Range Report: Wilson Combat SFX9 (3.25 inch barrel)

[@thetexasgunvault]

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[@IveGotonethatCanSee]

WC’s are works of Art beautiful in every way

[@thetexasgunvault]

They do make great stuff!

[@jaceprovo]

I own this, the Staccato CS and the Nighthawk Counselor as well. I own and carry this gun primarily and it has a few quirks. The pronounced back strap makes for building a good grip a little more challenging and the Wilson trigger is…different. I took the trigger down to 2.5 lbs from stock 4 and shot a lot of rounds and now i love it. It is so comfortable and perfectly rounded. 3.25 in barrels are hard to shoot accurately and requires effort. I have never had a misfire or FTF/FTE and it eats all ammo. It is the best subcompact/officer 1911/2011 out there.

[@thetexasgunvault]

That is a wonderful comment and a ringing endorsement.

[@jvz1448]

Do you think it’s better than the Counselor only because of capacity? I’ve been thinking of selling my counselor/delegate hybrid to get this one with the 15rd grip. The NH is just a bit too heavy to carry comfortably because of the steel frame but shoots like a laser for a 3.5” gun

[@jaceprovo]

@@jvz1448 the Wilson is really designed for concealed carry by rounding every corner, making it extremely comfortable. The 15 round plus one definitely is a plus. I love my counselor, but I carry the Wilson most of the time for that reason.

[@chltmdwp]

You are so spot on with the trigger. I was not impressed when I dry-fired it compared to my Staccato. It's definitely different. Do you still carry this? I am very curious as to how it shoots compared to polymer guns with similar barrel lengths.

[@jaceprovo]

@@chltmdwp yes, I still carry it every day. I like to do long shooting on steel with my pistols, starting at 50 yards and going back 10 yards at a time. I have hit 175 yards shots with a full length pistol but the best I’ve ever gotten out of this gun was 80 yards. But it’s not designed to do this anyway. Within self-defense distances ( 6 to 30 feet) this thing is great. The trigger job is really worth it. I like small. The staccato CS is bigger. This is my quirk. I’m not one of those guys who is anti-polymer. I just want small and the grip on this gun is as small as it can get.

[@247Combat]

Mine has been extremely accurate

[@thetexasgunvault]

I am so glad to hear that!

[@247Combat]

@@thetexasgunvaultthanks, I enjoy your vids

[@randolph6511]

No grip safety was one of the things that attracted me to buy my Wilson EDC X9.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I can see why some would prefer that.

[@IveGotonethatCanSee]

The EDC X-9 is Bad ass

[@howardkahn4330]

NUTS!

[@howardkahn4330]

YOU ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE AND NUTS

[@makanaokalanichong808]

I like the xtac 4inch. Shoots like a dream.

[@thetexasgunvault]

That pistol looks sweet.

[@SouthernLocks]

This gun was love at first sight. Pun intended 😂

[@thetexasgunvault]

Lol

[@robertmarino3341]

Thank you for that very honest review, but something seems wrong as all the reviews I had read and viewed have raved about the accuracy. Have you contacted Wilson about your results? I think lots of us considering this gun would be interested.

[@thetexasgunvault]

The owner has. I think he is going to take it to the range himself and them contact Wilson Combat.

[@gixsix6270]

Thank you for your honesty. That needs to be returned to WC. 🙏

[@thetexasgunvault]

You are welcome!

[@wesleyhobbs9]

Updates? Is it still shooting low? Are there other people who own this gun with a red dot, who have had the same experience with a shooting low?

[@thetexasgunvault]

Yes but I think it had to do with the mount more than anything.

[@wesleyhobbs9]

@@thetexasgunvault so your thinking the mount on your specific model?

[@wesleyhobbs9]

@@thetexasgunvault I’m considering this exact gun with the longer grip frame. I Can’t decide between a red dot we’re just leaving the regular sites on it. I’m a little worried about getting a red died and then having issues like this

[@paulthecpa2717]

I love this gun. I’ve beat the daylights out of mine, putting 400 rounds through it in a day, on more than one occasion. The DLC coating is not as durable as Wilson says it is, much of mine has rubbed off from holstering and reholstering. Epic trigger and I can get a first shot on steel from 7 yards from concealed appendix carry in roughly 1.5 seconds. Biggest learning curve was learning to swipe the safety while in the draw. I carried a Glock for 20 years prior to this.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Wow! I am so glad to hear this is a great pistol for you!

