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Thread: Supergrade KA-BOOM!!

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    8th February 2011
    Location
    Southern Colorado
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    Supergrade KA-BOOM!!

    I have a friend who owns several Wilson pistols. He recently had to send his supergrade back to Wilson for a feeding problem. Service was excellent and he got the gun back in short order. Went to the range (indoor) to wring it out. He fired an entire box of Magnum brand factory new 230gr. ball ammo. He then switched to whatever brand of defense ammo Wilson is currently recommending and on the third or fourth round, out of the first magazine, the barrel and slide split and the slide locked in place.

    Only two things I can think of that would cause this type of catastrophic failure; 1.Plugged barrel from a squib round. 2.Factory ammo with 2 or 3 charges of powder.

    Wondering if anyone may have additional theories?? Any similar experiences with Wilson pistols??

    The barrel split in to three sections, longitudinally (not able to get the slide off so do not know how far down the barrel the split continues, but it is certainly split at the crown), and the slide split just to the left of the front sight, as you are facing the muzzle.

    Any enlightenment/comments will be most welcome.

    Gary

  2. #2
    Join Date
    12th February 2009
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    Quote Originally Posted by dasroofr View Post
    I have a friend who owns several Wilson pistols. He recently had to send his supergrade back to Wilson for a feeding problem. Service was excellent and he got the gun back in short order. Went to the range (indoor) to wring it out. He fired an entire box of Magnum brand factory new 230gr. ball ammo. He then switched to whatever brand of defense ammo Wilson is currently recommending and on the third or fourth round, out of the first magazine, the barrel and slide split and the slide locked in place.

    Only two things I can think of that would cause this type of catastrophic failure; 1.Plugged barrel from a squib round. 2.Factory ammo with 2 or 3 charges of powder.

    Wondering if anyone may have additional theories?? Any similar experiences with Wilson pistols??

    The barrel split in to three sections, longitudinally (not able to get the slide off so do not know how far down the barrel the split continues, but it is certainly split at the crown), and the slide split just to the left of the front sight, as you are facing the muzzle.

    Any enlightenment/comments will be most welcome.

    Gary
    Yikes!
    Almost always a split barrel means squib. Double charge usually blows the case head down and out through the magwell area. Make sure he contacts info@wilsoncombat,com so we can take a look.

    Never heard of "Magnum" brand ammo. Is that a reload?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    2nd June 2004
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    I agree with WilsonCombatRep. Longitudinal splits running down the barrel are virtually always the result of a squib that stuck a projectile in the barrel.
    Hawkmoon
    On a good day, can hit the broad side of a barn ... from the inside

  4. #4
    Join Date
    30th March 2015
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    S.R. of MD
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    Nice to know that the gun stayed in one piece and no one was injured, though I probably would be a little upset if it were my gun.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    9th March 2006
    Location
    Grand Rapids, MI
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    I agree with WilsonCombatRep. Double charges go down the mag well. Makes a mess. Been there, done that, didn't like it at all.
    Jim

  6. #6
    Join Date
    6th April 2014
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    Since it was not mentioned, I’m assuming no injuries which is good. I would hate to blow up any gun let alone a Supergrade. I’m sure Wilson will diagnose the problem but as it certainly sounds like a squib the cost of a new slide and barrel will most likely be on the owner.

    I have used Wilson Customer Service on a couple of my Wilson’s and they are the best in the business.
    NRA Benefactor Life Member, GOA Member, MGO Member

  7. #7
    Join Date
    30th June 2011
    Location
    Washington State
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    Seems to me that a squib would probably cause a malfunction, causing the shooter to be aware that something was wrong and to check for the squib.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    29th August 2017
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    Possibly, the squib load was mistaken for a dead round or misfire.

    The gun was then cycled manually without noticing that the ejected case was empty and ... KA-BOOM.

    -

  9. #9
    Join Date
    8th February 2011
    Location
    Southern Colorado
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    Good morning, Rep. Thank you for your prompt response. You are correct, it was Magtech ammunition. Sorry for the incorrect post. (spellcheck?) Ammunition was factory new.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    8th February 2011
    Location
    Southern Colorado
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    Megafiddle, I imagined the same scenario. When I questioned him, he insisted the slide did not have to be manually cycled. I am thinking he was concentrating on his shot placement and didn't notice the light recoil of a squib round and, somehow, there was enough "oomph" to cycle the slide?? Anyways, the pistol is on its' way back to Wilson for evaluation. I will share any information when we know more. Note:The Magtech ammunition was not being fired when this gun blew up. The entire box had been shot through the pistol. He was shooting a brand of defense ammunition recommended by Wilson. Not sure what brand that was.

    Thanks to all!!!

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