lobo9er
Member
I bought a Beretta 92x Compact a few months ago, $699. Great gun. Is a Wilson Combat tuned 92 worth the double price tag. Anyone here have any experience with them?
Wilson Combat Beretta 92 - worth it?
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lobo9er
Member
Or better question and or wording, what work do they put into them to make them carry the $1400 price tag?
Old Dog
Member
Well, the Wilson comes with a Brigadier slide, so if you're cool with that bit of beefiness, it's fine. You've gotta specify a trigger job (at least you used to), but the front nightsight, and the cool grips are nice. Crowned barrel, a neat feature. I do really like the round trigger guard (like the old 92, before the recurved hook of the FS). But it's got a good undercut.
I can't claim extensive experience with the WC (basically one mag). And I went with the Langdon. Very similar. But, as a well-known Beretta fanboy, at some point, I may pick up the Wilson.
I think it's worth the ticket. I paid that for the 92X (which I haven't even shot yet).
I can't claim extensive experience with the WC (basically one mag). And I went with the Langdon. Very similar. But, as a well-known Beretta fanboy, at some point, I may pick up the Wilson.
I think it's worth the ticket. I paid that for the 92X (which I haven't even shot yet).
MachIVshooter
Member
If the features and refinement matter to you, yes, they're worth it. It's a production-custom gun, and they're dang nice.
If you don't care about those things, then no.
If you don't care about those things, then no.
JTQ
Member
Realize the Wilson guns as listed at Wilson are factory guns spec'd by Wilson.
Wilson can also tune them, but what you're getting from Wilson, as they are shown for sale, is a particular feature set that is different from the 92X and that's the difference. The Wilson guns add G10 grips, night sights, and are true "G" model slides so their decocker levers are different than the 92X. Only you can decide if those features are worth it to you. The 92X and the Wilson Beretta's come with the "D" spring installed. Without ordering the "Action Tune" from Wilson, the triggers on both guns will be similar.
I like the Wilson featured Beretta's. If I had unlimited funds, I'd get one, I'd also get a Langdon version ( https://langdontactical.com/products/guns/beretta-92-m9-series ) (I wouldn't spend money on a 92X Performance or 92X Performance Defensive - not my thing for either), but if I were pinching pennies, I'd be perfectly happy with a 92X.
Only the full size Wilson Brigadier Tactical. The Wilson Beretta Centurion and Compact don't have Brigadier slides.
The only option currently at Wilson Combat is the Centurion model. The others have been out of stock for over a year.
Wilson Beretta Centurion https://shopwilsoncombat.com/Beretta-_-Wilson-Combat-92G-Centurion-Tactical-9mm/productinfo/BER-92CT-9/
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RetiredUSNChief
Member
How do you like the way your 92X feels and shoots now?
Are there any particulars you'd like to have with respect to modifications? Or is it just the appeal of having a "Wilson" combat pistol?
I'm not big on extensive (and expensive) custom gun work for something that already works well and otherwise suits me needs and tastes. HOWEVER, there's absolutely nothing wrong with any level of customization one desires even if it's "just because". You do you, in my opinion, and I'm plenty OK with that. I just tend to be more on the practical side of things.
Which is why I ask if there are any specific changes you want made for some reason, or if you just "want" a Wilson.
Are there any particulars you'd like to have with respect to modifications? Or is it just the appeal of having a "Wilson" combat pistol?
I'm not big on extensive (and expensive) custom gun work for something that already works well and otherwise suits me needs and tastes. HOWEVER, there's absolutely nothing wrong with any level of customization one desires even if it's "just because". You do you, in my opinion, and I'm plenty OK with that. I just tend to be more on the practical side of things.
Which is why I ask if there are any specific changes you want made for some reason, or if you just "want" a Wilson.
JTQ
Member
As a point of understanding, the original Wilson offering, the Wilson Combat Brigadier Tactical, is simply the gun Bill Wilson wanted to own. He is a fan of the Beretta Elite II and also the 92G SD, and both guns were out of production. Bill Wilson used his influence in the gun industry to convince Beretta to produce this gun for sale. He also likes the rounded trigger guard and all Wilson Beretta's have the rounded trigger guard.