[@paulthecpa2717]

@@thetexasgunvaultLet me add the reholstering takes a bit of extra diligence, hips pushed forward a bit, need clear view of the holster as I reholster, and thumb firmly pushing up on the safety as I observe the weapon going into the holster. Best practice when carrying in a position (appendix) where the barrel is pointing at the family jewels so to speak. I’m getting close to 5k rounds and Wilson recommends replacing the firing pin at 5k rounds. I did have a sharp edge on the weapon - the cutout on the right aide of the weapon where there is a cut out for a safety Those edges were sharp. Rounded those edges with a ceramic knife sharpening stick. Took care of that problem. Height over bore is significant versus my Glock 43X, but the shooting experience mitigates that. I bought mine over a year ago, prices were $2900 at the time. I’ve fired some Gold dot 115 +P+ rounds out of it and the gun didn’t miss a beat. Edit to say I have no red dot. Just iron sights. Trigger pull on mine is just a hair over 4lbs.

[@davidrobinson3912]

Your gripes on the lack of grip panels are kind of ridiculous. That’s the whole point of that specific model, the lack of panels keeps the gun thin. Also, this is one of the only DS 1911s without a grip safety. Let it be. The grip safety is ridiculous and unnecessary on any 1911. Pointing out the 2 great things about this gun that are unique and a plus for most buyers as flaws is a bit shortsighted. If you want paneling and a grip safety, get literally any other DS 1911. What you mentioned as flaws are literally the main selling points on this pistol. Good thorough video but those points as a negative just don’t make sense.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I am sorry you feel that way. I just review these from my perspective and share my personal thoughts. You are free to disagree. I know not every gun is for every one.

[@joeblowfromidaho3642]

Well, what's the status as far as the RDS is concerned? It's been a year -- did WC assess the gun?

[@thetexasgunvault]

I sent this back to the owner and I have no asked for an update. I am sorry.

[@user-jh1it8iq4z]

Also you are shooting high because of the raised sights to compensate for the red dot. Trade off, sometimes it doesn't effect round placement but urs does.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Very good point. Thank you.

[@user-jh1it8iq4z]

This is why I hate red dots or any kind of optic. Eventually they will ALWAYS FAIL PERIOD. I went through 2 RCO in the military and 2 red dots in compitition. Irons have never failed me. Which is why irons is the only thing now on my rifles and pistols.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I am right there with you. However older shooters always tell me that with age the dots are force multipliers.

[@user-jh1it8iq4z]

@KEV_101 Aimpoints are solid... if you have battery's and eventually you won't. Also it limits your field of vision from a field down to a tunnel. Then there is the flash from the glass. Glass getting dirty or scratched, thermal drift etc. The mean the list goes on and on and for what ? Don't get me wrong different strokes for different folks but I grew up with irons and like I said. In the military I beat EVERY.ONE. with irons that had a RCO (Chevron sight with a tic on the bottom for targets closer then 50) or EOTechs because I had full field of vision. Also it takes ur eyes a second to adjust with any kind of glass.

[@N.S.56]

@@thetexasgunvaultwell they work for my eyes and irons do not without glasses. Pretty simple…but hey when you get older, and you may need to grab a gun in a hurry, make sure your glasses are close by😂

[@Michael-uf1hz]

Cant you just get the grips painted in whatever color or pattern you want? Im thinking that hydro dip stuff is pretty tough.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I haven't looked into that, but I am sure you can.

[@LuckyLuciano-n3p]

They do offer some cool colors

[@theprepperrevelator]

The benefit of a red dot on a small gun is you don’t have to worry about sight radius, meaning you can shoot it at distance and be super accurate. The reason you can’t change the grip panels is because the entire lower is one piece billet and that’s how they got the gun so slim. Lastly if you are depending on the grip safety to keep you from having a negligent discharge you need more training. I absolutely meant no disrespect I am just trying to be honest. That little gun was created for a specific task with input from some of the best instructors in the business and it’s an absolute home run. Thanks for the video, Rick

[@thetexasgunvault]

I see what you are saying but I can disagree. Just because a instructor says or thinks something does motivate mean is universal or everyone needs to march in lockstep.

[@N.S.56]

@@thetexasgunvault as someone who doesn’t have good closeup eyesight, red dots eliminate my need for prescription eyewear. Who wants to go grab glasses when they need to shoot because they can’t see iron sights? Not me! So good for you that you can see iron sights but some of us can’t and red dots are awesome for us.

[@chltmdwp]

I got to hold it in my hand today, and I really was not that impressed. It didn't really feel that much more premium than my Staccato.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Very true

[@tachyon5321]

The flash is unburnt power coming out the barrel. Both Wilson and Gold Dot makes short barrel ammo for flash control. I have shot but dont own this pistol. Never had an issues with flash when using the Wilson ammo.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you for the information.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Good morning, Jason, I am a huge fan of Wilson combat gear. I would love to own one of his amazing 1911 pistols. But my budget doesn't extend to more than buying his mags and a few add on parts. Cheers

[@thetexasgunvault]

Are they available there?

