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:

__________________
--FJC

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.

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.

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.

__________________
--FJC

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.

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.

__________________
Chad D. Cassetty
KY Concealed Carry Instructor, NRA Endowment Member
NROI Level I Range Officer / USPSA

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?

__________________
--FJC

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.

__________________
Chad D. Cassetty
KY Concealed Carry Instructor, NRA Endowment Member
NROI Level I Range Officer / USPSA

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.

__________________
--FJC