What Guns Does Bill Wilson Love To Shoot? - Pythons, Berettas, The SFX9 & More! - Gun Guys EP61

During the recent trip to Idaho to visit Ken Hackathorn, Bill Wilson's brought along some of his favorite guns to take to the range. Bill shows a variety of revolvers and auto pistols that he has shot significantly. Bill and Ken explain why it is important as gun guys, to own and know how to shoot a number of different handguns.
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ABOUT BILL WILSON Bill Wilson has always been infatuated with guns. Originally trained as a watchmaker, he has been in the firearms industry since 1974, starting out with a retail store called Sportsman's Headquarters in Berryville, Arkansas. Since that humble beginning, he has built Wilson Combat into the largest and most successful custom firearms company in America. Since 1977 Wilson Combat has been the leading innovator in high-performance, custom 1911 handguns, tactical long guns and accessories. A Wilson Combat product’s unmatched level of exceptional reliability and peerless craftsmanship is only equaled by our legendary customer service. Wilson Combat is proud to service all levels of local and State law enforcement including The Department of Homeland Security, US Border Patrol, HQ SOCOM, US Marshal's Service, US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Diplomatic Security Service, Texas Rangers and many more elite law enforcement and military units worldwide. We are also pleased to support the needs of thousands of law-abiding private citizens in the United States and in many other countries abroad.
ABOUT KEN HACKATHORN Ken Hackathorn has served as a US Army Special Forces Small Arms Instructor, Gunsite Instructor, and NRA Police Firearms Instructor. He is currently an FBI Certified Firearms Instructor, and an SRT member and Special Response Team trainer. Ken has trained US Military Special Operations forces, Marine FAST and SOTG units and is a contract small arms trainer to FBI SWAT and HRT. Ken has provided training to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and been active in small arms training for the past 25 years. He has written firearms related material for Guns & Ammo, Combat Handguns, Soldier Of Fortune, and currently American Handgunner and contributed to at least six other gun/shooting journals. Ken was also a founding member of IPSC and IDPA.
0:00 - Bill's Favorite Range Guns
2:40 - Smith & Wesson Model 19-3
5:25 - Colt Python 4" Nickel
10:15 - Ruger GP100
13:05 - S&W Model 18 .22
14:40 - Beretta/Wilson 92G Brigadier Tactical
17:00 - eXperior Commander
18:40 - SFX9 4" 15rd
21:00 - SFT9 4.25" 15rd
23:45 - Ken's Swenson Tribute Gun
#GunGuys #BillWilson #KenHackathorn

[@gowilsoncombat]

What gun do you love to shoot?

[@daviddalton8996]

I have a highly modified G19X that is sweet to shoot, plus a Beretta 92X RDO I absolutely love as well. However my next gun is going to be a Wilson‼️This whole gun thing is addictive… in a good way.

[@ricardoramos2468]

I have a Beretta Centurion Tactical by Wilson Combat, but I am anxious to shoot my new acquisition W.C. CQB full size chambered in 9mm. I haven't had the time to go to the range, it will be a lot fun!

[@killshot2534]

Full size Wilson combat Xtac in .45 and my edc Sig 365 XL.

[@ENEN54]

Taurus .45 automatic 😎

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

GP100 .357

[@gryphonz3]

I love that Bill shoot's a GP-100. That is a true 'Gun Guy' considering the hardware he has access to on a daily basis.

[@jeffmurphy9987]

A GP 100 is built like a tank!

[@sweetooth133]

Love that Ken and Bill called out the online safety agents. Good job gentlemen.

[@thisyoucantrust]

I'm sure Ken slamming his palm on the ejector rod on that 4" nickel Colt Python probably led to that gun not closing properly after he handed it off to Bill 😄

[@billhoppe2991]

Thanks guys. You truly are"The Gun Guys" in this old man's heart. It brings me so much joy to watch and listen to you guys enjoy and share the guns I've loved all my life. Safety Nazis get a life.

[@williammatthews2948]

The safety nazi's also need to get a hobby.

