love with them since I had some trouble in 2015 now I am working on getting it cleared up so I can do what I love again cross your fingers for me
If I could afford one, it would certainly become my carry as well. Your story is both amazing and inspiring, thank you for all you have done in the field!
I'm one of very few guys out there that appreciate a 38 super and have a few of them and wish I could sit down with y'all and get more knowledge. I'm what some would call younger and others old, it's great being 40 hahaha. My grandfather and dad got me shooting a 1911 around 9 or 10 and I really liked the super and have had one ever since a deep dive into a 38 would be great if y'all have time, either way great info and I appreciate it.
I was surprised Bill didn't remember Chip McCormick, the man behind the magazines and who was a top IPSC competitor back in the day was the primary person behind the rise of the 38 super in competition mainly because the magazines held a couple of more rounds than the 45 1911 which was an advantage on many courses of fire. As Bill noted the power factor back(bullet velocity x bullet weight ) to compete as major back then was minimum 175,000 back then and most of us ran at least 180,000 to make sure we didn't fail the chronograph test at the match, it was to put everything on the same level as a 45 shooting ball ammo. Chip figured out how to load the super hot enough to make major power factor 175,000 using heavy cast bullets and slow burning powder but it was risky early on, the term "Super Face" came from having one blow up which happened way to often. Eventually the progress in powder and bullets not to mention the adoption of ramped barrels made it fairly safe and the power factor was lowered which made it no problem unless you tried to run very light bullets and you really needed a 38 Super to be competitive. Those were the days I have many great memories from that time had a lot of fun, RIP Chip McCormick he was a good man.
When I was a rookie policeman back in 1972, I met a retired Treasury Agent who had a bodacious collection of 1911s, among them a .38 Super Government Model that he had carried before WWII. It was marked U.S.T.S. and still had much of the original beautiful high luster blue finish. He also had a bright nickel Ballester-Molina .38 Super that was found at the scene of a shootout between smugglers and U.S. Agents near El Paso in 1933. Great pistols with great stories....hard to beat.
@@carlcrisp8700 A drug smugglers gun? Wouldn't care what kind it was because something not right about owning or carrying something that was used in such a way possibly with a body or multiple bodies on it. If I could afford something else or had anything else for protection then I would get rid of it.
@wilsoncombat With the resurgence of the 10mm, have you considered expanding the role of the 10 in your inventory? As you well know, Colonel Cooper thought very highly of this caliber and for good reason. It’s great seeing the pistols that started it all. 👍👍
I will never be able to purchase one of the weapons. One of the best guns I have ever seen. Love the channel, makes me feel like I am in the room with both of you. Thank you for the show.
I know a fellow who built a 1911 from scracth and used some Wilson Combat parts...they fit and worked the first time, every time. TY 4 sharing your story.
Great history that I didn’t know ! Fine collection of 1911 on the table ! The engraved model now that’s art , I could carry that every day ! I too do not used a dot sight , I still do fine on target with iron sights !
Not many firearms choices in the early days. Colt's were expensive and only came in a couple models. Now, we have many guns and features to choose from, have it your way. Bill Wilson is a big part of why we have so many good choices.
Back in the early 1990’s I was a police officer in So Cal with an assignment as a range master who qualified CCW holders with their carry guns. This guy brought in his new Wilson 1911 in .45. ACP. It was an entry level model but at 10 yards my group of Winchester 230 FMJ was one ragged hole. Phenomenal guns!
I have always loved all of the Wilson Combat guns but could never afford to buy one. My wife told me a couple of months ago that she wanted me to get my dream gun. I pick up my new EDC X9 tomorrow. I can't wait to get it out and put it through it's paces!! I can finally tell my friends I own the best! Thanks for building such great guns!
Always a pleasure to hear from Bill. I'm a 1911 fanatic. My first WAS a Gold Cup Mk IV Series 70 National Match with Accurizer bushing and Elliason rear sight. Bought it in the late 70s/early 80s. Tried a variety of grips but settled on the Pachmyer Colt badged model. Still the sweetest 1911 I own. Love the channel. Thanks.
When Bill mentions Jim Clark as he has several times in different videos, is he referring to the same Jim Clark who was Jerry Miculek’s father in law? I’ve always assumed it is…. Great Video!!
When he mentions Jim Clark I always think of the Formula 1 racing legend, Jim Clark. Killed at Hockenheim racing in an F2 race in between F1 races. 1968 I believe. I just always think of him when I hear Jim Clark. It takes a conscious effort to associate that name with someone else.
