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

CMP Buynow 1
CMP Buynow 1

CMP Streamlines Legacy M1 Garand Sales With Easy ‘Buy Now’ Feature

CMP’s new fixed-price “Buy Now” system makes it easier than ever to own a legacy, non-reclaimed M1 Garand rifle.

Watchtower Firearms, Demolition Ranch Team Up For Limited-Edition DEMOLITIA Blackout 1911

Watchtower Firearms releases limited-edition double-stack 1911 chambered in 9 mm designed with input from Demolition Ranch.

Federal Ammunition Honored With National 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award

Federal Ammunition receives 2025 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award for over 40 years of support for youth programs.

New: Smith & Wesson M&P 15 AXE Rifles

Smith & Wesson launches the M&P 15 AXE lineup of suppressor-ready rifles with reduced gas blowback and modern features.

Review: Savage Arms Mark II & Winchester’s .21 Sharp

As demonstrated in the Savage Mark II FV-SR, Winchester’s .21 Sharp cartridge offers higher velocity and greater precision than .22 Long Rifle rounds.

Marsh Edges Stine In Canadian Showdown To Win Lapua Monarch Cup Opener

Justin Marsh edges Jake Stine by one point to win the Canadian NRA Smallbore Silhouette Nationals and first stage of the 2025 Lapua Monarch Cup.

Interests



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