The Evolution of Wilson Combat 1911s with Massad Ayoob and Bill Wilson - Critical Mas ep 36

[@loosemeatsamich3689]

The 1911 has been, and will always be my favorite pistol.

[@RUSH_E431]

@@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.

[@rw3915]

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.

[@ms.annthrope415]

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.

[@terryschiller2625]

Thank you Massad and Bill. Enjoy these talks so much.

[@chrishynes6091]

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.

[@GeorgeSemel]

Welcome to the ranch, did Massad ever actually leave?

[@ericbertoch673]

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… 😜

[@deadeye566]

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.

[@samhicks7568]

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.

[@harrydexter8426]

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!!!

[@harrydexter8426]

@@user-cl2py9ml8x good

[@terrellstandefer6646]

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.

[@Yoda052]

My everyday carry preference will always be a .38 super, I just wish there were more options.

[@CCW1911]

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.

[@colton100]

Carry a Commander in Super 38 every day myself

[@carlcrisp8700]

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.

[@Jeffburney89TEN]

​@@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.

[@Dennisthemenace40]

@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. 👍👍

[@christopherbishop4927]

Ditto/thanks for your incredible knowledge

[@Jeffburney89TEN]

Nope it's not practical but mainly for compensation. "Mines bigger than yours".

[@pimpovic2]

​@@Jeffburney89TENspoken like a micro peen. People like what they like, it's not always about exerting dominance lol

[@deatz8997]

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!

[@Jeffburney89TEN]

Cmon you know you can afford one they're not expensive.

[@ColombianaHermosa]

ANYONE KNOW A WILSON COMBAT PROMO CODE? IT'S OCT 30TH NOW

[@PistolasFritas]

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 😁

[@amack1996]

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!!

[@tireballastserviceofflorid7771]

Yes. Clark Custom Guns if I remember right.

[@jimsiress9687]

Absolutely the correct assumption. 👍

[@JG54206]

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.

[@jimsiress9687]

@@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 👍

[@JG54206]

@@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.

[@TheRealZJE313]

Wow and now the cheapest 1911 that Willson combat makes is 2500 and thats the starting price.wow

[@JustAnumbr]

Does Wilson still do tuning on non Wilson guns?

[@terrenceb.9860]

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.

[@thatkajunguy8029]

I'm beginning to believe Massas lives at Wilson Ranch, lol Congratulations on your success Mr Wilson

[@randallkelley3599]

PPC- Now that's a name I have not heard in a long time! (Oby Wan)..

[@IAF7]

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. 👍

[@RUSH_E431]

Someday, when all my kids have moved out, I'll get me an sfx9.

[@markphilpot8734]

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!

[@ronbailiff2832]

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)

[@TommyboyGTP]

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.

[@l67swap1]

I'd buy a Wilson in 357 SIG today if they released one

[@chipsterb4946]

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.

[@TommyboyGTP]

@@l67swap1 Me too

[@jsg650h1]

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

[@joshpomponio2993]

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

[@michaelfay794]

Better than Hill Street blues. You two are tops in my book. And I do love my 3.25" SFX9.

[@patrickferryman6579]

Why more self defense 1911s? Better triggers, less felt recoil. Can be double stacked as is the case with the 2011's

[@John1911]

The money and sales (read units) is in the consumer sales side. Not the race gun side. But…Wilson Combat has a completely in-house shooting team that travels the country. Wilson’s double stack was shown in the table. Their X-frame guns are 15+1 & 18+1. A Wilson double stack is way slimmer than a 2011 style gun because the 2011’s waste a lot of space putting 9mm in a 45 caliber body.

[@spudthompson1414]

Congratulations comatiching In drag racing and building motors is what made me better .

[@mattgonzales810]

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!

[@tnapierala]

Please, please, change the sound engineer. Very poor sound in recent videos.

[@mellamolucero]

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.

[@manuelmvega7040]

Hey theres a guy pretending to be you offering that you won a giveaway gun, so pay for shipping be aware.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Yes. Please report it if you see him.

[@BLACKWOLF-1911]

So I can send my 45 lightweight ronin commander to you and have a certain package of upgrades done on it?

[@John1911]

Wilson works on other’s guns, yes.

[@normanmallory2055]

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 !

[@RedHuntsman]

Why did they want over powered 38 Super in competition?

[@markduncan4101]

Two great Americans talking. We are lucky they are willing to share the knowledge.

[@jesussaves2043]

Not many people can make Mas grin like that. These two are like long lost brothers.

[@nyghtmyst5118]

Question do you do up other manufacturers guns ie tune and make reliable or do you just sell them now

[@John1911]

Yes, they work on other makes if you send yours in.

[@nyghtmyst5118]

@@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

[@hkschubert9938]

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.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Right on

[@christophercolt1361]

AND STILL FALLS SHORT OF A Paul Liebenberg Made Pachmayer Combat Special OR A Claudio Salassas Briley Custom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jimsiress9687]

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 👍

[@jimsiress9687]

@@user-cl2py9ml8x Who is Wilso'M' Combat ??? Nobody from there would attempt contact on this forum. You are a scammer & are STUPID ! 🖕

[@spudthompson1414]

I like a heavy pistol to I shoot them better.

[@user-mm4je1sb9b]

A great American success story!

[@tomjohnson755]

I’d love to know who those 2 “big name” gunsmiths with whom Bill was unhappy.

