Wilson Combat WC-15 5.56 Protector / PPE Carbine Review

[@bradcampbell261]

I am subscribing because I love me some Wilson Combat. I have 4 of their barrels in my AR-15s. You can’t go wrong with your choice, and your money was well spent on a fine weapon system.

[@Sil240SR]

Thanks for the video. Still no coverage on these years later it seems. I just won the Wilson Combat Protector PPE (Davidson's Exclusive) for $1,150 brand new (auction on gun broker). Seems like a steal at that price.

[@marcel-w7]

I bought a protector from Bill Wilson now (Wilson Combat) back in 2000. Same name different tool; a 1911 .45 ACP protector. The quality, craftsmanship, and durability of WC are second to none. Thanks for the AR-15 overview.

[@t.s.n1309]

I hear nothing but great things about the WC 556 rifle, im close to paying mine off. After extensive research and trying to find reviews, I just cant find much compared to knights armament, BCM, Noveske etc...I think WC caters to a older crowd in all honesty, and most of them know what they are buying and simply don't do typical reviews because it's honest quality! Not that I don't support other quality manufacturers but WC AR's are impressive firearms. Thanks for the review, I'm picking up the same model.

[@regalplatinum5734]

Just purchased one for myself today and I absolutely love it.

[@magman687]

I know this is an older video but it actually helped a lot I actually just had my friend to pick up one of these yesterday and he's coming over to use my range today but so far the build quality seems solid and his has the markings that you said yours didn't but it shows on the website so I think it's just like you said and they had to settle for whatever they could get during covid. Thank you for the good information

[@chrismitchell1478]

Appreciate the review and I'm extremely happy with this rifle!

[@Mcgullicutty72]

I just received the 300 Ham’r Ranger I ordered back in August last week.. love it. Super accurate

[@lindenb3625]

I definitely plan on getting a 300 Ham'r upper for this one. Can't wait to try that one.

[@sowhat4274]

I can whole heartily attest to the quality of WC ar platform guns. I’ve owned a protector 11.3 pistol for about 8 months and have nothing but good things to say about it. Great video glad to have a decent review finally. I’ve been patiently waiting for people to realize how filthy these guns are for the price. Runs so damn smooth and hasn’t had a single problem in about 800-1000 rds. The thing I’m most impressed with is the trigger.

[@lindenb3625]

The trigger is perfect for me, makes it so much fun to shoot! I like the little rubber grommet inlaid in the receiver to keep things tight too. A couple things I forgot to mention.

[@aaron_brown7324]

Just picked mine up today and the difference betwixt it and my mp15 sport is much more than I expected. Being new to the platform I was having a hard time believing they could be worth twice the price of my s&w but just holding it proved me wrong

[@Catgat37]

@@aaron_brown7324 I too just picked up the sport 2 last week as my first AR and now I just put the ppe on layaway. The Sport 2 can be my beater rifle. This one will get the love.

[@bigwavedave321]

I've been eye balling this rifle as well. I was really impressed with the balance and ergonomics. Glad to here it functions well for you and shoots accurately. Thank you for your review.

[@WestPat23]

Thank you, it has helped me to decide between this and an LWRC!

[@picklejuicepapiii]

I love my WC rifle. Best purchase

[@lindenb3625]

Same. No regrets at all. Hoping it lasts the rest of my life!

[@oxencott3n175]

The way that handgaurd locks up is just quintessential Wilson combat.

[@loujr9869]

Thanks for the video, there really isnt too many reviews on these fine ar15 rifles. I decided to have mine chambered in 300 blk even though ill be paying more for ammo, as far as availability i have an ammo store nearby that always has a nice supply and variety of 300 blk in stock. I recently placed my order for my rifle on 12/30/2021 and it was done by 1/21/2022. I was expecting a 3-4 month wait but i guess their recent expansion in their business has really improved their delivery times?… atleast for their ar15 rifles. Anyways I ended up paying $2400 after taxes and fees for a Wilson Combat AR15 Protector, i will die and be buried with my Wilson Combat 1911 and AR15. Thanks again!

[@swiftwin2322]

Pretty spot on review. Freakin love mine. Just FYI, if you dont mind an SS barrel, you can find them NIB with all the case candy and even a little better fit and finish for closer to 1K these days if you know where to look. And at that price if I were you, I'd probably get two.