[@jordan5881]

Ken breaks Bill’s favorite gun then hands it back to him 🤣🤣

[@amack1996]

“Your Python just broke, Bill.”😂

[@paulscountry456]

These two are great at conversation, a wealth of knowlege.

[@TradinTigerJohn]

10:25 "...nothing fancy or historic...just a good shootin' gun." Now *there's* a gun guy! Awesome presentation of some of the best firearms ever made, Bill. There's a lot of experience, wisdom, and practicality on display in these brief 25 minutes! Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@roykiefer7713]

Thank you, gentlemen, VERY much. As an old (76) hand-gunner, who grew up with Smith K and N Frames, this video - and your astute opinions - mean a great deal to me. Your efforts to make “The Gun Guys” available are truly appreciated.

[@BehindTheGoldenCurtain]

Great stuff from two legends. The GP100 and the Beretta are my two favorite.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Right on

[@joelorenti3047]

Had the python, beretta, and the S& W 19. all great guns. That 1971 Python shot one hole at 15 yards with .38 's . ultimate trigger. Single action was pure smooth NO creep. , ZERO creep!

[@robertfish4052]

Wow. Ken Hackathorn. I've not heard that mame in a while. Used to read articles in the gun mags by him. Nice one Mr Ken.

[@gvines]

im 48 years old and i love all the same guns you guys do! i really am jealous of the age you guys grew up in because of all the damn revolvers! i cant say enough how much i love to watch these videos and hear little things like colt extractor spoke is shorter than SW. Thank you guys!

[@edwinchandeck7231]

Totally agree, never thought that one day I would see Bill Wilson saying that he enjoys and likes an almost factory standard GP100, that says a lot about the Ruger.

[@gvines]

@@edwinchandeck7231 You make a very good point. I have good experience with Rugers also. I love the Mini 14!

[@brianwinters5434]

My favorite handgun is my 1977 vintage Ruger Blackhawk 71/2 inch 45 colt/acp that I purc. hased in 1977 when I turned 21 and now i am 66. I lost count at 85k rounds some years Including 10 k Ruger only loads.

[@robertscott2210]

Uh oh, Ken broke Bills Python. You're in big trouble now mister 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@edjacala3025]

Thanks Bill and Ken for presenting your favorite pistols. It’s not your first rodeo on handling guns and are therefore keeping it safe as professionals. Looking forward on your next episodes!

[@mp55124]

j

[@tigerman3]

I've only had the opportunity to shoot one Wilson Combat 1911. Hands down, the smoothest and best 1911 I've ever shot. Of the guns I own, I love shooting my Dan Wesson Vigil's and my PM-38.

[@Chiller01]

If you’re not comfortable with saying it I’m ok with it,”Go pound sand.” Really lovely array of handguns. My taste runs to CZ and H&K but it’s whatever you shoot well.

[@WGH-ef5ze]

When I retired from LE the 1st Time in 2015 my bride gave me an open PO to Wilson Combat (Good woman). I called up and ordered my last off duty gun. It is a Sentinel Compact in 9mm with the LW frame, bullet proof mag well, round butt- I omitted all slide marking by the WC logo on the right side of the slide behind the rear cocking serrations, Blk Armor - Tuff and had a gold bead front sight installed (Ken might know a thing or two so I took his (KZbin) advice). This pistol runs 8 in the mag and one in the tube and I've put about 7-8 thousand rounds through the pistol. This little 3.6" barrel is a tack driver. Great every day shooter. In Dec of 21 I picked up a WC EDCX9s and like the one above it to is a tack driver. Like Bill said, something about these cone barrel guns, they tack better in recoil and the point of aim- groups - Nothing better. Much thanks for the guns we love to shoot vid. very enjoyable. love to shoot these WC pistols

[@williammatthews2948]

I hope you give your wife a big hug every day. Reminds me of my wife, a real keeper.

[@chente.r1969]

Gentlemen thank you, your passion is contagious, your sharing of knowledge admirable.

[@greggorymccarthy672]

very cool bill

[@Sacarat]

Love how Bill safety checks the pistol in front of Ken, hands it over, and Ken immediately safety checks it again.