The Wilson Brigadier Tactical, price-wise, costs about what the 92G SD sold for when they were available, with similar feature sets. The 92G SD, just like the Wilson Brigadier Tactical, was a factory produced Beretta 92 with an upgraded feature set.
Also realize, at the time, the Beretta 92 was typically an FS model (safety/decocker), with a white dot front sight integral to the slide, with no rail, with a retail list price around $650. The 92G SD added the Brigadier slide, night sights, a rail, and was a "G" model (decocker only), and at about $1,200. If you value all those improvements over a standard 92FS, the price was probably worth it.
The Wilson Brigadier Tactical, price-wise, costs about what the 92G SD sold for when they were available, with similar feature sets. The 92G SD, just like the Wilson Brigadier Tactical, was a factory produced Beretta 92 with an upgraded feature set.
Also realize, at the time, the Beretta 92 was typically an FS model (safety/decocker), with a white dot front sight integral to the slide, with no rail, with a retail list price around $650. The 92G SD added the Brigadier slide, night sights, a rail, and was a "G" model (decocker only), and at about $1,200. If you value all those improvements over a standard 92FS, the price was probably worth it.
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JTQ
Member
Another price point comparison to understand what you are getting would be a SIG P226 = Beretta 92X, while the SIG P226 Legion = Wilson Beretta 92
One difference is Wilson can tune your Beretta, for an extra charge, since they have gunsmith's specifically there to do that, while SIG is only selling you a production gun.
One difference is Wilson can tune your Beretta, for an extra charge, since they have gunsmith's specifically there to do that, while SIG is only selling you a production gun.
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HarryB
Member
I say they are worth it. A few months ago a dude let me try his Langdon Compact. I was shocked how easy it was to shoot. At the time I was shopping the 92X. The trigger was night and day! And the 92X is a great gun to start with. Finally I said screw it, a s Langdon was having a 15 percent special I ordered one with the trigger job and NP3 coatings. Hopefully, it gets done by Christmas.
Not my gun (yet). It's off the Langdon site.
Never had a high end weapon before, so I decided it was time.
Not my gun (yet). It's off the Langdon site.
Never had a high end weapon before, so I decided it was time.
JTQ
Member
For clarity, the Wilson and Langdon guns, while both Beretta's are different guns.
md7
Member
Nice A1. What grips are those? Might have to spruce mine up a bit after seeing yours.
Madcap_Magician
Member
I actually did the exact same thing today before the discount code expired. I've wanted one for nearly two years. Went whole hog, carry bevel, NP3, Spartan sights, flush cut and crowned barrel
I'm so excited.
I have owned twenty nine Beretta 92 variants over the past 30 years... I have owned a Wilson Brig before. It is a nice gun, but wasn't my favorite. (I later sold it)
Realize it is still all done at the Beretta factory. They just add some Wilson parts. Wilson has admitted that they don't even open the boxes, once they are delivered to their location from Beretta... Not unless you order the trigger job from them. So, it's still a factory Beretta gun, just specced by Wilson.
Wilson originally specced the tighter frame to slide fit too. But after Beretta did that for Wilson, they tightened up their fit on all the other Beretta 92 variants. So, it doesn't matter what 92 you buy now - they all are tighter in that regard.
I personally like the M9A3 better than the Wilson Brig. And to this day, the M9A3 is my favorite 92 variant.
A long time ago, on another forum, someone was asking about whether they should buy a Wilson Brig vs another model. I remembered typing out a comparison about why I liked the M9A3 more... I went looking, and I found it. I had written it back in 2016.
Anyway, I thought I would past it here, as it may help you:
------------------
Why I preferred the M9A3 over the Wilson Brig Tactical pistol:
1. I like the sight picture of a standard type 92 slide the most, which the M9A3 also has. The squareness of the front sight area on the Brigadier slides makes the front sight not as quick to pick up. The base where the front sight sits at is squared off on the Brig slide. It doesn't have that curve on it like a normal 92 does around the front sight area...