@@JG54206 Copy that Julian 👍 That's in light of association. Always tragic when pro. racers leave us. Clark Customs is still in business today. Jim Clark founded Clark Customs & are today icons of custom gun crafting. Iconic falls short of describing Jim Clark's place within the shooting community. Best wishes 👍
@@jimsiress9687 Ayyy. I thought I would get mostly blank stares when I mentioned F1 racing. Always feels like it’s not very popular these days, especially in the states. Glad someone knew what I was getting at. I had never heard of this Jim Clark or Clark’s Custom Guns but I’m sure given his reputation amongst guys like Bill that he’s a seriously good guncrafter as well as shooter.
Fantastic looking back at those old top tier fighting straps ! Still my favorite hand gunning staple. Colt's Government Model & Combat Commanders squeezed & polished & made over to our pleasure 🤠 Safe to say that all pistoleros & officianados , especially those of mature gratuitous are proud of Bill's craft choice 👍
So glad I found this channel. I value every word of these conversations, and none of it is wasted. I wish you had gone over the premium one with all the features that you called a work of art. Maybe another time? :)
Quick comment . Many years back I went out to AZ to take lessons from Rob Leatham. H askedd if I wanted to try his gun which he said that Bill Wilson had made for him. I put it in my hand and as soon as I put my finger on the trigger it went off, fortunately it was pointed down range. I have been using your guns ever since (I have many, so my wife says) I have one at your shop as I write this. Great stuff Bill.
This is just a side note but I emailed WC customer service re: which speed chute replacement magazine well I should use for an upgrade on one of my pistols and they got right back to me and gave me spot on information. I ordered and received it and upon installation it was exactly what they said and quality was fantastic. They just keep doing it right. Thank you
Thank you Bill and Mass. I always appreciate a good history lesson and hearing the stories. I've been following both of you since the late 80s when I was old enough to really dig into the shooting magazines at the local supermarket. I'm just now getting into gunsmithing and I find it interesting that optics and comps are making a huge push into the defensive market lately since they appeared so long ago in competition. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks again both of you. Pure Legends!
Great channel. Great coaching by Massad as well. Our CFP class used a lot of Massad's videos. My own 45ACP is by CZ. I love the 10 round (but only load 9) double stack capacity. I love the double and single actions. My 1911A1 back in the USMC was great. But the CZ is better.
I will make a Rotating barrel 1911. Less recoil and very accurate. If you want to see it, i can send it to you to see it live. I will add a compensator like the P320 Spectre Comp. No need all that dead weight 😁
I'd like to see the SFX offered in other calibers. A few pistols I own are 40 and 357 SIG and they're just simple barrel swaps from one to the other, and of course 9mm barrels too. I like to call it the trifecta of awesome.
I recently asked Wilson Combat if they’d build a 1911 chambered in 9x23 Winchester. Their answer was a hard “NO”. While I understand the business decision to only make 45 ACP or 9mm pistols, I wish they were willing to at least throw in a 38 Super. That cartridge (and the 9x23) were *designed* for the 1911. Edit to add: I typed this before Bill got to his competition with wicked hot 38 Super 😝 As soon as he said “supported chamber” I knew he was talking about hot rodded 38 Super. Brian Enos was a primary proponent of 9x23 Winchester - which needs a fully supported chamber due to 55,000 psi chamber pressure. A long time ago I contacted Springfield Armory’s Custom Shop thinking I wanted a 1911 chambered in 357 SIG. What’s not to like about a semiauto 357 Magnum? However, Dave Williams who ran the Custom Shop at the time IRRC recommended 9x23 Winchester instead. His take was that having the same COAL as 45 ACP was an important step toward making a 1911 as reliable as possible. Don’t get me wrong - I like the 357 SIG cartridge and carried an H&K USP Compact for years. Between the shorter overall length and the slight bottleneck, apparently it’s just not great in a 1911.
Thanks - great video. I've got a WC 45 Auto that I bought from a friend. It has the comp, and is the gun I shoot best of all. My Walther PPQ comes close though. It is a favorite.
With all the hype over the Sig Sauer p365 X Macro comp, you would think that Sig invented the comp cuts in the slide. It appears that Wilson Combat was doing that years ago.
I am currently reading one of Bills old books, “The Combat .45 Automatic”. Written back in 84’, its been a thrill to go back in time and get insight to what he was thinking back in the early days of the company. He’s probably forgotten more about the 1911 then most of us will ever know about them. On another note, I cant wait for the day to get a Hunter model in 10mm!
Clarence Hurt, FBI Agent on Mr. Hoover’s kill team, carried a 191 1 in 38 Super. He carried it tucked in his waste band. The 1911 had a clip welded on the right side of the slide that kept it in place. His running buddy, Jelly Bryce carried a revolver.