[@rondaly8320]

Thanks for making this video, I just ordered one myself from Bud's and will be getting it soon. I will most likely change the handguard to a longer one, either 12.6" or 13.8" instead of the 10.4". The reason the markings are different than the one you saw on the website is because it is one of their Davidson exclusive rifles. You can see it on their website under Rifles - Davidson Exclusive, it is the PPE Carbine. Also, I would contact Wilson about the receivers not lining up, they will definitely take care of it for you.

[@rondaly8320]

One question, does it come with the back up sights on it already or did you order them separately?

[@thedelmardave]

Thanks for posting, not much out there by anyone on Wilson ARs... very helpful. About what I would expect from them. Trigger, barrel, excellent it seems.

[@caubletxsg]

CDNN had these in stock, and I ordered one today. Glad to find a retailer that actually had inventory.

[@lindenb3625]

I got lucky. I've become good friends with the owner of my local shop. He called me when it came in and I think it was on the shelf for less than a day before I bought it. Hard to find for sure.

[@canaryknight9629]

If you want beautiful get the billet receivers with armor tuff.

[@t.hargrove3843]

I'm really thinking hard about getting the 16" Protector S carbine while it's on sale. Supposedly the only difference is that the barrel is bead-blasted SS, not the black Armor-Tuff. Glad to hear your comments on how good the accuracy is. That match barrel must be a good one.

[@Neo72.2]

Thanks for the review, I bought the pistol version and like you said, I couldn't find any videos on it, I really love this gun, the only thing I would add is an ambi safety and an ambi charging handle, just because I shoot left handed, but for all right handed shooters it doesn't need anything else. The first time I took it to the range I had a malfunction, this happened after shooting about 50 rounds, the bolt grabbed a round and didn't go all the way in the barrel and I couldn't move the charging handle everything was jammed. So the range officer cleared it with a cleaning rod and hitting the pistol on the table while pulling on the charging handle, and asked if I had cleaned and lubed the pistol before shooting it for the first time, which I didn't, he gave me a hard time and said that you never shoot a new gun before cleaning it and lubricate it before shooting it for the first time, so I went home and did that, no malfunctions after that. Like I said I love this gun, again thanks for the video, I'm very happy with my purchase. By the way, I love the trigger on this gun is the best trigger I own.

[@lindenb3625]

Probably just a little too dry. I'm glad you figured it out. When I pulled mine out of the box it was practically covered in oil on the outside.. but barely any oil on the inside where it matters 😂

[@Catgat37]

I had this exact same thing happen to my M&P 15 sport 2 the first time that I took it out last week. They had to mortar the round out. I didn't fully clean it before taking it out, but I did add some oil. I only have run 20 rounds through it since, but no issues. This is my first AR and I have fallen down a rabbit hole......just put the ppe on layaway.

[@tjpaxton611]

Nothing on Wilson's website shows a 5.56 Protector Carbine having laser etched "Wilson Combat" logo on the left side of the upper receiver. However, other models such as the Ranger and Recon do have it. But not the Protector model.

[@lindenb3625]

Actually that is false. They do have photos posted on their website showing those laser etched logos. In fact, when I reached out to Wilson Combat they informed me that those markings should indeed be on the receiver but they are substituting parts because of high demand for firearms at this time.

[@tjpaxton611]

@@lindenb3625 Again, not on the Protector 5.56 carbine Rifle. As you can not reference a link from their website showing this. Only the other models.

[@andrewdodge1311]

Just stumbled across the Protector and the Ranger today. They looked beautiful and couldn't find a single review?

[@meibesmurfn3168]

Real glad I found this, you got my sub my guy, totally relatable situation...I’m looking to spend the same amount of money on a new rifle and KZbin is one of the first places to go for reviews, checked one out in person and I really like the weight, but as you pointed out, the way things line up in the build, has me a bit disappointed, considering the manufacturer and cost I’m looking for reaffirmation also, so once again thanks for this 👍👌

[@usn8892]

I don’t own one their rifles yet but I do know if you call them you get a person that can answer your questions, that alone is worth a lot to potentially new customers.

