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

Yorkpracticalshooters Emergency 1
Yorkpracticalshooters Emergency 1

AED and Quick Action Save a USPSA Shooter After Cardiac Arrest

A cardiac arrest during match setup at York Practical Shooters in Pennsylvania became a survival story thanks to an on-site AED and trained responders.

NRA ARC Across America National Challenge Leaderboard Now Live

NRA ARC Across America National Challenge leaderboard is now active at arc.nra.org, letting competitors see where they rank nationally as scores update through an NRA partnership with Armory Sync/Range Pocket.

Winchester USA 250th Anniversary Commemorative Ammunition Now Available Nationwide

Winchester’s USA 250th Anniversary Commemorative Ammunition series is now available nationwide, a 15,000-unit limited run of five collectible packages with theme-matched loads.

Longshot Overhauls Its Target Camera App

Longshot Cameras has overhauled its iOS and Android app, rebuilding the interface and upgrading shot-analysis, measurement and streaming tools across every camera model.

YanXiao Gong Sweeps Every Para Title at USA Shooting Pistol Nationals

Paris 2024 Paralympic medalist YanXiao Gong sweeps all three para pistol titles at 2026 USA Shooting Nationals as Hillsdale College debuts new Nimrod Complex.

More Than a Match: The Legacy of Gary ‘Doc’ Welt Lives On at Wyoming Antelope Club

An inside look at the 14th Annual Gary “Doc” Welt Memorial Match at Wyoming Antelope Club and the legacy behind it.

Interests



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