I've just added a EDC X9 S to my WC Collection... 10 round 3.25 inch bbl that just lives in and for my hand ';-) I thought that my EDC X9 4 inch was awesome just like when I got my CQB all after my Glock series Wilson Combats! Thanks Bill!
After my grandfather passed away a couple years ago I inherited 3 1911's yall did. 2 that he sent in to yall to upgrade a long time ago and 1 that he bought directly from yall about 4 years ago. He was a true collector them guns are still in perfect condition and shoot great. So this video is really cool to see... Good stuff guys and again great video!!!
I’m ready to buy a 75th Anniversary model, .45amp, of course. Unfortunately, the California government won’t let me. This was a very interesting video, thanks!
I am at age of 46. I am mainly know from my goldsmith skills. Setting stones, engraving skills, casting gold, welding gold,.. well that did not pay enough so switched to be and inspector in mortar, canon/haupits war industry. It still does pay enough and i feel like my skills are wasted. Do not get me wrong i still make jewelry on the side and that feels great and extra money is nice. Still i feel like i should try something in pistols. Well bought myself a Colt Gold Cup to tinker. I will start tinker the rattles away by welding more material on the parts. Then i will polish the most of the gun and fix few angles to more fluid. Then i will engrave it little bit and inlay deep gold something to it. First i will cast silver handless to it and maybe put few gemstones there or keep it simple. Guns could be my thing. Guns are pretty simple in many ways and you can tinker how they work pretty easily and make your own parts.
To each their own. You go your way and I’ll go my way. The 1911 isn’t going away any more than the .45. You don’t have to have a .45. You have choices. I still see the .45 as the choice that suits me. It’s up to each shooter to make that call. Say hi you both! Great respect I have for the both of you, deservedly so! Cheers!
The older I get the more I love a 1911 and a revolver. When I was in my early 20’s glocks were the king and I still love them but there’s something about a wheel gun or 1911 that feels right
Just a thought, but for all of us watching your videos it might be a good idea to show you checking the weapons making sure they are unloaded. I try to ensure all my friends practice Gun safety by making sure the firearm is unloaded. (Long live the 1911)
Thank you for the history lesson and for the great work you've done. I hope you've gotten the hatches and are ready for the storm ahead. Looks like it's going to be tough times for firearm manufacturers and I want you to be able to ride out the storm.
@@John1911 interesting I have brand new never fire Taurus 1911 SS it as tight as can be but I want to make dam sure this thing works every time do they have a phone number and mailing infomation
I love Wilson combat. I upgrade and modify all my 1911 with Wilson combat parts and magazines. I have a few Wilson combats not actually made by Wilson combat. Lol everything except the frame is from Wilson combat.
Question for Wilson. Does a busing compensator adversely effect frame or slide life? Also will it losen in the slide over time? Always wanted one but don't want to cause any undue wear.
No. It does not. Also traditional bushings are generally consumable parts. So the bushing can be replaced should it not hold the accuracy you are looking for. This is true for comped or not. Regards, Marky
@@John1911 Thanks for your response. I'm more interested in what Wilson has to say. I'm not new to 1911s or guns. I have built several 1911s for competition and was a AAA uspsa competitor. My current 1911 EDC gun has 3 original parts. The rest are hand fitted Wilson by me. That means I have nearly $2500 in that gun doing it all myself. So I'm not willing to risk the slide with a $75 part that is totally optional without Wilson saying so.
@@John1911 Consider the weight difference. How many times more heavy is the compensator than a bushing. The bushing probably has the hame hardness as the frame. So pure physics say there is exponentially more more stress on the slide. It could be the lugs are so strong it doesn't matter. Or maybe after 1000 rounds it's lose. Wilson has probably shot more rounds through one then anybody alive. I think they would be an awesome upgrade. My G22C I carried was lightning fast compared to a regular G22. The extra weight right at the tip with a big blast of air would undoubtedly keep a 45 much flatter. The one piece guide rod makes an incredible difference. So the compensator would have to be more effective than that. Just not convinced it won't cause issues.