[@andrewsteele7663]

@@thetexasgunvault Wilson Combat handguns are available but they are around $5K

[@DavidV4444]

This is a really good video but you can get g10 panels on the EDC X9 , the SFX line omits panels for grip size reduction! Awesome video.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thanks for the info and thank you for watching!

[@mason-mp]

@@thetexasgunvault I highly recommend you spec out the EDC X9 in 3.25 without a red dot for your pleasure - you will totally fall in love with Wilson and never look back. 💥

[@natewahl9873]

Would love to see “D’s” collection.

[@thetexasgunvault]

It is pretty amazing

[@rfair123]

"I cought my mistake" LOL...... Sorry, couldn't resist.......

[@thetexasgunvault]

LOL, it is ok.

[@ThePerfeckted]

Great review! Honest and frank. Sling shotting on reload maybe slightly slower

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@RevolvingBlades69]

Buy it without red dot. I did. Love the grip and it has another safety. Mine is very accurate as well.…could be that red dot setup.😂❤

[@thetexasgunvault]

I think you might be right

[@origamicrane685]

Is it drop safe?

[@thetexasgunvault]

I do not believe it has a firing pin safety

[@spiritmoonintuitive]

I would love to own a 1911 that size; beautiful gun. I know zippo about red dot sights, so can't offer an explanation as to why it shoots low. I had a ruger .357 magnum/.38 spcl that would throw one heck of a flame. I used winchester (white box) rounds in it. Thanks for showing off that beautiful gun.

[@thetexasgunvault]

You are very welcome! I love getting the opportunity to shoot such great pistols!

[@tsim4139]

Get off my lawn!😂 Red dots is the future, get it together sir. 😁

[@thetexasgunvault]

LOL, I guess it is!

[@LuckyFalang]

Yup, was watching thinking this guy is really not thinking about it before complaining.............

[@TPMAKHOME]

I agree a dot on a small pistol makes NO since. The lack of a grip safety you mentioned, you already have 4 safeties on the weapon system 1) Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot, 2) Your holster, 3) Manual thumb safety, 4) for most, the brain in your head... not pointing any gun at something you don't want to shoot. A 5th safety in the grip that requires a perfect grip that could cause you NOT to get a shot off if the crap hits the fan and you're engaged in CQB with an offender is just a little less than safe. I love 1911's but the grip safety has always been its Acklies hill. The grip panels you had an issue with just seems questionable. You do know the Wilson combat EDC 9 is for the most part the same gun with G10 grips, right? So why would you review the SFX 9 instead of the EDC 9 just to say you don't like a feature that is obviously not a feature of this weapon. If anyone wanted grips to swap out, go buy the EDC 9. I am 99% sure you already know that, in future videos maybe just add content explaining that to the folks that really don't know what the options are on the market. I own several Wilsons and to choose between them would be like picking one of your kids over the other, they all have things you like and don't like. I love them all but the slim grips on the SFX 9 is why I grab it 9 out of 10 times going out the door, because it does NOT have fatter grips that sometimes prints through, that is the magic sauce for the SFX 9. Keep up the good work.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you and you bring up some valid and good points. Thank you.

[@CraftyAndy27]

yeah probably the red dot or you. those guns don't leave factory without shooting 2 inches at 50 yards or something like that

[@thetexasgunvault]

That might be the case.

[@CraftyAndy27]

@@thetexasgunvault red dots go bad and sometimes the mounts are screwy. I don’t shoot my sxf9 nearly as well as my other single stack Wilsons though.

[@bobm9927]

Can I ask why you don't shoot it as well as the other Wilsons? Grip? Trigger? More recoil?

[@CraftyAndy27]

@@bobm9927 it’s the 3.25 inch barrel I think. Not as easy to keep on target doing bill drills or whatever.

[@kmsnash8]

I have this gun and a Staccato C2. Both are great guns, but I love the feel of the SFX better. it fits my hand well and has an awesome trigger. I am extremely accurate with it, which is amazing to me because of the 3.25” barrel.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I am happy to hear it works so well for you.

[@paulkonar7842]

Excellent and honest review. I don't own one at this time. I own Staccatos, so I am familiar with the 2011 and 1911 pistols. I am seriously considering buying one, at some point in the future. I find it very odd that Wilson did not put any serrations on the front of the slide. Maybe Wilson has a good reason for not putting any serrations on the front of the slide, but I can't figure it out. If I owned that particular pistol, I would definitely return it to Wilson Combat and let them figure it out and fix it, or send me a new pistol that hits the target where you are aiming.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you so much. I am glad you enjoyed the video.

[@jaceprovo]

It’s a legitimate point. The front of the slide is beveled slightly narrower and so it is absolutely possible to get a grip. I don’t have any problems racking it from there. Maybe to keep it economical? 😂

[@ThePerfeckted]

Great review. You just need more training on red dots. I actually viewed this vid more than twice. I bought one because of your review. Very happy with the gun. Thx

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you.

