Wilson Combat's Trifecta
Three self-defense winners —
rifle, pistol and shotgun.
Story By Sammy Reese
Photos By Robbie Barrkman
My dad’s favorite saying was, “Be careful what you wish for — you just might get it.” In the case of me hounding the big three (Roy, Jeff and Dave) to do a custom gun feature it came true — shooting and writing about factory guns is great, but I wanted to land a custom.
The guns were being photographed by Robbie Barrkman (the man behind Robar) and he wanted me to write the article. Three guns, I asked? A handgun, shotgun and a rifle, I had hit the trifecta. “Too much for you, just say so and I’ll get someone else to do it.” I came to the position of attention, saluted, did an about-face and marched off trying to keep a huge grin off my face.
I felt like I had won the lottery, three custom guns and spend a few days with a legend. I had to buy a lottery ticket, it definitely was my lucky day.
Minutes prior to leaving for the range there was a small emergency in the shop requiring Robbie’s attention. Robbie, not wanting to delay the process any longer sent me to the range with one of his gunsmiths. I was somewhat relieved and a little disappointed. I was looking forward to spending some time on the range with Robbie, but I was also nervous about shooting up to his standards.
Drawing A Crowd
While unloading our gear regulars at the range started to move in for a closer look. Marty told me they know him and always come over to see the latest Robar creations. As I opened cases and removed the Wilson guns the looks became stares. One gentleman’s eyes locked on the Scattergun Technologies Remington 870, his comment was something like he wished he had one when he was a deputy. I also would have loved to have one like it in the rack of my police car. The only downside would be having to double lock it to keep other cops from taking it for themselves.
The Remington 870 is the standard for police duty shotguns. It has also been a staple in home defense. It’s been said the racking of a pump-action shotgun is universally known no matter what language you speak. Anyone who speaks shotgun knows it’s time to get out of Dodge when they hear it.
Versatility best describes the shotgun. In its various configurations, it serves many uses ranging from gas ferrets, less-lethal projectiles, breeching rounds and all types of shot and slug from one shotgun. With the growing market of accessories, you can set-up a shotgun to meet your own personal needs. Take a trip through the pages of Brownells catalog — you’ll find something you can’t live without. A note of caution, the more stuff you hang off your shotgun the heavier it gets.
Scattergun Technologies is the shotgun division of Wilson Combat. Their work on the 870 platform is without compare. The shotgun sent was the Standard Model. The foundation is the Remington 12-gauge 870 Magnum standard-stock length. All metal surfaces are coated with black Armor-Tuff finish. The 18" cylinder-bore barrel is topped with a front ramp-style sight with tritium insert. The rear ghost ring adjustable Track-Lock sight is mounted to the receiver. Magazine capacity is extended to allow a total capacity of seven rounds — a four-shell sidesaddle is mounted to the receiver for quick access to spare ammo.
The fore-end is a SureFire 6-volt tactical light. Many have tried, but SureFire still makes the best fore-end shotgun light in the business. It takes the beating a 12-gauge delivers and keeps on going. Lesser light systems just can’t take it.
The first time I cycled the action I was impressed with how smooth it ran. There was no difference in how it cycled empty or with rounds in the gun. The hundred or so various rounds fed and extracted with ease. The ghost ring sight made for quick close-range shots. At 25 yards offhand with 1-ounce slugs, the groups were palm sized or smaller. As set up, the Standard Model is listed on the Wilson Combat web page at $1,250. Price varies from model to model and if you supply your own 870 the price is considerably lower.
The Close Quarters Battle Elite is a serious 1911-style pistol. All you have to do is take one look at it to know it’s most definitely a custom pistol. The Elite comes standard with U-notch pyramid rear sight complete with back and side serrations. The rear sight is fitted with subdued yellow tritium — the front is fitted with a bright green tritium insert. The two different colors make for fast and sure sight alignment. The top and rear of the slide are serrated, cocking serrations are on the front and back of the slide as well.
The frontstrap and mainspring housing are checkered for a nice positive feel. The Speed-Chute magazine well has a machined-in lanyard attachment. The addition of the wider magazine well combined with the lanyard hole are two small features having a great use for those who will be taking the pistol into harm’s way.
The G-10 grips are tapered to allow easy access to the semiextended magazine release. The grips felt great in my hand, but the way they were grooved made the pistol twist up some while shooting fast strings. I thought it was me, but my shooting partner said he was having the same problem. Not a huge problem, I am sure with a different angle of the grooves the problem would go away.
The frame is what sets the Elite apart from the rest of the pack. It’s an American steel forging machined in Arkansas. Think of the frame as a foundation on a house. If it’s weak, the house will not last. This frame is rugged enough for thousands of rounds.
The CQB digested a diet of various ball and JHP ammo in standard as well as +P offerings; I made it to the 400 round mark with zero malfunctions.
I love to shoot, but would not consider myself a top-shelf shooter capable of getting the most out of any handgun. The CQB did however make me shine. The first three rounds I fired from 15 yards made for one ragged hole. I actually did a double take thinking I had missed the target.