@@tireballastserviceofflorid7771 take it up with Wilson. But I would bet they won’t install the part unless they make it. Neither here nor there, but we have never seen much difference on 5” guns with those old comps. Especially in 45, since there generally isn’t enough gas produced to get the desired result. Perhaps with modern comp designs, things are different. Regards, Marky
Whenever yall worked on other manufacturers 1911s did yall mark them in any way? I've got a old springfield armory that is a tack driver with all wilson combat controls and sights just always been curious who did the work on it
I'm with Bill on the holographic sights. I set up a G17 MOS with one, after installing taller iron sights to co-witness. After a few hours of shooting the dot sight, I realized that the best group of the day was when I set up the iron sights. I then shut the Trijicon off and aimed with the iron sights and the groups shrunk again. After a few days of this, I sold the Trijicon to a friend.
you mentioned high power loads for competition, how does that help a shooter in a match? I would think a lower power/less recoil would make a shooter faster and more accurate. ??
I know you can have greater mag capacity with polymer guns but can’t get away from the 1911 carry some version of it 98 percent of the time the sig 320 is closest trigger I like to the 1911 but people liking different things is why we have so many get guns out there
The 1911 has been, and will always be my favorite pistol.
@@learningone7786 nah. JMB got it right. And if you're going to suggest significantly modifying his design, at least have the respect to refer to the parts by their correct names.
My first, a Dan Wesson PM-7, 1911 in .45 acp. When I think of freedom in the context of early to mid 20th century European wars to preserve it, a 1911 comes to mind, then a Garrand.
I learned my first 1911 during army officers training in 1980. Have owned over 10 in my life. Still have 5 and nothing feels as comfortable or as comforting.
Thank you Massad and Bill. Enjoy these talks so much.
I'm a confirmed 1911/.45ACP freak. I have several, including four Colts , an Auto Ordnance, a Kimber Compact Aluminum Stainless, and a Lightweight Commander that I built myself, with a titanium frame, Colt slide, Bar-Sto barrel, Millett sights, and a lot of no longer available Pachmayr parts (I used to work for Pachmayr, so I used a lot of their parts). The Commander is a very unique gun. I probably have the only one in the world like it. I just put a down payment on a Wilson 45th Anniversary model that you folks are producing, which will hopefully be ready next year. I'm really looking forward to this one. This will be my first Wilson firearm, and I know it's going to be a good one.
Perhaps a bit about Wilson Combat magazines? Evolution, models, and maybe baseplates... rubber vs metal? I've purchased a few of the Elite Tactical and have high confidence in them.
I'm beginning to believe Massas lives at Wilson Ranch, lol
Congratulations on your success Mr Wilson
Very interesting video. I remember firing completion
in Berryville, AK. in 70’s.
Bill was the host. Almost
all of us were L/E from CA.
I am happy for your successful business.
Stay safe, healthy &
shoot straight!👍😊🇺🇸
At that time Ca. was a free
state, now it resembles
Kalifornia the People’s
Republic!!!
@@user-cl2py9ml8x good
Howdy from Wyoming! Thoroughly enjoyed hearing the history from its humble beginnings. I for one am extremely grateful that you made the decision to move from watches to pistols! Over the years, I have saved up and purchased 3 of your masterpieces of quality and craftsmanship. Now I’m saving for my 4th. Someday I hope to make a pilgrimage… 😜
I graduated from gunsmith school in 99 and started working on 1911s while I was in my last quarter and have been in love with them since I had some trouble in 2015 now I am working on getting it cleared up so I can do what I love again cross your fingers for me
If I could afford one, it would certainly become my carry as well. Your story is both amazing and inspiring, thank you for all you have done in the field!
Cmon you know you can afford one they're not expensive.
I'm one of very few guys out there that appreciate a 38 super and have a few of them and wish I could sit down with y'all and get more knowledge. I'm what some would call younger and others old, it's great being 40 hahaha. My grandfather and dad got me shooting a 1911 around 9 or 10 and I really liked the super and have had one ever since a deep dive into a 38 would be great if y'all have time, either way great info and I appreciate it.
My everyday carry preference will always be a .38 super, I just wish there were more options.
I was surprised Bill didn't remember Chip McCormick, the man behind the magazines and who was a top IPSC competitor back in the day was the primary person behind the rise of the 38 super in competition mainly because the magazines held a couple of more rounds than the 45 1911 which was an advantage on many courses of fire. As Bill noted the power factor back(bullet velocity x bullet weight ) to compete as major back then was minimum 175,000 back then and most of us ran at least 180,000 to make sure we didn't fail the chronograph test at the match, it was to put everything on the same level as a 45 shooting ball ammo. Chip figured out how to load the super hot enough to make major power factor 175,000 using heavy cast bullets and slow burning powder but it was risky early on, the term "Super Face" came from having one blow up which happened way to often. Eventually the progress in powder and bullets not to mention the adoption of ramped barrels made it fairly safe and the power factor was lowered which made it no problem unless you tried to run very light bullets and you really needed a 38 Super to be competitive. Those were the days I have many great memories from that time had a lot of fun, RIP Chip McCormick he was a good man.