[@Duane-vg6mb]

I have that same one, no red dot. Shoots to point of aim. Knowing the manufacturing process it is odd yours shot so low. Your groups seem to indicate you have good control.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you. I am really not sure why it did.

[@overbuiltlimited]

If your spending time "finding" the dot you need more reps from the holster. It should be so ingrained that you don't even have to think abkut it. You draw and the dot is just there.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Agreed, but I have always been a iron sights guy. It is what I know and have trained with.

[@Matt-gw4dc]

To each their own, but The lack of grip safety is why this gun is great - especially for a concealed gun where you may not have the perfect grip in a stressful situation. 95 percent of concealed carriers are walking around with NO safety on their striker fired guns, and other than "tradition", grip safety is functionally obsolete in 2023.Personally, from a functionality stand point, struggle to understand hardcore 1911 enthusiast arguments on why you need three safetys (trigger, thumb, and grip)

[@thetexasgunvault]

I understand where you are coming from.

[@robertsigillito3913]

Honestly, I agree. I love the fact it doesn't have a grip safety. The grip is perfect, doesn't change and the thumb safety is so positive, that is all you need. Your finger should NOT be inside the trigger guard if you are not ready to shoot. The complaint about the red dot isn't relevant as you can buy the gun w/o the red dot. His buddy "D" bought it with the red dot, but it can be purchased without. I brought a few of these without the red-dot mount. And I ended up buying (CCW and range) a few because the SFX fits my hands like no other guy and I have had zero issues with any of my SFX's in about 3000 rounds.

[@Quantiples]

Staccato CS wipes the floor with the Wilson. I have both and don’t shoot the Wilson anymore. The difference in recoil is ridiculous and the accuracy is about the same.

[@stephencouch4830]

Maybe highth over bore

[@thetexasgunvault]

It might be

[@suzielaura7819]

I wish more manufactures would pay attention to left handed shooters. Having to modify it out of the box for reversing the safety is a no go. I'll stick with H&K and, Sig and Walther.

[@thetexasgunvault]

You make a good point. With todays wide variety of shooters, they really do need to think about that when making firearms.

[@RichNewz]

They do make the SFX9 for left handed shooters. When you pay a premium price ($2800+) you're able to customize it from Wilson Combat to your liking. Obviously everyone has different budgets and opinions so to each their own. I always recommend testing a gun yourself before making a final judgement

[@petecymbalak650]

they have a very simple option for amby safeties and problem solved

[@damonspinelli1352]

Prolly sighted for 25yards w how low it’s shooting. Just my guess.

[@thetexasgunvault]

You are probably right.

[@damonspinelli1352]

@@thetexasgunvaulthey reguardless, as long as it still had vertical movement for adjusting if you wanted to sight it closer, at least where the poi was it grouped pretty tight. I’m a huge Wilson fanboy haha. My barbecue baby is a custom cqb commander. Still want an sfx or sft eventually though. And a ported atlas ares 4.25. And an M5.. and a sas ii comped… and a phatwmg cc in 38 super…. And well…. Fingers crossed by retirement haha 😅

[@thekiwiguyusa]

In a self defense situation those groupings at that yardage are perfectly acceptable. As for the red dot, I l love them on rifles but at the distances typically seen in self defense situations, for me, they are massively over rated. A classy hand gun is a beautiful 1911 with well balanced iron sights. I have the SFX9 with no dot, and an EDCX9 with no red dots, and they supremely accurate, even with my old 53 years old eyes

[@thetexasgunvault]

Thank you so much and I agree with with your thoughts and perspectives on red dots.

[@tizben]

Those groups are acceptable for self defense distances yes, but not for the price/fit/finish. My CZ p01 shoots 3 in groups at 25 yards, and that gun is like 600$. Wilson guarantees a 1.5in group at 25 with this gun so I would send it back

[@SouthernLocks]

Theory you sell custom grips and you cant customize these grips. Automatic knock. I get it. Not even mad

[@thetexasgunvault]

I totally understand.

[@fabian0897]

I had to sale mi Wilson combat edc x9s because I had the same problem.

[@thetexasgunvault]

Really? So it might not just be me!

[@fabian0897]

Oh no I had the edc x9s with a Trijicon rmr and the edc x9 3.25 with regular sights and had the same problem with both. Soo sadly I had to sale both nothing beats my staccato c2 😊

[@justint9761]

Shoots the first group fine. Second group is all over the place = gun's faulty in my opinion....

[@thetexasgunvault]

It might be.

[@rugertaz9994]

MIssing grip safety is the reason I have not purchased one.

[@thetexasgunvault]

I think that is a valid reason to pass on it.

[@Stoney_Valentine]

No grip safety is a +

[@thetexasgunvault]

I am glad you like that about it.