Also, the front sight IS a little bit shorter on the Brig slide (compared to the M9A3 slide). If you put the slides next to each other, you can see that. Taller sights always pick up faster for me.
I think it is much easier to see the front sight on a standard 92FS slide, with the curved area under the front sight... (this is 1 thing I like about a 1911 - the top of the slide is curved, and it makes it so quick to pick up the front sight). On this M9A3, the Vertec style slide (dovetailed front sight) still has the curve of a regular 92FS. I like this much more.
2. Also, the front sight (facing the shooter) on the M9A3 has about a 45 degree cut to it. The Wilson front sight has a 90 degree cut (shadows effect seeing that white paint more). The white circle around the tritium on the M9A3 pops out more - because of the 45 degree angle facing the shooter. It picks up more light since it's at a 45 degree angle.
3. I REALLY like the different angle of the safety levers on the M9A3. By raising the levers upwards a bit, it does cause less issues when tying to clear a jam (if need be). I've messed around with this, and the levers do what is intended by that slight change. But, you can always get the decock only version too, or install the conversion kit yourself.
4. The grip of the M9A3 feels better to me. Generally, I prefer standard serrations over the checkering Beretta uses. But, with the rear strap being covered by that Hogue conversion grip on the M9A3 - I don't mind the front strap checkering.
When I hold both guns (either with a loaded mag in each or no mag in each), I prefer the feel of the M9A3 in my hand more than I do the Wilson. Granted, I do NOW have Hogue grip panels instead of the VZ grips on the Wilson (I like them better than the stock VZ's)... But, the M9A3 feels much better to me in the hand.
5. The rear sight of the M9A3 is just perfect. I didn't think I'd like the lack of white circles on the rear tritium. But the silver rings work great around the rear tritium on the M9A3. The eyes still gets drawn to the white around the front dot - but you still have 2 rear dots on the rear sight.
I'd never use the Wilson, with the all black rear sight, as a home defense gun - as you have absolutely no way to see the rear sight in low/no light. Granted, I have solved that problem by having Trijicon replace that rear Wilson sight with a normal tritium rear. But, as I am talking about the Brig Tactical and how it comes FROM the factory with the all black rear... The M9A3 wins this IMHO. It's too bad the Wilson sight doesn't come with a single tritium rear dot - like Straight 8 sights.
Also, I wish the rear Wilson sight had a square cut instead of a curved cut (in the sight channel). I just don't like rear sights with a curved sight channel. Again, this was solved by me having Trijicon replace that rear sight on the Brig Tactical.
6. I shoot the M9A3 a little better than I do the Wilson with the factory sights - especially at 15 yards. Again, I think this may be because of that rear Wilson sight on the Wilson gun - with the curve in the sight picture.
Now, do I like the Wilson? Yes. But if I was offered a choice of just 1 of them... Between the 2.... I'd choose the M9A3, hands down... No real hard decision for me...
Realize it is still all done at the Beretta factory. They just add some Wilson parts. Wilson has admitted that they don't even open the boxes, once they are delivered to their location from Beretta... Not unless you order the trigger job from them. So, it's still a factory Beretta gun, just specced by Wilson.
Wilson originally specced the tighter frame to slide fit too. But after Beretta did that for Wilson, they tightened up their fit on all the other Beretta 92 variants. So, it doesn't matter what 92 you buy now - they all are tighter in that regard.
I personally like the M9A3 better than the Wilson Brig. And to this day, the M9A3 is my favorite 92 variant.
A long time ago, on another forum, someone was asking about whether they should buy a Wilson Brig vs another model. I remembered typing out a comparison about why I liked the M9A3 more... I went looking, and I found it. I had written it back in 2016.
Anyway, I thought I would past it here, as it may help you:
------------------
Why I preferred the M9A3 over the Wilson Brig Tactical pistol:
1. I like the sight picture of a standard type 92 slide the most, which the M9A3 also has. The squareness of the front sight area on the Brigadier slides makes the front sight not as quick to pick up. The base where the front sight sits at is squared off on the Brig slide. It doesn't have that curve on it like a normal 92 does around the front sight area...