[@thegobblerproject2363]

Becomes habit after a while. Or at least it should be

[@user-ks6hr7vb9h]

It's because they are fun to play with

[@bryanr.4947]

Thank you Ken, for pointing out one of my pet peeves. People who get upset at a muzzle pointing at a camera when a video is being made. They have to be reassured that they won't be shot watching a video on KZbin or they will make a comment trying to correct a person who was filmed days or even years ago from shooting them while they are sitting in their lazy-boy at home.

[@gx12]

Would love to see Wilson Combat upgrade some CZ’s. Be they 75s, SP01s, P-7/9/10, or Shadows, I think a Wilson CZ would be pretty slick.

[@sigberetta72]

Agreed! CZ Wilson Combat would be great

[@gx12]

@@sigberetta72 Fingers crossed for a Wilson CZ 97B. Maybe they could create a high capacity magazine for it.

[@tomjohnson755]

I have video suggestion. Do a gun guys on all the 9mm platforms Wilson builds, explaining differences etc. Different models are coming so fast and appear so similar I get a little confused. IMO, you can leave off the Glocks and sigs. I think we understand those pretty well.

[@kendelvalle8299]

Recently acquired a full sized 9mm Sig 320 X. Best striker fire I've ever owned. Use it as my CCW with an IWB kydex. Don't like small pistols except for very deep cover. I am 75 and been shooting since age 15. Former operator and then contractor/body guard/merc. I've owned them all, from HP's through the most modern strikers. Sig 320 X is the best. Gotta have enough gun!

[@Kaizergeld]

Ken’s face after he tried the trigger on the 19-3 is exactly how these episodes make me feel. I’ve watched every one of them and continue to go back and catch subtle things every time.

[@baconatordoom]

These two complement each other perfectly. Ken likes to talk over everyone. Bill is a bit of a social introvert. A man of few words.

[@ericstrange3094]

My son and son-in-law are both retired PA State Police. At one time in the recent past the service pistol was the Sig 227 in 45 ACP. Sig has since discontinued the pistol but I was impressed with its handling and accuracy. Would appreciate hearing you two gentleman's thoughts on the gun.

[@tonycee1144]

Ken you Guys ARE THE bEST FOR ME GOOD LOCK

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

My favorite gun was my uncle Bill's 1980 vintage Colt Gold Cup. It had been gone over by Robbie Barkman who was the Smith at Gunsite. Barstow barrel, buried Bomars, electroless nickel frame and a trigger job that I have never seen the equal of. It featured what Mr. Barkman called "good creep'. You could feel the shot breaking but not stop it. I shot a seven round off hand 50 yd. group with it that was amazing. And it was a handsome pistol with the highly polished blued slide. Was looking at a Wilson Classic recently but did not see a polished blue option for it.

[@bevofan123]

I love when Ken lays it down. 😂

[@bevofan123]

I think a video with Ken and Bill discussing GP100s would be a hit!

[@lavida57]

Ken is just a guy you could sit with and talk.

[@pmwheatley]

You guys are serious troublemakers! I just added three guns to my wish list.

[@JamesJones-yj8ku]

Conversation like these makes appreciate fine firearm’s. Conversation like these reminds me of the much saner world I grew up in. Keep up the good work

[@90thReenactor]

10:12 - The look of a Smith & Wesson guy when the sacred cow (or should I say "sacred python?") inevitably breaks. Unbeatable.

[@dirkderolf4021]

Thanks for another great video. You teach without effort as you reminisce. What a wealth of knowledge between the two of you, and what a pleasure it is to listen.

[@petecymbalak650]

I just purchased my first WC! 4” Experior double stack!! AMAZING trigger! Waiting on my holster to be able to carry… flawless and no failures at all with about 300 rounds down range! Worth every cent!!

[@midwestg4105]

First center fire handgun I ever purchased was a Model 19 Combat Magnum with recessed chambers for the case heads and 4" bbl. That was 1977; and I still have it! Thanks for your videos!! They are great!! PS--I know y'all are Safety First!

