Wilson & Alloy frame/Bobtails

[FJC]

I realize I could just call Wilson Combat and ask them...but thought I'd ask here. :)

Does Wilson Combat make any of their pistols with an alloy frame? Or do bobtails?

I'd love a Wilson Combat pistol in Commander size with an alloy frame and bobtail... or an alloy officer-sized frame.

I have a Protector that I bought used which *would* be a perfect carry gun for me, except that it's all steel and heavier than I like to carry.

Here's the Protector that pretty much just sits in the safe these days, which is a shame as it's a great shooter with probably the best 1911 trigger I've ever felt:

http://www.condron.com/pics/wilson/Protector/wc_prot_6165.jpg

[14-O]

FJC,
I don't see any aluminum frames on the WC website. They do have an inovative composite frame that has steel molded into it for the high wear areas. Personally, I still feel that guns are made of steel and toys are made of plastic. So I'm not really drawn to composite frames. But I have no experience with them to base that on. I too have been curious about aluminum frames and would like to hear the opinions of others regarding them. My own feelings are that without cast-in-place steel inserts to accomodate the steel slide, the aluminum frame rails will always wear faster than the steel slide. Granted, aluminum is a pretty good bearing material. But over the long run, steel wins. This logic, flawed or not, drove me to order a stainless CQB Compact (not yet received) and accept the higher weight.

[Sandhills Writer]

:D They do bobtails. I have one and think it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. They used to have some alloy frames that they would make up, don't know if they still do.

[FJC]

FJC,
But over the long run, steel wins. This logic, flawed or not, drove me to order a stainless CQB Compact (not yet received) and accept the higher weight.

I don't think it's flawed logic at all - hands down, steel will last longer than an aluminum frame. It's that exact same logic that's driven my purchases in the past. That's what drove me to having an all-steel Commander 'smithed up pretty heavily, and later drove me to getting the Protector.

I just find that for my build, despite using top of the line belts and holsters (Alessi belt, Alessi PCH or Sparks VM2), I run into issues due to the weight after extended carry.

I don't have that issue with lighter pistols such as Glocks, SIGs, etc, but I do prefer the slimness of the 1911 platform.

I have a S&W Gunsite that's a great alloy-framed Commander-sized pistol, and as far as I'm concerned top-of-the-line for general production 1911s. However, having eaten at the semi-custom and custom table, I'm hungering for what would be the perfect carry gun for me (at least this year, lol). Right now it seems it would be something like an SDS or Carry Comp, but on an lightweight frame...or a Commander sized with alloy frame and bobtail. The Colt Gunsite CCO probably would have fit the bill perfectly; I should have ordered one when I had the chance.

Worst case, I'll look into sending my S&W out for a bobtail job if someone could match the black finish...or picking up an alloy-framed Colt Commander and having it customized.

Ahhhh, the elusive search for the "perfect" carry gun. :)

[KustomGK1911]

If you can find one, the early Wilson Stealths (SDS) had aluminum frames.

I have one and and it shoots as good as my custom commanders and goverments. The trigger is as nice also. weighs 27.25 oz empty.
It weighs the same loaded as a new Stealth does empty. It is easier to carry than my EB Kobra Carry or my Baer and shoots a little better.

You might want to ask Wilson about making you one. I love mine, I have tested it with every defense round I could find, and it has fed flawlessly every time, even with Wilson 7 rd mags for testing. I carry flush 6 rd mags.

[Anopsis]

I just ordered a Wilson Carry Comp Professional for a customer, and we spec'd the aluminum frame AND bobtail. So yes, they do make them. :)

[FJC]

I just ordered a Wilson Carry Comp Professional for a customer, and we spec'd the aluminum frame AND bobtail. So yes, they do make them. :)


Oooh...now that's tempting. Mind if I ask what's that's running (feel free to PM or email me if you prefer not to post).

I'd love to see pictures of that when it's done, how long did they quote to make it?

[Anopsis]

I should have it in a couple of weeks. I'll post pics of it when it comes in. I can't remember offhand, but it was around $3000 - $3300. The customer also requested other items, like the fact that he wanted all the mag pockets on the gun rug to be filled with mags, etc. I'll provide more details when it comes in.

[FJC]

Thanks, I'm researching both that or a Professional model with alloy/bobtail.

Lead time is only a couple weeks right now? I should get an order in while it's short. :)

[Yog]

Friends,

Wilson will make most 1911's with a bobtail cut.

Wilson will also make most 1911's with an alloy frame. There is a $200.00 upcharge for this.

I believe they are currently 4-6 weeks out on special orders.

Hope this helps.

Joel N.
"Yog" (in Alaska)
"Molon Labe!"

[Hero-Gear]

Yes and Yes.

Here is one of our Wilsons;

Carry Comp- LTW/Alum frame, Bobtailed :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/bicyclefreak/CIMG0111.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/bicyclefreak/CIMG0117.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/bicyclefreak/CIMG0116.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/bicyclefreak/CIMG0115.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/bicyclefreak/CIMG0114.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/bicyclefreak/CIMG0113.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/bicyclefreak/CIMG0112.jpg

This gun was built for display at SHOT 07.
We saw it on display there, and made arrangements to purchase it once we got back in the shop the following Monday.

[hogs]

I have a Carry Comp ordered. Please tell me about it. Have you shot it? Is it loud, kick??

[sureshot45]

Here is my Professional with an alloy frame.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c382/sureshotnc/Pro1.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c382/sureshotnc/Pro2.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c382/sureshotnc/Pro3.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c382/sureshotnc/Pro4.jpg

[charlieb8]

Actually the alloy frames are on their web site, sort of. I went to "media" and looking at the latest newsleter they discuss alloy frame pistols. They say they will provide any model in alloy frames.

I guess you just need to send more money and be patient.

[TattooedWilson]

Steel is the only way to go if you shoot a lot. Just keep that in mind. The Bobtail is either loved or hated. Kind of like Glocks. Make sure you handle and shoot one before you drop your hard earned cash on one! My 2 cents.

[John]

Check our E-zine for the brand new Sentinel Compact. It's an Officer's size pistol which will also be available with an alloy frame.

[charlieb8]

I have a Wilson Professional with Bobtail grip, alloy frame, black Micarta grips, and all black finish. Wonderful carry gun!

If I was trying to attain Grant Master status in one of the shooting disciplines, then I would not use an alloy frame gun. But for carry purposes it makes all the difference for me!

Years ago Skeeter Skelton shot five thousand rounds through a Colt lightweight Commander. The gun was still in good shape after all that.

[beachjumper]

I'm getting a Kimber Pro Carry II bobtailed by Wilson among other modifications. I should get it back in about 8 weeks. It will be the type of pistol you carry a lot and shoot to stay competent. At my age, it will out last me so I'm not concerned that it is not an all carbon-steel piece. If I'm able to figure out the photo process, I'll try to post some photos of it when it comes in.