Carry a Commander in Super 38 every day myself
When I was a rookie policeman back in 1972, I met a retired Treasury Agent who had a bodacious collection of 1911s, among them a .38 Super Government Model that he had carried before WWII. It was marked U.S.T.S. and still had much of the original beautiful high luster blue finish. He also had a bright nickel Ballester-Molina .38 Super that was found at the scene of a shootout between smugglers and U.S. Agents near El Paso in 1933.
Great pistols with great stories....hard to beat.
@@carlcrisp8700 A drug smugglers gun? Wouldn't care what kind it was because something not right about owning or carrying something that was used in such a way possibly with a body or multiple bodies on it. If I could afford something else or had anything else for protection then I would get rid of it.
Congratulations comatiching In drag racing and building motors is what made me better .
@wilsoncombat
With the resurgence of the 10mm, have you considered expanding the role of the 10 in your inventory? As you well know, Colonel Cooper thought very highly of this caliber and for good reason.
It’s great seeing the pistols that started it all. 👍👍
Ditto/thanks for your incredible knowledge
Nope it's not practical but mainly for compensation. "Mines bigger than yours".
@@TEN89_jburneyspoken like a micro peen. People like what they like, it's not always about exerting dominance lol
I will never be able to purchase one of the weapons. One of the best guns I have ever seen. Love the channel, makes me feel like I am in the room with both of you. Thank you for the show.
I remember you need to specify for the flying astray. Still have a couple of that big in my 1977 COLT'S COMBAT COMMANDER. Great time and video. 👍
I know a fellow who built a 1911 from scracth and used some Wilson Combat parts...they fit and worked the first time, every time. TY 4 sharing your story.
Great history that I didn’t know !
Fine collection of 1911 on the table !
The engraved model now that’s art , I could carry that every day !
I too do not used a dot sight , I still do fine on target with iron sights !
Not many firearms choices in the early days. Colt's were expensive and only came in a couple models. Now, we have many guns and features to choose from, have it your way. Bill Wilson is a big part of why we have so many good choices.
Better than Hill Street blues. You two are tops in my book. And I do love my 3.25" SFX9.
Back in the early 1990’s I was a police officer in So Cal with an assignment as a range master who qualified CCW holders with their carry guns. This guy brought in his new Wilson 1911 in .45. ACP. It was an entry level model but at 10 yards my group of Winchester 230 FMJ was one ragged hole. Phenomenal guns!
Two great Americans talking. We are lucky they are willing to share the knowledge.
I have always loved all of the Wilson Combat guns but could never afford to buy one. My wife told me a couple of months ago that she wanted me to get my dream gun. I pick up my new EDC X9 tomorrow. I can't wait to get it out and put it through it's paces!! I can finally tell my friends I own the best! Thanks for building such great guns!
Thanks for a walk back through history of Wilson Combat. He certainly is a corner stone of the industry and a very savvy business man.
That’s why he’s single
These guys are awesome
Bill and Mass, two great Americans!
Wilson = quality. Please send as much stuff as you can up north to Canada! We're currently in panic buy mode.
Always a pleasure to hear from Bill. I'm a 1911 fanatic. My first WAS a Gold Cup Mk IV Series 70 National Match with Accurizer bushing and Elliason rear sight. Bought it in the late 70s/early 80s. Tried a variety of grips but settled on the Pachmyer Colt badged model. Still the sweetest 1911 I own. Love the channel. Thanks.
Just received my wilson combat Ranger AR custom paint. It'd bad ass. Thanks bill for an outstanding rifle.
When Bill mentions Jim Clark as he has several times in different videos, is he referring to the same Jim Clark who was Jerry Miculek’s father in law? I’ve always assumed it is…. Great Video!!
Yes. Clark Custom Guns if I remember right.
Absolutely the correct assumption. 👍
When he mentions Jim Clark I always think of the Formula 1 racing legend, Jim Clark. Killed at Hockenheim racing in an F2 race in between F1 races. 1968 I believe. I just always think of him when I hear Jim Clark. It takes a conscious effort to associate that name with someone else.
@@JG54206 Copy that Julian 👍 That's in light of association. Always tragic when pro. racers leave us. Clark Customs is still in business today. Jim Clark founded Clark Customs & are today icons of custom gun crafting. Iconic falls short of describing Jim Clark's place within the shooting community. Best wishes 👍
@@jimsiress9687 Ayyy. I thought I would get mostly blank stares when I mentioned F1 racing. Always feels like it’s not very popular these days, especially in the states. Glad someone knew what I was getting at. I had never heard of this Jim Clark or Clark’s Custom Guns but I’m sure given his reputation amongst guys like Bill that he’s a seriously good guncrafter as well as shooter.