[@davidabney7700]

I carried a Colt Official Police .38 (post war prod.) for most of my LE career. I got started in LE in 1971, our PD-issue was the S&W Model 10-5 .38, pretty much standard for many agencies in 1971. The first Christmas after my start in police work, I received a second-hand Colt OP from my Dad & Mom, the one already mentioned, as a Christmas present. My Dad thought his eldest son would be better suited and protected by a Colt than the issued Model 10. My knowledge of firearms was just in it's beginning stages in 71, but right off the bat, after several range sessions with my second-hand OP, I liked the trigger-action of the Colt over the S&W. We still did single-action fire for qualifying then and the Colt was superior in this type of fire. The double-action pull had that tell-tale stack that S&W fans then caterwauled about. But that "never" hurt my shooting scores when qualifying, later, after single-action fire was eliminated out of our State Mandated Course of Fire. In a career that spanned many years, my on-duty OP would first wear Herrett "Shooting Star" Target grips that replaced those tiny factory grip panels that were original to the gun. It was a former PD issue, straight from the Port Authority Police that had sold off its surplus duty revolvers in early 1971. My particular OP was a 1959 era Colt, worn blue finish from previous cop wear, a four-inch barrel and a trigger-action that hand gunners dream about. As time passed, so did my understanding of the mechanics, the history, and the reasons for its production cease in 1969. In short, labor cost spelled the demise of a great service revolver in the past war times starting in the early 1960's. My Colt, along with other purchased OP's, became my closest partner in the very unsure world of being a cop in America. I had it retimed twice, like a fine sports car, it needed a "involved" owner that paid attention to its trigger-cycle. Smooth as glass when timed right! The OP was the father of the Python. The frame was the same, and the trigger-action was a "hand-honed" and "hand fitted" build by a Colt Master Craftsman. The difference of the two (OP/Python) was the barrel, the adjustable sight of the Python, and the "royal blue" finish that distinguishes the Python as a cut above. The .38 Service Revolvers that Colt put out prior to 1969, all had hand-honed and hand-fitted triggers. Years later, as a retired Reserve Deputy, I carried a Colt Police Positive Special .38 (4"bbl., blue) when doing Court Security. The lightweight, compact, and ultra reliable Police Positive Special was ideal for this type of work. An aging lawman's hip can use a little help when standing herd over inmates waiting for a court hearing.I'm sorry for the length of this post. Just a old retired lawman wanting to share his Colt story with like-minded folks. Thanks for this great video!

[@gavindonnelly4767]

As a left handed shooter in law enforcement, I carried a 1911 . I found the ambi safety occasionally got bumped off during my shift. I ground the safety flat on the left side. It fixed the problem and made the gun somewhat user proprietary. Made the move to 9’s in the early 2000’s. Haven’t looked back. Nice guns, great video!

[@Gary1911A1]

Going to order a GP100 this weekend for sure now.

[@gatekeeper3232]

I grew up reading everything I could written by these guys. Also Ayoob, Smith, Cooper, Taffin, and countless others. Being able to watch these videos is so very rewarding and I’m grateful you guys are filming them.

[@JimJones762x39]

80's- 90's Gun mags were the best

[@justenzo928]

Got the 3” Python as my first wheel gun, but had a barrel clocking issue, so I sent it back, while the Python was getting fixed I got the 6” GP100, and boy it’s a fun range gun, very pleasant to shoot, and easy to service. I did my own trigger job and WC springs at home and it’s one smooth gun after the tuning

[@alvanacore914]

Great job. All good stuff with no fluff. Very informative, interesting and funny. “Bill your Python just broke” LOL

[@robertreed7915]

Totally agree about the ambi safeties. I’ve had mine accidentally get swiped off before as well. Love listening to you guys! Please keep the videos coming.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Our pleasure!

[@rxstarscream]

Great vid. Love how you guys take your time in these sit-downs, really go through the motions. Gives the viewer a chance to take it all in.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Thanks 👍

[@tk423b]

Had an LCR sent it back. Broke again. She said “what I can do to make this right”. I said send me an SP-101. She sure did. Thing is a tank. Love it.

