Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 2, 2026

Wilson Combat

Wilson Combat is a custom pistol manufacturer located in Berryville, Arkansas, that specializes in customizing and manufacturing M1911A1s. Bill Wilson founded "Wilson's Gun Shop" in 1977, starting the gunsmith business in the back of his family jewelry store, "Wilson's Jewelry", on the corner of Berryville's public square. In 2000, the company bought "Scattergun Technologies" and now markets combat shotguns under the name "Wilson Combat Scattergun Technologies".

Last revised
Jul 2, 2026
Read time
≈ 3 min
Length
620 w
Citations
14
Source
Wilson Combat
TypePrivate
IndustryFirearms
Founded1977 (1977)
FounderBill Wilson
Headquarters,
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsCustom M1911-A1 pistols, AR-15 style rifles, tactical shotguns, knives, parts, accessories, and ammunition
ServicesCustom gunsmithing
OwnerBill Wilson
Websitewww.wilsoncombat.com

Wilson Combat is a custom pistol manufacturer located in Berryville, Arkansas, that specializes in customizing and manufacturing M1911A1s.1 Bill Wilson founded "Wilson's Gun Shop" in 1977, starting the gunsmith business in the back of his family jewelry store, "Wilson's Jewelry", on the corner of Berryville's public square. In 2000, the company bought "Scattergun Technologies" and now markets combat shotguns under the name "Wilson Combat Scattergun Technologies".2

History

Some of the first firearms Wilson modified for customers were the Colt 1911-A1, the Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver and Ruger Single Action revolvers. Models like the PPC .38 Special and the .44 Magnum Hunter made Wilson's reputation for producing quality firearms.345 Wilson originally customized pistols with aftermarket parts from gunsmiths such as Armand Swensen, and by 1983, had begun making his own parts.6 By 1996, Wilson was building his own M1911 pistols completely in-house.6 Wilson's handguns have a quality guarantee of 1 in (25 mm) groups at 25 yd (23 m).78

Wilson Combat has developed custom pistols with professional competitive shooters, including IDPA co-founder Ken Hackathorn9 and retired US Army 1st SFOD-Delta combat veteran Larry Vickers.10

They also have a partnership with Delta Force member Paul R. Howe. One of the signature Paul Howe models is the Wilson Combat Paul Howe G19.11

Products

Military

Handguns from Wilson are used by U.S. military special forces, including Delta Force12 and Navy SEALs.13

References

References

  1. "Wilson Combat Scattergun Technologies company profile". Manta. Retrieved September 12, 2010.
  2. "Wilson Combat/Scattergun Technologies semiautomatic shotguns (United States), Tactical shotguns". Jane's. Retrieved September 12, 2010.
  3. Rodriguez, Greg. "Wilson Combat's M4T". Guns&Ammo. Retrieved September 12, 2010.
  4. Humphries, Michael O. "Wilson Combat Carry Comp .45 ACPs". Combat Handguns. Retrieved September 12, 2010. When it comes to a sterling reputation for quality, few in the firearms community have earned the standing of Wilson Combat.
  5. Crane, David. "Wilson Combat UT-15 Urban Tactical Rifle/Carbine: Fast and Light". Defense Review. Retrieved September 12, 2010. Grassi found the Wilson UT-15 Urban Tactical Rifle/Carbine to be accurate and reliable.
  6. Sweeney, Patrick (2010). 1911: The First 100 Years. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. p. 166. ISBN 978-1-4402-1115-7.
  7. Ayoob, Massad (November–December 2003). "Promised functionality: Wilson Combat CQB .45s". American Handgunner. Retrieved September 12, 2010. nd did indeed break 2.5" at 50 yards
  8. Rodriguez, Greg. "Wilson Combat Master Grade Limited". Shooting Times. Retrieved September 12, 2010. As expected, the sights were dead-on, and the crisp, light trigger pull made breaking accurate shots easy.
  9. "Hackathorn Special". Wilson Combat. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  10. "Vickers Elite". Wilson Combat. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
  11. Towsley, Bryce (February 25, 2019). "Review: Wilson Combat Paul Howe G19". Shooting Illustrated. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  12. Pushies, Fred J (2010). Weapons of Delta Force. Zenith Press. p. 128. ISBN 978-0-7603-3824-7. Among the favorites are Colt National Match, Wilson Combat, and Les Baer
  13. Pushies, Fred J. (2004). Weapons of the Navy Seals. Zenith Press. p. 87. ISBN 978-0-7603-1790-7.
External links