Fantastic looking back at those old top tier fighting straps ! Still my favorite hand gunning staple. Colt's Government Model & Combat Commanders squeezed & polished & made over to our pleasure 🤠 Safe to say that all pistoleros & officianados , especially those of mature gratuitous are proud of Bill's craft choice 👍
@@user-cl2py9ml8x Who is Wilso'M' Combat ??? Nobody from there would attempt contact on this forum. You are a scammer & are STUPID ! 🖕
So glad I found this channel. I value every word of these conversations, and none of it is wasted. I wish you had gone over the premium one with all the features that you called a work of art. Maybe another time? :)
Quick comment . Many years back I went out to AZ to take lessons from Rob Leatham. H askedd if I wanted to try his gun which he said that Bill Wilson had made for him. I put it in my hand and as soon as I put my finger on the trigger it went off, fortunately it was pointed down range. I have been using your guns ever since (I have many, so my wife says) I have one at your shop as I write this. Great stuff Bill.
This is just a side note but I emailed WC customer service re: which speed chute replacement magazine well I should use for an upgrade on one of my pistols and they got right back to me and gave me spot on information. I ordered and received it and upon installation it was exactly what they said and quality was fantastic. They just keep doing it right. Thank you
love this history, wonderful. thanks
So cool to hear his story. Amazing accomplishments!
Thank you Bill and Mass. I always appreciate a good history lesson and hearing the stories. I've been following both of you since the late 80s when I was old enough to really dig into the shooting magazines at the local supermarket. I'm just now getting into gunsmithing and I find it interesting that optics and comps are making a huge push into the defensive market lately since they appeared so long ago in competition. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks again both of you. Pure Legends!
Amazing walk thru the history of WC, nice expose fellas...
Great to see you gentlemen again. Thank you.
More to come!
Thank you Massad and Bill. I look forward to seeing these videos as often as they are available. And, naturally to shoot my Wilson pistols.
@@user-cl2py9ml8x
Thanks
As always, love watching and listening to the history of WC and guns in general! Thanks !
Great channel.
Great coaching by Massad as well. Our CFP class used a lot of Massad's videos.
My own 45ACP is by CZ.
I love the 10 round (but only load 9) double stack capacity.
I love the double and single actions.
My 1911A1 back in the USMC was great. But the CZ is better.
Right on
As always, thx for the video. You two are the best!
Another excellent and interesting video, Thanks Massad and Bill.
I will make a Rotating barrel 1911. Less recoil and very accurate. If you want to see it, i can send it to you to see it live. I will add a compensator like the P320 Spectre Comp. No need all that dead weight 😁
I love the information y'all share on this channel.
Thank you!
GREAT SHOW
I'd like to see the SFX offered in other calibers. A few pistols I own are 40 and 357 SIG and they're just simple barrel swaps from one to the other, and of course 9mm barrels too. I like to call it the trifecta of awesome.
I'd buy a Wilson in 357 SIG today if they released one
I recently asked Wilson Combat if they’d build a 1911 chambered in 9x23 Winchester. Their answer was a hard “NO”.
While I understand the business decision to only make 45 ACP or 9mm pistols, I wish they were willing to at least throw in a 38 Super. That cartridge (and the 9x23) were *designed* for the 1911.
Edit to add: I typed this before Bill got to his competition with wicked hot 38 Super 😝 As soon as he said “supported chamber” I knew he was talking about hot rodded 38 Super. Brian Enos was a primary proponent of 9x23 Winchester - which needs a fully supported chamber due to 55,000 psi chamber pressure.
A long time ago I contacted Springfield Armory’s Custom Shop thinking I wanted a 1911 chambered in 357 SIG. What’s not to like about a semiauto 357 Magnum? However, Dave Williams who ran the Custom Shop at the time IRRC recommended 9x23 Winchester instead. His take was that having the same COAL as 45 ACP was an important step toward making a 1911 as reliable as possible. Don’t get me wrong - I like the 357 SIG cartridge and carried an H&K USP Compact for years. Between the shorter overall length and the slight bottleneck, apparently it’s just not great in a 1911.
@@l67swap1 Me too
Thanks - great video. I've got a WC 45 Auto that I bought from a friend. It has the comp, and is the gun I shoot best of all. My Walther PPQ comes close though. It is a favorite.
With all the hype over the Sig Sauer p365 X Macro comp, you would think that Sig invented the comp cuts in the slide. It appears that Wilson Combat was doing that years ago.