[@AndyCigars]

Would be such a cool and fun experience to attend a range day with these guys. Cheers!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Thank you Ken and BIll.. I'll only have one pistol for carry soon and I think it will be a glock 19 or glock 48.. I'l get a .22 Ruger probably for pests.. Ken, I don't want a red dot either. I'm also an old geezer! 61 and I still like night sights. I will be trying the pyramid sights too, just to try them. I used to carry a model 66 K frame for years with 2.5" barrel, and then I bought a model 13 and loved it with a 3 inch barrel. I also carried a series 70 1911 for many years and had it tuned with a trigger job and so it would shoot hollow points and it was a sweet gun. Great show guys.. Thanks so much.. They are just tools to me.. Thanks guys.. Really appreciate it.

[@spidykat7188]

1972 was a good year, I came out that year as well.... 👍

[@Diddley-js6lf]

My favorite is my Judge 9” barrel I use for rabbit hunting and my backup gun for Deer Hunting.

[@bengriffith218]

Wow, it’s remarkable how much more stable that wedge grip is, even in a static, safety on- over pulling pressure on the trigger.

[@MichaelKallelisOn2Wheels]

I learn so much from your videos. Thank you for doing them.

[@kolejohnson73]

Back in the 90s my Dad was a Minneapolis PD range officer and Beretta came in with a box of options. At the end he and I each bought one. I bought a 92 D, DAO, with a factory equipped 92fs decocker safety slide. I never really cared for the Berettas back then and let go of it unfortunately. Funny thing was we got a down line visit from ATF awhile later. I sold it thru my cousin's gun shop we worked at and it was eventually used in a crime. So they went from Beretta to the wholesaler to MPD to us to the shop, tracking the history. I have a 90s m9 commerotive model now. Had a 92fs combat "stainless" with Ferrar grips and night sights I let go to. Hearing these sage's talk about old reliable shooting irons makes me miss several of my mistakes.😢

[@wilderwyoming]

I totally loved this video with Mr. Wilson.

[@lisabussiere6469]

Really enjoy you guys. Thanks for what you do

[@MrEmoor]

I love these Gun Guys segments you do. I recently purchased the SFX9 in 4 inch, and like Bill, I find I shoot it pretty darn well. The only problem I have with it is that it’s turned me off to other guns! I start to look at other pistols and think “Why?” It is the finest shooter I’ve ever owned.

[@markmalone279]

Ken broke Bill's Python!!!

[@Saint0fPain]

Someone at Wilson tell us what happened to the Python! I’m dying to know.

[@CIRCLEDARK]

I wonder if Ken bent the extractor rod by smacking it like he did. The old Pythons aren’t known for being the most robust wheelguns.

[@craigglover4344]

@@CIRCLEDARK I actually winced when he did it!

[@thinman8621]

Sitting on the porch on a pleasant day looking over some old and new guns. Looking good. Thanks

[@nursesteve12]

Back in the day, (early 1980's), when I shot IPSC, I never saw a Python in competition. Lot's of Smiths, especially the 586 series but no Pythons. I put it up to the fact that no one wanted to abuse their Pythons on weekly matches. What is your experience? thx.

[@kellyheath6293]

Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your selections with years of experience behind each one.

[@four4bman979]

Thank you for another great video of these two! I don’t have a Model 19, I do have a Model 66-2 w/2-1/2 inch bbl 357 Mag , that is the stainless steel version of the Model 19, stoked with SuperVels and carried in a Desantis pancake holster and Pachmayer grips.I inherited it from my late father.

[@tywatts7834]

You guys get to have a lot of fun

[@ericbertoch673]

Thanks from the great (and free) State of Wyoming! Always enjoy the personal preferences along with the wealth of knowledge from both of you.

[@anthonybonomo5670]

Love listening to these two guys!

[@56hueycobra]

I Have a 1977 COLT PYTHON With a Four Inch Barrel My First Pistol I Own Mr. Wilson !!!

[@mrgreenjeans2929]

Man, your videos are like me sitting down with two old friends, reminiscing about the good old days of our youth out in the woods with out model 18's and 19's. Keep them coming, you guys are the true face of America. Numbers 6: 24-26

[@paulwehrenberg2641]

Wilson Combat are the BEST!!!!