I knew right away this gun would shoot more accurately than I was capable. Accuracy is guaranteed to be 1" at 25 yards. I didn’t bench the gun or use a Ransom rest, but I would bet it was certainly capable. I shot 8-round strings as fast as I could find the sights at 25 yards — I covered most of the groups with the palm of my hand. I have to say I impressed myself.
General Manager Duane Wormington told me you could have any of the Wilson guns made to your specifications. The CQB runs $2,575 without an ambi safety and $2,610 with.
The UT-15AQ (Urban Tactical Armor-Tuff Finish Quad Rail) was a sight to behold. A free-floated quad rail covers the 16.25" fluted match-grade barrel topped with Wilson’s own tactical muzzlebrake.
The rifle was outfitted with a four-position folding stock and ergonomically-correct pistol grip. The rifle was mounted with a Leupold Mk 4, 3.5-10X scope and a Pelican light in a Daniel Defense offset mount was attached.
I was a bit confused as are some of you — a carbine with a precision scope and a light mounted on the quad rail. I think it’s the CDI factor (Chicks Dig It). The expression “Don’t judge a book by the cover,” has never been truer. The UTR shot like a demon and functioned perfectly with a hodge podge of various ammo. About 200 rounds were from a box of mismatched ammo and about a 100 more were factory ammo in several different weights.
The rifle didn’t hiccup once. I grabbed several rounds from the mix-match box and shot off a sandbag at the 100-yard target. My shooting partner told me to stop after the third shot. When I looked at him his eyes were as big as saucers, “You gotta see this group through the spotting scope.” All I could see was one hole. After a short walk downrange we confirmed what we saw. One hole measuring less than 1/2" The group was about 3" low, but 1/2" with three unknown rounds. Wilson guarantees the rifle to shoot 1" at 100, I’d say they got it right.
I found the rifle very easy to shoot even in quicker strings of fire. The bottom of the quad rail had the rubber covers on so the rail did not dig into my hand. Shooting offhand I easily kept the group in the head of the target at 50 yards. You can’t ask for more than that.
Magnificent Trio
My wish came true, I definitely wasn’t sorry for what I wished for I only wish I had these guns in my personal collection. They were all superbly built, accurate as laser beams, and reliable as my old bird dog. What more could you want?
view. Or, detach the scope and add an Aimpoint red dot sight or similar
shooting aid for close quarters to the Picatinny rail.
|
UT-15
|
|
|
Maker: Wilson Combat
|
|
|
Action:
|
Gas operated semiauto
|
|
Caliber:
|
. 223 Remington
|
|
Overall Length:
|
35-1/2"
|
|
Barrel Length:
|
16-1/4"
|
|
Weight:
|
7 pounds
|
|
Trigger
|
JP Trigger/3-31/2 pound pull
|
|
Finish:
|
Armor Tuff black
|
|
Stock:
|
1 piece or 4 position collapsible rear/Quad rail handguard
|
| Price: | $1,910 |
|
Standard Model Shotgun
Maker: Remington Arms 870 Remington Drive, Madison, NC 27025 (800) 243-9700, www.remington.com Customizer: Wilson Combat |
|
| Model: | 870 |
| Action: | Pump action |
| Gauge: | 12 3" |
| Capacity | 7 |
|
Barrel Length:
|
18" |
| Choke: | Cylinder bore |
| Finish: | Armor-Tuff green/black, grey/black, all black |
| Sights: | Adjustable Ghost Ring rear/Ramp front, tritium insert |
| Stock: | Synthetic |
| Fore-end: | SureFire Tactical Light |
| Price: | $1,250 |
|
CQB Elite
Maker: Wilson Combat 2234 CR 719, Berryville, AR 72616 (870) 545-3618, www.wilsoncombat.com |
|
| Action: | Locked breech semiauto |
| Caliber: | .45 ACP |
| Barrel Length: | 5" |
| Overall Length: | 81-1/16" |
| Overall Height: | 51-3/16" |
| Magazine Capacity: |
8+1 |
| Weight Empty: | 40 ounces |
| Finish: | Armor Tuff Green (others colors available) |
| Grips: | G-10 |
| Price | $2,575 |
|
Mk 4 LR/T M1
Maker: Leupold & Stevens 1440 Northwest Greenbriar Parkway Beaverton, OR, 97006 (503) 646-9171, www.leupold.com |
|
| Magnification: | 3.5X (3.2X actual) to 10X (9.5X actual) |
| Objective Diameter |
40mm |
| Eye Relief | 4.7" (3.5X), 3.4" (10X) |
| Internal Adj. Range: | 65" elevation and windage at 100 yards |
| Click Value: | 1/4 MOA |
| Tube Diameter: | 30mm |
| Weight: | 19.5 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 13.5" |
| Reticles: | Mil-Dot, Tactical Milling |
| Price: | $1,284.99 |
Get More in the
October issue
www.ruger.com
www.kimberamerica.com
www.lesbaer.com
Otis Technology Inc.
www.otisgun.com
Counter Sniper
www.countersniperusa.com
Customer Service \ Contact Us \ Search \ Advertising