Not many people can make Mas grin like that. These two are like long lost brothers.
The fact that the ergonomics and trigger pull of a 1911 are still the standard, is remarkable.
Great presentation. Always fun and informative.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I hear you Bill, I'm 37 don't care for the red dot either, and my edc for years has been a 5" .45 ACP with tritium iron sights
A great American success story!
Interesting and informative. I always like these videos.
Welcome to the ranch, did Massad ever actually leave?
I am currently reading one of Bills old books, “The Combat .45 Automatic”. Written back in 84’, its been a thrill to go back in time and get insight to what he was thinking back in the early days of the company. He’s probably forgotten more about the 1911 then most of us will ever know about them. On another note, I cant wait for the day to get a Hunter model in 10mm!
Legends 🙌🏼
Legends!
Great video, Thank you!
Love to hear the whole story from back in the day.... thanks... its not all about money... but with WC you get what you pay for...
Right on
Clarence Hurt, FBI Agent on Mr. Hoover’s kill team, carried a 191 1 in 38 Super. He carried it tucked in his waste band. The 1911 had a clip welded on the right side of the slide that kept it in place. His running buddy, Jelly Bryce carried a revolver.
Thanks for the history lesson!
Our pleasure!
Watching this video with my good old 1911 chambered .45acp that I been carrying for 18 years. Only wish I could afford one of those SFX Wilson's.
Love to hear the evolution and timeline of the ipsc pistols. Another great video 😎👍🏼
@@user-cl2py9ml8x Wow! Thats great 👍
I've just added a EDC X9 S to my WC Collection... 10 round 3.25 inch bbl that just lives in and for my hand ';-) I thought that my EDC X9 4 inch was awesome just like when I got my CQB all after my Glock series Wilson Combats! Thanks Bill!
Very nice!
Be wary of the ME monster 😂
Sir I love 1911 Maybe one day I would be able to afford a Wilson combat 1911 Keep up the good work Gentlemen
@@user-cl2py9ml8x 👍👍👍👍
After my grandfather passed away a couple years ago I inherited 3 1911's yall did. 2 that he sent in to yall to upgrade a long time ago and 1 that he bought directly from yall about 4 years ago. He was a true collector them guns are still in perfect condition and shoot great. So this video is really cool to see... Good stuff guys and again great video!!!
❤ awesome
Great video. Would love to have a WC 1911 in 45ACP one day.
Right on
I’m ready to buy a 75th Anniversary model, .45amp, of course. Unfortunately, the California government won’t let me. This was a very interesting video, thanks!
@@user-cl2py9ml8x Thank you. I’m not sure what this messaging on TELEGRAM is all about, but here I am.
PPC- Now that's a name I have not heard in a long time! (Oby Wan)..
I am at age of 46. I am mainly know from my goldsmith skills. Setting stones, engraving skills, casting gold, welding gold,.. well that did not pay enough so switched to be and inspector in mortar, canon/haupits war industry. It still does pay enough and i feel like my skills are wasted. Do not get me wrong i still make jewelry on the side and that feels great and extra money is nice. Still i feel like i should try something in pistols. Well bought myself a Colt Gold Cup to tinker. I will start tinker the rattles away by welding more material on the parts. Then i will polish the most of the gun and fix few angles to more fluid. Then i will engrave it little bit and inlay deep gold something to it. First i will cast silver handless to it and maybe put few gemstones there or keep it simple. Guns could be my thing. Guns are pretty simple in many ways and you can tinker how they work pretty easily and make your own parts.
To each their own. You go your way and I’ll go my way. The 1911 isn’t going away any more than the .45. You don’t have to have a .45. You have choices. I still see the .45 as the choice that suits me. It’s up to each shooter to make that call. Say hi you both! Great respect I have for the both of you, deservedly so! Cheers!
The older I get the more I love a 1911 and a revolver. When I was in my early 20’s glocks were the king and I still love them but there’s something about a wheel gun or 1911 that feels right
@@user-cl2py9ml8x keep up the great work,really enjoy the videos and the knowledge.
I will eventually get a 38 Super, maybe a Wilson custom 😍
I think it's safe to say that one of Bill Wilson's early 1911 build should have a place at the Smithsonian Institute.
Just a thought, but for all of us watching your videos it might be a good idea to show you checking the weapons making sure they are unloaded. I try to ensure all my friends practice Gun safety by making sure the firearm is unloaded. (Long live the 1911)
Thank you for the history lesson and for the great work you've done.
I hope you've gotten the hatches and are ready for the storm ahead.