[@kylewood8327]

Awesome video for sure! My first gun was a S&W 19-4, 6 inch bought back in 1982. Shot a lot of magnums in the early days, not so much anymore. So I can relate to Ken as having a preference to S&W.

[@BrianBigDog]

2 gun legends, thank you for sharing!

[@Diddley-js6lf]

I just know one thing I sure love your Wilson Grip Modules. They are way better then the factory Modules. I can’t wait for the 365 X macro Module so it makes that firearm better then what it already is.

[@ammooth1592]

I want 1 of them 2. Particular Centurion 9mm Beretta ✅

[@Ret2Play]

As a woman new to the hobby, really enjoy listening to these conversations between two legends about something I’m growing to love more each day. 👍🏾😊

[@gowilsoncombat]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@raymondkoehler9299]

Great show , keep it going .

[@christophermccormick2714]

Thx! Loved the video!

[@scottzipperer6146]

I have over150 model 19 all pinned and recessed no dash to dash4 2.5 to 8. 38 absolutely love them

[@sicilianr1]

That was cool, makes me want to go revolver shopping.

[@Cludden79]

I am still glad I found this channel. Videos with real meaty content! :)

[@Cludden79]

My CZ shadow 2 is still my favourite :P

[@markraymond3198]

I am not poor, but I bought a Girsan 10mm 1911 and I absolutely love it! Someday I will own a Wilson Combat product. Thanks guys! Love your videos.

[@johnouellet4099]

Great episode

[@ecleveland1]

Lots of great guns!

[@brianwinters5434]

I have mild loss of sensation in my fingertips so a 1911 is not safe for me. So I use a cz 75 BD. I have the benefit of a steel frame 9 but more rounds than a 1911 and the decocker feature. So each first shot is long but smooth double action for me.

[@patcoder7308]

Ken's like me calls like he sees them don't ever change

[@rogerholmes7295]

Love your videos. Great views from experienced knowledgable guys. Thanks

[@gowilsoncombat]

Thanks for watching!

[@sisleymichael]

Ken, thanks for addressing the "new" Smiths quality or lack of quality. I will not touch them. My old Smiths are FANTASTIC. And as for Ruger? I agree, every working man can buy a Ruger and shoot it his whole life. They are built life a tank.

[@CacheCropp]

Thank you for another great video. Of all the revolvers I’ve tried, the GP100 Wiley Clapp model has the best DA trigger. Of all the DA semi autos I’ve tried, the Beretta 92 LTT has the best trigger. Hoping to get a Wilson Combat 92 someday.

[@johnelder7449]

Thank you for a great video

[@kennethlopez9677]

Ken. Thanks for the safety bulletin. You guys are pros and your handling is top notch. Thanks for pointing the arm chair safety bandits out. No worries. IF they concentrated on the content of your videos, they would gain a lot on gun safety and gun history. Thank you and Bill for the great videos. I always grab an adult beverage and enjoy your videos. And a shout out to massad ayoob. Great guys talking about great guns. Thumbs up on these wonderful videos!

[@allenlarabie8854]

Great podcast.. absorbing your knowledge.. watching from Northeastern Ontario Canada 🇨🇦

[@gowilsoncombat]

Thanks for watching!

[@samadams9557]

Love these videos. But! I always leave wanting a new gun! Thanks for taking the time to put these out. Much appreciated.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Glad you like them!

[@ammooth1592]

Either .357 Magnum or Centurion 9mm Beretta would be a great Christmas 🎄 gift 4 ME....

[@tonybennett638]

Excellent.. I live in Australia but did a fly drive some 4,500 miles of the US in 2018 and drove through Idaho on the way from Utah to Wyoming lovely part of the world had a breakfast that couldn't be beat in a little place call Driggs.👍

[@Pompomgrenade]

Thanks for your wisdom

[@rogerholmes7295]

My favorites are my 1911s. Colt gold cup, dan wesson valor and kimbers

[@ronaldhowdeshell8628]

I noticed that Ken opened and checked the weapons before talking more.

[@OGFC]

Thanks guys. Good show

[@pauldowning3996]

Captivating!

[@jeffreybonell4641]

Would love the 4” sfx9 with the subcompact frame and some extended magazines. That would cover a lot of bases.