Also, the front sight IS a little bit shorter on the Brig slide (compared to the M9A3 slide). If you put the slides next to each other, you can see that. Taller sights always pick up faster for me.
I think it is much easier to see the front sight on a standard 92FS slide, with the curved area under the front sight... (this is 1 thing I like about a 1911 - the top of the slide is curved, and it makes it so quick to pick up the front sight). On this M9A3, the Vertec style slide (dovetailed front sight) still has the curve of a regular 92FS. I like this much more.
2. Also, the front sight (facing the shooter) on the M9A3 has about a 45 degree cut to it. The Wilson front sight has a 90 degree cut (shadows effect seeing that white paint more). The white circle around the tritium on the M9A3 pops out more - because of the 45 degree angle facing the shooter. It picks up more light since it's at a 45 degree angle.
3. I REALLY like the different angle of the safety levers on the M9A3. By raising the levers upwards a bit, it does cause less issues when tying to clear a jam (if need be). I've messed around with this, and the levers do what is intended by that slight change. But, you can always get the decock only version too, or install the conversion kit yourself.
4. The grip of the M9A3 feels better to me. Generally, I prefer standard serrations over the checkering Beretta uses. But, with the rear strap being covered by that Hogue conversion grip on the M9A3 - I don't mind the front strap checkering.
When I hold both guns (either with a loaded mag in each or no mag in each), I prefer the feel of the M9A3 in my hand more than I do the Wilson. Granted, I do NOW have Hogue grip panels instead of the VZ grips on the Wilson (I like them better than the stock VZ's)... But, the M9A3 feels much better to me in the hand.
5. The rear sight of the M9A3 is just perfect. I didn't think I'd like the lack of white circles on the rear tritium. But the silver rings work great around the rear tritium on the M9A3. The eyes still gets drawn to the white around the front dot - but you still have 2 rear dots on the rear sight.
I'd never use the Wilson, with the all black rear sight, as a home defense gun - as you have absolutely no way to see the rear sight in low/no light. Granted, I have solved that problem by having Trijicon replace that rear Wilson sight with a normal tritium rear. But, as I am talking about the Brig Tactical and how it comes FROM the factory with the all black rear... The M9A3 wins this IMHO. It's too bad the Wilson sight doesn't come with a single tritium rear dot - like Straight 8 sights.
Also, I wish the rear Wilson sight had a square cut instead of a curved cut (in the sight channel). I just don't like rear sights with a curved sight channel. Again, this was solved by me having Trijicon replace that rear sight on the Brig Tactical.
6. I shoot the M9A3 a little better than I do the Wilson with the factory sights - especially at 15 yards. Again, I think this may be because of that rear Wilson sight on the Wilson gun - with the curve in the sight picture.
Now, do I like the Wilson? Yes. But if I was offered a choice of just 1 of them... Between the 2.... I'd choose the M9A3, hands down... No real hard decision for me...
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I recently bought a WCP320,and if the way they do the 92 is similar to the 320,I think it's worth the money if you like that sort of thing.The action tune on the Sig is a Greyguns trigger along with a very slick slide fit.I'm very happy with mine,but does it outshoot my stock M17?No.The sights are more for range/competition,and Wilson does say that the pistol is for range work,not SD or carry.
HarryB
Member
[QUOTE="JTQ, post: 12479791, member: 94757"For clarity, the Wilson and Langdon guns, while both Beretta's are different guns.[/QUOTE]
To a point they are. The work is more similar than different. The base guns are different. My point was that in my opinion, the work is worth the extra cost of the trigger packages from LT or WC. More crossover with Langdon in the past training the Wilson trigger tuners.
To a point they are. The work is more similar than different. The base guns are different. My point was that in my opinion, the work is worth the extra cost of the trigger packages from LT or WC. More crossover with Langdon in the past training the Wilson trigger tuners.
HarryB
Member
And now the waiting starts! I'm like a six year old waiting for Santa
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