Looks like it's going to be tough times for firearm manufacturers and I want you to be able to ride out the storm.
Question do you do up other manufacturers guns ie tune and make reliable or do you just sell them now
Yes, they work on other makes if you send yours in.
@@John1911 interesting I have brand new never fire Taurus 1911 SS it as tight as can be but I want to make dam sure this thing works every time do they have a phone number and mailing infomation
Learned allot about the secret life of the 1911 from WC.
I love Wilson combat. I upgrade and modify all my 1911 with Wilson combat parts and magazines. I have a few Wilson combats not actually made by Wilson combat. Lol everything except the frame is from Wilson combat.
Question for Wilson. Does a busing compensator adversely effect frame or slide life? Also will it losen in the slide over time? Always wanted one but don't want to cause any undue wear.
No. It does not. Also traditional bushings are generally consumable parts.
So the bushing can be replaced should it not hold the accuracy you are looking for. This is true for comped or not.
Regards,
Marky
@@John1911 Thanks for your response. I'm more interested in what Wilson has to say. I'm not new to 1911s or guns. I have built several 1911s for competition and was a AAA uspsa competitor. My current 1911 EDC gun has 3 original parts. The rest are hand fitted Wilson by me. That means I have nearly $2500 in that gun doing it all myself. So I'm not willing to risk the slide with a $75 part that is totally optional without Wilson saying so.
@@tireballastserviceofflorid7771 roger that.
@@John1911 Consider the weight difference. How many times more heavy is the compensator than a bushing. The bushing probably has the hame hardness as the frame. So pure physics say there is exponentially more more stress on the slide. It could be the lugs are so strong it doesn't matter. Or maybe after 1000 rounds it's lose. Wilson has probably shot more rounds through one then anybody alive. I think they would be an awesome upgrade. My G22C I carried was lightning fast compared to a regular G22. The extra weight right at the tip with a big blast of air would undoubtedly keep a 45 much flatter. The one piece guide rod makes an incredible difference. So the compensator would have to be more effective than that. Just not convinced it won't cause issues.
@@tireballastserviceofflorid7771 take it up with Wilson. But I would bet they won’t install the part unless they make it.
Neither here nor there, but we have never seen much difference on 5” guns with those old comps. Especially in 45, since there generally isn’t enough gas produced to get the desired result.
Perhaps with modern comp designs, things are different.
Regards,
Marky
Whenever yall worked on other manufacturers 1911s did yall mark them in any way? I've got a old springfield armory that is a tack driver with all wilson combat controls and sights just always been curious who did the work on it
I'm with Bill on the holographic sights. I set up a G17 MOS with one, after installing taller iron sights to co-witness. After a few hours of shooting the dot sight, I realized that the best group of the day was when I set up the iron sights. I then shut the Trijicon off and aimed with the iron sights and the groups shrunk again. After a few days of this, I sold the Trijicon to a friend.
It'll take months and perhaps a rds specific class to reap the benefits over what you've been used to for years. They shine on further distance.
Does Wilson still do tuning on non Wilson guns?
Wow he actually let’s bill talk :). Been Ken the convo would like “I hate to interrupt…” video ends “bill do you agree?”
you mentioned high power loads for competition, how does that help a shooter in a match? I would think a lower power/less recoil would make a shooter faster and more accurate. ??
Someday, when all my kids have moved out, I'll get me an sfx9.
What does the tapered muzzle do for the pistol and how?
So I can send my 45 lightweight ronin commander to you and have a certain package of upgrades done on it?
Wilson works on other’s guns, yes.
Pretty sure I got one of your 1911 compensator absolute witchcraft.
Someday I hope to have enough disposable income to actually buy an SFX9. They ain't cheap!
I know you can have greater mag capacity with polymer guns but can’t get away from the 1911 carry some version of it 98 percent of the time the sig 320 is closest trigger I like to the 1911 but people liking different things is why we have so many get guns out there
I’d love to know who those 2 “big name” gunsmiths with whom Bill was unhappy.
@@user-cl2py9ml8xreplying as instructed. Did I win a new 1911?
Was that friend from MO, John & Gina?
I'd love to see a sfx in 30 super carry, that thing would be slick.... Howdy howdy from Tucson
Love the guns but I think 🤔 is about time you make a double stack.45 4.25 commander !!!
@@user-cl2py9ml8x sorry but I don’t have telegram
Would Bill take the risk today in this market to start his own brand in the firearms industry.
I believe Mike plaxco started the compensators maybe invented it, not sure maybe bill remembers 1981 or 82
Why did they want over powered 38 Super in competition?