Wilson Combat KZ 45 - thoughts?

[chez323]

I was in a local shop and saw this in the case. I had stopped by to pick up a used Ithaca model 37 featherlight ($125) for my nephews 13th birthday. The gun is sound just needs a front sight and to be reblued. So I went there with intentions of not spending much $, then I saw this Wilson Combat KZ in the used case.......... it is a thing of beauty, fits my hand ever so nicely......... it's now on layaway.... will pick it up either Sunday or Monday (depends on when the guy gets back from an auction he's attending). Anyways, here's the pics...... let me know what you know about it. All I know is I like, it's been discontinued and it is a polymer/kevlar/stainless steel hybrid that holds 10 plus 1. So, did I do the right thing? I think I did as it fits/feels great in my hand and is a sharp looking gun..........

 

[farscott]

You did very well. The Wilson Combat warranty is for the life of the gun. If there is a front sight issue, give them a call. It will be fixed. Wilson also has magazines for the gun.

 

[CWL]

Excellent pistol. I have owned one for 10+ years. It used to be my primary pistol before I went to full customs. Don't remember the ammo count anymore, but I have used mine in weeklong training courses in West Coast, East Coast and points in-between. Never failed me.

It definitely can meet their 1.25" claim at 25 yards for accuracy!

Only issue that it had was that original ones came with plastic guide rods, which should have all been replaced with steel by now (contact WC if you find plastic for a replacement).

You will need Medium-to-large hands to shoot it comfortably though due to the double-stack design. The grip is very big and hard for smaller hands to reach the trigger.

 

[CPshooter]

Always wanted to shoot one of those...nice score and congrats!

 

[BigJimP]

I have fired one - a few yrs back....and the KZ platform doesn't fit my hands as well as a more traditional wilson feel in their 1911's ( I have a couple of Wilson's 5" guns in 9mm and .45 acp )....

I think Wilson quit making that model in about 2008 ...but last I knew Wilson was still carrying mags for that gun. I don't know for sure - but I think the reason they deleted the model was just because it wasn't selling like they had hoped.

But if you liked the way the gun felt, I think you made a good buy. I don't know how good the resale value is on that model ....or their new polymer frame offering, the Spec Ops model, because its just different than their typical 1911's in steel or alloy frames..../ but I hope you enjoy it ! Congratulations !

 

[Jim Watson]

I don't think the magazine is interchangeable with anything else in the world.
Stock up before they cut you off.

 

[aliveisalive]

Wasnt this just a relabel from BUL?

I wish BUL was more popular Id grab one.

 

[BigJimP]

I'm pretty sure the one I shot ...had a 10 round mag in it ...but my memory is terrible.

But yes, call Wilson Combat today ....and buy 5 or 6 new mags, if they have them, for that gun !! Since you said it needs a front sight for some reason ..?? ...I'd talk to them about sending it back under warranty as well ...and while its there - pay them to go thru it, replace all the springs, set the trigger to whatever spec you want, etc..../ just have it tuned up.

Wilson does warrant all of their guns - for the life of the gun - even if you buy it used, unless it was abused / so if it was dropped or something damaging that front sight / they may not warrant it --- but having them do the work on the gun is a good idea in my mind.

 

[chez323]

I bought 2 mags the day I put it on layaway.......... just got ship notice from Wilson...... might have to call them back to order more.

The mags do hold 10 plus 1 in the chamber and I don't believe they fit any other gun. I just love the look of it, thinking I'll pick it up on Sunday after 3pm (my guy is out of town till then).

 

[BigJimP]

Good - the guys at Wilson will take care of it - and quickly !

I broke an extractor on one of my wilsons a few months ago ...shipped it to them, got it back in less than 10 days. Great service ...and great guns !

 

[GILROY]

Had one a while back. Great pistol if you are comfortable with the blocky grip and resale value is generally a a good bit lower compared to the classics. Not an issue if you keep it. But it is a Wilson!!! Enjoy.

 

[chez323]

picked it up tonight, will be hitting the range Tuesday to try it out. Will post a report once I'm back from the range.