[@raffesc3213]

im in the middle of building one!....wilson combat ar 556.....but with blackhawk furniture!... cant wait to finish it!....👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@landoncreekmore3540]

I live 20 minutes from the wc headquarters and every where I go sells their lower and upper receivers as a combo for like 150 and I’m really just in wow by all the features in the wc lower you don’t see in cheaper brands everything works so far and just picked up a criterion agency barrel for 100 and very excited for my build

[@riskyflash6812]

Store near me is closing these guys out for $1200 and they seem great for the price

[@Guns-N-Nurses]

Beautiful rifle!! The black coating has a different sheen...

[@LeadMunitions]

Nice job buddy! Looking to pick one up next week👍

[@broketoys]

Good vid! I've had mine for about one month with a near identical setup.

[@cd-kd8mb]

Just bought one today..love the look so I bought it...

[@ronstopfer2315]

I just bought a WC Paul Howe Tactical Carbine 5.56 NATO. I’m in the process of adding to 8t. I have a WC bi-pod and ambi-large charging handle. I’ve put an Aimpoint micro T2 red dot and considering a tactical light. We have coyotes galore and I’d like to put some serious lime s on them before I light the stove. Can you talk/show some about your particular light? I see the cord….

[@newgeneration3496]

Not spending $2k but have WC barrel/bcg on the way, super excited. If I had it I’d grab this rifle.

[@lindenb3625]

That's the heart of the machine right there!

[@ryangrace2447]

The reason why your rifle doesn’t have all the extra WC etchings and markings. Is it’s a dealer model. So, a company called Davidson is who most Gun stores get their products from. They switch things up slightly different. For example it has the different BCG and a shorter hand rail. Also as you pointed out the upper/lower receivers are different. They usually call it a PPE instead of the protector like on their website. They could be consider slight down grades from a protector series straight from WC but not by much.

[@brandong530]

The only difference is the shorter handguard and it doesn't come with the armor tough paint finish it's a protector just without those two things

[@MrDelta144]

Nice rifle. I have a WC .308 Super Sniper on order. Trying best to be patient.

[@gatormcklusky5850]

Thanks for the video, I had a Wilson in my hands today, It felt nice Looked great Dark green & Black but i didn't pay a hole lot of attention to it, I'm a girl ,This would be my first AR platform buy, I felt kinda dumb not knowing to much about these guns in general I think i might take another look at it tomorrow, It was a bit pricey $1600.00 & change for a bare gun. I'm gonna go to their web site now that you mentioned it. Thanks 😉

[@lindenb3625]

I'd say if you can pick one of these up for 1600, you got a good deal. The cheapest I've seen them on sale is about 1900. That being said I think the ballpark these should be priced in is around 1500 but you got to pay for the name.

[@WalterLitwinko]

Have one of these and a Colt 6920.There really isn't a difference in accuracy or functionality.I did notice the wilson was a much tighter gun.

[@RecreationalCycling]

I beleive the reason it doesnt have protector stamped on the side is because this is the Davidsons exclusive PPE. I bought the same rifle in Nov. As far as i could tell the only difference between this one and the protector is the hand rail on this one is shorter. If you type it on wilsons combat website it will come up or google. Personally i like the longer hand rail estetically but am assuming this would add a bit more weight. This is my first rifle period.

[@lindenb3625]

Looks like it could be the PPE. The box and serial tag both say protector. Did yours say the same?

[@brandong530]

I got mine at a pawn shop but the pawn shop bought it from a gun dealer it looks exactly like yours short rail

[@RecreationalCycling]

@@lindenb3625 hmm. nope..maybe it is the protector. I'm a bit ocd and actually wrote wilson combat with the serial numbers and was informed by them that mine was the ppe. They are the same identical other than the shorter rail. either way i'm happy with it so far. Only have about 400 rounds through it but working on it.

[@lindenb3625]

I will contact Wilson and ask what the deal is. Looks just like the PPE so I'm wondering if perhaps it was packed improperly by mistake or something. Looks like they cost the same. Either way it's been an amazing rifle so far. Still no malfunctions after almost 1500 rds. This one is a keeper.

