Thoughts on Wilson Combat AR15?

[~Abstract~]

vs. Colt SP1

I've got a buddy who's thinking of buying a Wilson, he's got an SP1 and another Colt...I've not seen either of them yet, but I've advised him against the Wilson just based on lack of information online...and the fact he's already got 2 Colts.


Thoughts? I'll probably send him a link to this thread.

Thank you!

 

[JustinJ]

I've never run a Wilson but they've gained a reputation for excellence and extremely high prices.

Edit: mixed up Noveske with Wilson. Noveske makes the switcblock but i still think it's cool

 

[jogar80]

overpriced

 

[TexasRifleman]

Marketing is a powerful drug.

 

[68wj]

I am not sure when they started making rifles, but their past work in 1911s is well known for quality (and paying for it). Reports of WC rifles that I have heard have all been positive. Their TRIM rail is liked by those that got one.

Here is a good review: http://tacticalgunreview.com/2011/11/10/wilson-combat-5-56-recon-16-review/

My only personal experience with their products is the TTU triggers that they are putting in their rifles. My AR has one and it is nothing short of fantastic.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

Wow, you Texans DO NOT CARE FOR Arkansas gunsmiths do ya'? That's alright, I agree. IMHO, Wilson Combat sells a lot of sizzle with their steak. I would have to pick the Colt.

 

[TexasRifleman]

IMHO, Wilson Combat sells a lot of sizzle with their steak.

Yeah that's the thing. I have no doubt they are excellent guns. I also have no doubt I can get a gun just as good for much less money. Or, spend the same amount at another maker and get much more for the same money.

 

[JustinJ]

Reports of WC rifles that I have heard have all been positive. Their TRIM rail is liked by those that got one.

Here is a good review: http://tacticalgunreview.com/2011/11...con-16-review/

To be fair i can find a published postive review for just about every AR maker under the sun.

 

[68wj]

To be fair i can find a published postive review for just about every AR maker under the sun.

Yup, that's fair. Just trying to answer the OP's question though.

I didn't search for reviews of the product and only relayed what I have read from posters elsewhere or from research I have come across. The link I posted was a gun review blog whose owner posts here from time to time.

For counter, I can say I know a shooter who got a bad WC barrel. That is the only negative experience that comes to mind.

 

[taliv]

when they first started selling them, the WC ARs were pretty vanilla with a very high price. however, every time i go look at their spec sheet they seem to have some new and relatively innovative feature. whether that justifies the price or not, depends. but i'd say they at least deserve a good look.

if service matters to you, i'd expect excellent service from WC, and will colt even return calls? i dunno

 

[Ghost Tracker]

will colt even return calls? i dunno

That's part of the point. I don't know if Colt will return CS calls...'cause I've NEVER HAD TO CALL THEM!

 

[buckhorn_cortez]

If your buddy has the money and the time, I would definitely buy a Wilson. Much like their 1911's, Wilson wants you to call them and custom configure the AR. They will build the rifle nearly any way you want it built - choose the barrel, stock, sights, rails, etc. and they will build the rifle to your specification.

I would judge what's on their website only as examples of base rifles that represent one configuration of each style. While the costs seem "over priced," the two that I've looked at exuded quality, and the machining, fitting, and operation were exemplary.

Like their 1911's, the AR's are back ordered and you'll end up waiting for delivery.

Me? The wait time was too long, so I bought a Barrett REC7.

To all of the people who are going to respond, "Well, I can build it any way I want it and save $XX..." Swell. Pat yourself on the back and try not to hurt yourself - the question is about buying a Wilson not what you can build.

 

[Tirod]

If a valid comparison is to be made, it would include the exact same features - which haven't even been listed. At that point, the Colt Custom shop would be the source, not an off the shelf gun from the local store. Noveskes and Wilsons are custom built to order, not gun store rack grade.

Does Colt have a Customer Service department? Sure, nuff said. Just because one shooter doesn't call them doesn't mean squat, others do. And it shouldn't have to be said, again, how they lost the M16A2 contract to FN - because of shoddy workmanship.

Anybody can get complacent.