[@tomjohnson755]

@@user-cl2py9ml8xreplying as instructed. Did I win a new 1911?

[@crusader4273]

Ed Brown Evo KC9🏆🏁 E9. 🏆🏁 ☝🏼

[@turkeyhunter7617]

These guys are awesome

[@N98858]

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!

[@gowilsoncombat]

Very nice!

[@pimpovic2]

Be wary of the ME monster 😂

[@Mike-pe1fz]

Just my opinion.... but I don't consider it a 1911 unless it is chambered in the original 45 ACP 70 series that is what John Browning intended. Ok I am old fashion that way, but also, I do like and own 9mm's in modern striker fired configuration. But each his own.

[@9mmpeter255]

Yo Bill, why you so red???

[@josephroberts7597]

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.

[@brianb3628]

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!

[@keithkent8126]

It’s too bad the average American working man or woman can’t afford your guns Bill . I have a couple of your older guns back when you where humble and pricing was reasonable. It’s really hard out there haven’t you noticed! Bet not !

[@rodgerbooth1064]

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.

[@troyheffernan1261]

Just received my wilson combat Ranger AR custom paint. It'd bad ass. Thanks bill for an outstanding rifle.

[@keithsaunders2532]

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.

[@barefoofDr]

I've got a Gov. 1911 A1 that will out shoot any Wilson 1911 Combat. I know because I've shot the Wilson combat 1911.

[@Terryo6781]

I believe Mike plaxco started the compensators maybe invented it, not sure maybe bill remembers 1981 or 82

[@michealfigueroa6325]

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.

[@mikehunter5046]

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

[@steveeichele648]

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!

[@LowIQinHQ]

Wow he actually let’s bill talk :). Been Ken the convo would like “I hate to interrupt…” video ends “bill do you agree?”

[@AmericanPride42]

Someday I hope to have enough disposable income to actually buy an SFX9. They ain't cheap!

[@shadowprepper9358]

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

[@eddietat95]

Wilson = quality. Please send as much stuff as you can up north to Canada! We're currently in panic buy mode.

[@johnenglish4652]

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.

[@billhatcher2984]

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

[@Coopdog1911]

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? :)

[@thinman8621]

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.

[@markpoore3260]

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.

[@randynopasri]

Amazing walk thru the history of WC, nice expose fellas...

[@xunheilvsnipezx3324]

I'd love to see a sfx in 30 super carry, that thing would be slick.... Howdy howdy from Tucson

[@kinzieconrad105]

Pretty sure I got one of your 1911 compensator absolute witchcraft.

[@rexhinlo3398]

I think it's safe to say that one of Bill Wilson's early 1911 build should have a place at the Smithsonian Institute.

[@lens7859]

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. ??

[@johnnybagofdoughnuts4193]

The fact that the ergonomics and trigger pull of a 1911 are still the standard, is remarkable.

[@waynecastleman1363]

I will eventually get a 38 Super, maybe a Wilson custom 😍

[@sweetooth133]

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!

[@hawghawg381]

Springfield emissary 9mm. Good new gun

[@tireballastserviceofflorid7771]

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.

[@John1911]

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

[@tireballastserviceofflorid7771]

@@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]

@@tireballastserviceofflorid7771 roger that.

[@tireballastserviceofflorid7771]

@@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.

[@John1911]

@@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

[@elijahbrooks8589]

Would Bill take the risk today in this market to start his own brand in the firearms industry.

[@edwardbiasi37]

Legends!

[@Sagittariustoo]

Another excellent and interesting video, Thanks Massad and Bill.

[@TexasRoadWarrior]

As always, love watching and listening to the history of WC and guns in general! Thanks !

[@cheesenoodles8316]

Learned allot about the secret life of the 1911 from WC.

[@spudthompson1414]

I like my wood grips on all my guns rifle and pistols.

[@Mauser304]

Interesting and informative. I always like these videos.

[@spudthompson1414]

And I like a heavy gun to I start with the pistol down and raise it to target and shoot.

[@trulyhappy8855]

So cool to hear his story. Amazing accomplishments!

[@mikethomas5412]

I love the information y'all share on this channel. Thank you!

[@irafowlerjr.7492]

love this history, wonderful. thanks

[@matthewsdad28]

Was that friend from MO, John & Gina?

[@DirkDiggler6903]

Bill and Mass, two great Americans!

[@americandad8903]

What does the tapered muzzle do for the pistol and how?

[@CrazyPetez]

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!

[@CrazyPetez]

@@user-cl2py9ml8x Thank you. I’m not sure what this messaging on TELEGRAM is all about, but here I am.

[@midwestg4105]

As always, thx for the video. You two are the best!

[@col.mustard1233]

anyone know a smith that can make springs?

[@CountryBoy-zl4fh]

As a IPSC shooter starting back in the late 80's, I really enjoyed the trip back in time with Bill's guns. I doubt shooters today really appreciate just how far we've come from the guns we shot back in the day.

[@CCW1911]

Hell I was there, shot with Bill every week for years.

[@gman5626]

Great video, Thank you!

[@benignoalvarez9398]

Love the guns but I think 🤔 is about time you make a double stack.45 4.25 commander !!!

[@benignoalvarez9398]

@@user-cl2py9ml8x sorry but I don’t have telegram