Wilson Combat Celebrating 45th Anniversary

Equipping many of the world's top pistol shooters since 1977, later on Wilson Combat branched out into other firearms

by
posted on July 9, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Wilson45 2
In 1977, champion pistol shooter Bill Wilson started Wilson Combat. He is pictured here at a match in 1979.
Wilson Combat

Over the past 45 years, Wilson Combat has transformed from a small business that champion pistol shooter Bill Wilson started in the back of the family jewelry store into a fully integrated specialty gun and accessory manufacturer employing hundreds of people in not only Arkansas, but at sister companies across the United States.

Starting with basic 1911 gunsmithing, parts, and accessories in 1977, Wilson Combat quickly became a top shop for competitive shooters and defensive handgunners searching for quality pistolsmithing and gear at a fair price. After supplying many of the world’s top pistol shooters, Wilson Combat branched out into defensive carry guns and gear, tactical shotguns and AR rifles, and now manufactures nearly every gun part needed for production in its own facility.

Wilson Combat
From left: 1978 Wilson’s Gun Shop brochure, 1986 Wilson Combat catalog cover.

 

In addition, Wilson Combat has employed several top 1911 pistolsmiths over the years, including master craftsmen such as Ron Phillips, Jim “Henry” Wilson, Mike Campbell and Victor Tibbets—all true experts of the platform.

“It’s hard to believe that the one-man gunsmithing shop I started in a 10x20-foot area in the back of my dad’s jewelry store 45 years ago has grown to a multi-brand enterprise, with more than 200 employees in three states,” said Bill Wilson, Wilson Combat president and CEO. “It’s been quite a ride and it couldn’t have been accomplished without our awesome team members.”

Known for its work on the 1911 Government Model, the company says “internal growth, as well as acquisitions of other innovative brands such as Scattergun Technologies, Chip McCormick Custom, Lehigh Defense, and most recently New Ultralight Arms, have established Wilson Combat as an industry leader in the specialty firearms and accessory market.”

Learn more at wilsoncombat.com.

Latest

Skguns GOTY 2025 1
Skguns GOTY 2025 1

SK Guns Reveals Its 2025 Gun of The Year: The ‘Jesús Malverde’ Colt 1911

SK Guns announces its 2025 Gun of the Year, a Colt 1911 transformed into a rare collectible that pays tribute to legendary Mexican folk hero Jesús Malverde.

LA28 Shooting Event Finals Will Be Faster and Better Built for Broadcast

ISSF unveils revamped finals for 10 LA28 Olympic shooting events, expanding fields, tightening timing and reshaping mixed-team formats after Paris 2024 review.

New: 2026 Hodgdon Annual Manual

Hodgdon’s 2026 Annual Manual blends expansive load data, new education features and a tribute to co-founder J.B. Hodgdon.

A Brief Review of Glock’s New Gen6 Models

A first look at Glock’s Gen6 pistols, featuring a new optics-ready system, revised ergonomics and meaningful updates across slide and frame.

Classic SSUSA: NRA National Firearms Museum Match Gun Tour

A private tour of the “match case” of historical tournament firearms and other mementos, as well as a peek into the rarely visited vault.

New: Magpul RXM Full-Sized Enhanced Handgun Grip

A new full-size grip module expands the RXM’s modularity, turning Ruger’s compact 9 mm into a more confident duty or competition companion.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.