Wilson Combat - M4-T Tactical Carbide

[Demiurge]

I have no experience with rifles whatsoever. All I have ever owned are shotguns and handguns. I've always had an admiration for the M-4s, and wondered what the collective thought of this particular brand and model.

What are the legal restrictions on this type of rifle, if any?

Also, I am curious as to why some of the Wilson handguns will run you in upwards of $3,000, but you can get this rifle for around $1,700.

Are there better values in M-4s than this particular brand with a lower price point?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mmike87]

$1700 for an AR variant if already a price premium over most other models.

There is considerably more hand fitting involved with 1911 parts than an AR. All AR parts are typically pretty interchangeable from one rifle make to another. Not as much for high-end 1911's which are more fussy and often require some fitting for reliable operation.

 

[Demiurge]

Do you have any experience with any of Wilson's rifles?

 

[BrennanKG]

Regarding good values for the price, while the bulk of my AR15 experience has been with Bushmaster and Colt, I'm hearing a lot of good feedback on RRA (Rock River Arms) rifles. Actually I'm hear good stuff about all of their products. A nice thing about the RRA AR15s seems to be that they offer a nice range, from simple to extravagant.

As for the Wilson rifles, I suspect that it would be similar to buying an AR15 from Les Baer. On one hand there is probably more attention to detail then in that of a BM or Colt. On the other hand you are definitely paying for the name...not at all like with Colt.


B.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

The Wilson rifles are very nice; but typically you are paying a premium for the name.

While there is a certain amount of skill required to building a nice, reliable AR15 - that skill level is low enough that lots of people are willing to build a good, accurate, reliable AR15 for less than what the Wilson runs.

For $1,700, you could buy an RRA midlength - have a better gas system, an equally reliable rifle (and even have the accuracy if you take the match barrel) and lots of money left over for ammunition and training - and training makes a much bigger difference than the rifle manufacturer.

 

[Roadwild17]

What is the purpose of the rifle?

I guess it doesn’t matter, I've been doing a lot of pre-purchase research and my looking has ended with RRA (Elite CAR A4) and Bushmaster as a backup. The RRA can be ordered in a variety of styles and accessories where as the Bushmaster cant. Downside to a RRA is a 2-3 month wait as they are filling lots of government contracts.

As far as I know, the AR platform has a high percent rate of getting it right, pretty much regardless of manufacture.

 

[mmike87]

I have handled the Wilson's at a gunshow. They seemed nicely put together, but no more so than my Rock River. The Armor-Tuff finish was nice, but not justification for that sort of price premium considering what an AR re-finishing would normally cost.

All the top-tier AR's (RRA, Bushmaster, DPMS, etc.) produce quality reliable rifles. So I am not sure what improvements Wilson thinks they have made to justify the premium.

Personally, if I am going to spend that sort of money on the rifle alone I would (and am later this year) a POF piston operated AR and actually get something different.

I own a Wilson 1911 pistol and am thrilled with it. But I'd pass on their AR's for no other reason than the fact that there is nothing wrong with the RRA that I already have. It's been 100% and fit and finish is fantastic.

 

[Demiurge]

What is the purpose of the rifle?

I'm just doing some preliminary research. Eventually I will just be taking it out for target shooting and general recreation. I'm getting interested in competition shooting now, but I am not sure which direction I want to go -- probably handguns.

All I know is that I do want an M-4, but it sounds like there are better options for the money based on the responses so far.

What are these other M-4s people have suggested running in price? Also, living in Wisconsin am I crossing into some legal issues?

 

[Roadwild17]

The specfic one I looked at is like $935.

If you want a compentition rifle look at http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/dcm/pcwa2s20dcm8.asp .

 

[mmike87]

Most M4-style rifles run about $750 and up. My Rock River, before accessorizing, was like $895 or so. Some packages may cost more if they include option-extras. AR accessories can add up quick - but a base rifle is not too bad.

 

[pythonguy]

As a few of you have mentioned, there are several brands of well made, reliable and accurate AR-15's made these days. I have Colts, RRA's, Bushmaster and some "frankenrifles" that are a mixture, they all shoot better then me and have no problems with the ammo I use. That said, if you want to have something that will give you good resale value, Colts always do better in that department, especially the older ones. And the model does depend on what you want it for, buy one you'll want them all, trust me.

 

[Kestrel]

Are there better values in M-4s than this particular brand with a lower price point?

Yes. Colt.

Also,from what I remember, the receivers that Wilson uses, come from a 2nd or 3rd tier manufacturer.

 

[Demiurge]

The specfic one I looked at is like $935.

If you want a compentition rifle look at http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/dcm/pcwa2s20dcm8.asp .

That one looks like a great option...

I'll check out the Colt too.

 

[Foxtrot427]

1700? Buy an XCR