[@rondaly8320]

Longer rail is definitely the way to go, standard protector comes with 12.6 inch rail

[@gearbarrel6237]

It’s interesting how Wilson does very little to advertise their black rifle offerings. Seems like a really basic AR (very accurate though) for a lot of money. I’m thinking for that kind of green maybe they should work on a ambidextrous lower or some other cool offerings. Love the company though- quality guys l

[@lindenb3625]

I'm inclined to agree with you. I think this rifle should be priced around 1500 for the features and quality that you get. Being an old 1911 junkie I have a love for the Wilson name on my guns and I've always wanted the AR so I ponyed up the cash.

[@origamicrane685]

Great video. Thanks for making it. How do you like that Blue Force sling?

[@GodGunsGills]

The bolt carrier group is milspec, right?

[@loosebolts4537]

Hey brotha good review! Yea quality ar for sure I was checking them out man but I couldn’t justify the 2k price point but for sure quality yea if you getting a 2k AR your not gun run steel shoot I wouldn’t I would get me a 500 ar if I was gonna start running steel 5.56, I got a galil 7.62x39 just so I get lower ammo costs and that’s something more or less designed to run steel. But I wouldn’t put it in my Zion 15. Keep the vids up man same reason I made a vid on my walther ccp as no one really made one.

[@lindenb3625]

Thanks man! Looking forward to owning a Galil someday!

[@BloodEagleTactical]

Weird mine came with a 15 inch rail, not the 10 or 12 like yours. Wonder why?

[@jeff-ph9bc]

I really enjoyed your honest comments about the carbine. It does help out. Does the protruding sling slot on the stock get in the way of your cheek weld or, if you use them, ear muff hearing protection?

[@lindenb3625]

It's been a little tricky getting used to the sling because of that stock, but I usually just flip the QD mount over to the other side of the gun to get it out of my way.

[@edgardomeraz4490]

Can anyone chime in on how that bcg has held up ? Looking to put a Wilson combat bcg in my mk18 but not sure if that’s a good idea ?

[@mrbear3487]

Diamond in the rough

[@jimcarrillo4684]

I just bought one. Any recommendations for accessories to put on.

[@n1comede5]

Youre right!! It is hard to find a video review on this. Which make me skeptic... Deciding between this or a daniel defense ddm4 v7. Any insight? What made you decide to go with the Wilson? As well as the 5.56 over a 300? Thanks in advance

[@lindenb3625]

Seems like "no news is good news" with this gun. I think if people were having problems, they would be talking. The Wilson actually came in at my local shop and I hadn't seen one before. I have used a lot of great Wilson parts in my pistols over the years and I thought it would be nice to own one of their rifles. I also was considering the M4V7 as well as the SR15. I guess it comes down to personal preference. My experience with DD is that they are top quality yet utilitarian. heavy triggers, heavy duty use. Wilson seems to tend more towards the triggers and barrels. I lean towards competition and decided on the wilson because I knew it would be a little more suited to my needs. That being said hopefully a DD will join it in the safe one day. I wanted a 5.56 rifle with a 16" barrel because I'm well practiced with it mainly, but aside from that it's practical and relatively easy to obtain. Ammo is (normally) cheap for practice and I compete in local 3 gun occasionally and need an accurate/repetitive rifle at 300-400 yds. If I was shopping for an SBR for home defense/targets within 250 yds I would choose the 300blk over the 5.56. That 300 Ham'r caliber that wilson is manufacturing is also worth looking into. Awesome ballistics for a small ar platform.

[@str8shooter160]

Very helpful, thx!

[@StrideResearch]

We hated that stock when we got it previously, bcm good to go tho

[@Catgat37]

I actually really like the stock on this. I hope I can pay it off soon 🙏

[@JoePuentes]

I just put in an order for one today direct from Wilson. I grew up around firearms and own several of them, but never had an AR before. Could you tell me the brand of light you have on it? I am trying to figure out the accessories I need to get. I did get Aimpoint (ACO) optics for it.

[@lindenb3625]

Good choices! I am running a streamlight pro-tac HLX with an arisaka defense offset scout mount. It's been a solid light for me although some have had problems with them. They come in at about a third of the price of the sure fire m600 and offer slightly better performance.

[@Blaster9mm]

Still have it

[@kolbyjohnson2881]

How long is the hand guard

[@JohnnyFuller-xg5yp]

I didn't know that Wilson combat made 5.56 AR

[@TheMrwhite6199]

Sweet rig

[@BloodEagleTactical]

How is the rifle going?

[@dekrev]

Thanks for the video - I just got mine a few months ago. Check out a proctor sing - they’re pretty sweet. Mine came with a white ‘protector’ on the b-side. (No upper logo either). Also the upper and lower is a perfect match. I’m runnin the exps2-2 with lower 1/3rd Troy sights and a crimson trace light with pad. Also an eotech magnifier. Thanks again!

[@lindenb3625]

Sounds like a great setup. I reached out to Wilson to determine if this was a protector or PPE. They said if the label on the box says protector, that it is a protector. However they are using some substitute parts right now to complete guns in a timely fashion.

[@dekrev]

@@lindenb3625 my box says Protector Carbine / TR-PC-556-BL. I don’t know how I found it in stock - just lucked out I guess. The place I got it from hasn’t had one in stock since. It’s a great rifle -

[@emc4069]

Comments on the trigger?

[@vicranger6876]

Try the POF Renegade +

[@GodGunsGills]

They could of gave an upgraded safety selector and charging handle... sad 😔

[@uscphan4life]

What are you using for hand guard grips? I just picked mine up yesterday.

[@lindenb3625]

I think they are ergo grips. Wilson sells some as well

[@Catgat37]

They are definitely ergos. I had to Google them because they look beautiful on this and I plan on picking some up as soon as I pay off the rifle.

[@tjpaxton611]

What could have been better about the receiver quality?

[@lindenb3625]

Fitment and finish I think would be fairly obvious.

[@shawnpruitt1914]

They are forged on the ppe (and the protector for that matter) instead of billet. Billet tends to take longer to make and they are prettier but when you have orders to fill, forged is fast and also stronger for that matter. Just not as pretty

[@TheDonij1955]

Just curious, what distance were you firing at when you shot the center out of the bullseye?

[@lindenb3625]

With the eotech that kind of repetitive accuracy is limited to about 50yds and even that is pushing it for me. But with my Leupold on it I was doing that easily at 100yds.

[@lilbfrom094princeton8]

Where did you find yours?! I’ve been on the hunt for one of these.

[@lindenb3625]

It was in the shelf at my local shop. I think palmetto has some wilson PPE carbines in stock right now.

[@eddiemoney9371]

Sexy looking gun for sure!

[@LibertyOrDeath-ms5rf]

There is no side of this gun that looks bad.

[@kaceyle4706]

The reason why they don’t label 5.56 because it’s a multi- cal , that lower support 5.56 and 300 blackout too . If only you decided to switch to 300 blackout must change the barrel .

[@sama5093]

So I never heard of a Wilson, so i went to the website and saw the prices omg I'll stick to tried and true like S&W. If I want to spend a bunch of money I'll go with knights Arnament. It really depends on the shooter how well the weapon performs. I retired from the USAF after 21 years and I do have the training, if you don't have training all the Gucci rifles won't matter. So I'll stick with affordable and reliable.

[@striker101nicary]

@lit sci like it's like saying you don't know Daniel defence or geissele

[@shawnpruitt1914]

There is not one KAC owner out there that can tell anyone why it is better than Wilson. The trigger certainly isn’t and the barrel is not. It is not more accurate etc. if the Wilson feeds and punches rounds through the same hole...that’s hard to beat. If you see his update on this, he is between 2500-3k rounds with no malfunctioning There are people that will say the same about cheap rifles. I guess that why there are cheap diamonds, cheap cars etc. some people prefer cheap stuff others like the best they can buy.

[@Catgat37]

@lit sci I go with companies that I know produce quality items. I have never owned a wilson combat anything (other than mags) but have handled them at gun stores and know what they make. This AR is going to be my baby someday.

[@elkado6302]

Looks very nice. Check out my build, most recent video!!👍🏼

[@Lift_these]

If you have any gripes about a 2000 dollar Gun, what’s the point in wasting the money. Buy a model that cost less, and remod it to your expectations…. Oh yea and for the expensive pistols they make, Glock all the way. I heard Wilson say Glocks aren’t accurate. What BS, but I know it’s a gun salesman pitch…. Glocks are as accurate as the person shooting them. In most cases they are pin point accurate!

[@hanz2lk]

Snug as a nun.....

[@--RSL--]

Not a bcm grip dude.

[@lindenb3625]

Yeah, it is

[@p47rr]

It is a BCM manufactured grip.