Wilson KZ45

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rauchman

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Greetings all,

My shooting buddy just picked up a used KZ45. We will be taking it out for a range session this weekend. This could very well be my next handgun. What a perfect marriage of 1911 technology and polymer. Aside from the fact that the thing locks up like a bank vault, and that the trigger is the widest and most comfortable trigger I've ever felt on a 1911, and that it just oozes refinement when working the slide........it is the most comfortable 1911 style gun I've ever picked up. Really really nice. The grip is actually a hair thinner than a standard 1911 w/ grips. However, the front and backstraps have a more squared off feel to them. I've always felt the 1911 was a little too thin in the grip area. This new setup was perfect. It allowed a really positive grip. I'm sure there are a lot of 1911 pureists on this site that wouldn't like it though. For me, it provided the perfect placement of hand on grip so that unlitmately, the trigger finger rides perfectly in the placement of the finger tip pad across the trigger face. I can't wait to sling a few rounds through it to see how recoil and handling will be. I never thought I would seriously consider a handgun over $1k, but this one is worthy of consideration. I'm used to shooting Springfield Loaded models and 1911's of that class. My SA Loaded seems barbaric and crude compared to this Wilson. The Robar finish is perfectly applied. Dry firing a couple of shots, the gun just didn't move at all when lining up the sights. I have high hopes on this pistol on the performance end. If it shoots as well as I think it will, I will be selling off my SA Loaded to partially fund this most excellent acquisition.
 
KZ45 I don't think it would be right to compare it to a 1911...it's just...different, for better or worse.

IIRC the finish is Armortuff, Wilson's own stuff. Smells like crayons (either that or the lube) :D

You're right about the grip...I'm glad it fits you...I think doublestack 1911s aren't for me. I can shoot them at the square range but I go to hell with them when under a timer. Damn if that thing wasn't accurate though. Fit and finish were absolutely excellent.

Sold it...EXCELLENT gun, just wasn't for me.

kz45.jpg
 
ohh dear god please:what: that is so beautiful, i want one. but doubt i will ever be able to afford one.
 
I somehow managed to afford one...just had to reallocate my resources... *cough*Top Ramen*cough*
 
Yes, indeed...a marriage of technologies...

seems to be well executed too!
I played witht the KZ45 Compact at a local shop and it felt great!! Maybe one day......really do not want to have to change out my other mags and pouches etc for duty gear(I use an Uncle Mike's Quad- four Wilsons at 7 each for 36 rounds on belt and in gun, and opposed to two extra 9 round mags for 28 rounds?). And I have a great CCW already.....so, it is on the really cool but not really needed list, so it'll be awhile.
Jercamp45
 
Rauchman, when you get back from the range post a report on your impressions of the gun if you would please.

I was looking at one of these at the last gun show and I was equally impressed. Other than the sticker shock I was really impressed with the fit and finish on this thing. Like you it seemed made for my hand and seemed to balance well. I couldn't get an intelligent answer as to how the frame is made. The website states stainless and kevlar poly. It didn't look or feel like metal and at the same time didn't look or feel like other poly guns I have handled. Is it cast from a slurry of stainless steel and kevlar poly or what? Will this gun accept mags from other manufactures or just Wilson mags? I have read here that Wilson are popular mags for .45's is that true? How much do they typically run?

I'd blow my budget for a year if I bought one. I would however if I thought it was worth it. I'm looking at other guns also. Let us know what you think of it.

Shabo
 
I purchased a full size KZ-45 in November of last year that was slightly used (less than 500 rounds). I have since put a little over 4000 rounds through it without a weapon related malfunction. I was sufficiently impressed I ordered a KZ-45 Compact from Wilson and received it in August. I have now put about 1000 rounds through the Compact.

These have become my favorite 1911 style guns and the Compact is my daily carry gun. My only complaint, and this is not the fault of Wilson, is I can't see the stupid three dot sights well. I can't see anyone elses three dot sights either. My middle aged eyesight just doesn't like having that many things to look at and pick from. I am now looking into putting XS Sight Systems 24/7 Big Dots on the Compact.

As for the guns themselves, I couldn't be happier.
 
The only drawback they have is that they use a proprietary mag that no other gun uses, and only Wilson makes... I think they are $35-40 each, kind of expensive, but maybe not if you are talking about a $1100 gun.

I have a compact, it has never malfunctioned.
 
I went back and read the write up on Wilson's site on these guns. The frame is Kevlar poly with a stainless steel insert. They state that the insert is permanently bonded to the poly frame. Anyone have an idea how this is done to make it permanent? Guess I should ask Wilson huh? Too bad about the proprietary mags and the price, $39.95 on Wilson's site. I'll see if I can get an answer from them on the bonding process on the frame.

Shabo
 
I would assume the steel insert is bonded to the frame the same way the steel inserts in a Glock, HK USP, or any other polymer gun are bonded. The composite frame is molded around the steel insert(s) so that they essentially become one piece.
I don't own a KZ but I do like the fact that the large, one piece steel insert contains all bearing surfaces, pins, etc., unlike the individual small metal pieces in the Glocks, etc.
 
dbshabo,
harrydog is right.
The steel insert is placed in mould and then the polymer is added.
There are a couple of holes in the stainless insert to let the polymer fill through to make the bond as strong as possible.
After the polymer has cooled, the frame is checked thoroughly for the slightest defect, and then the rails are machined.
The mags are not standard 1911, but proprietary to the KZ-45.
I had the pleasure to examine the production of the frames on my last visit to SA.
 
Do the mags on the KZ45 drop free like on a regular 1911? I might get one, but Gun Tests magazine says the mags aren't drop-free.
 
All six of my KZ-45 mags drop free.

Owned my KZ-45 for about 3 years now (very low serial#). Have to look up the round count but it's in the many thousands. Even did my own 1000-rd without cleaning test without problems. Nightsites still bright as ever, too.

Always cycled any ammo I used, including 1200rds of American Ammunition!

Barrel linking pin malfunctioned ~3000+ rounds into ownership. Difficult to manually cycle the slide and impossible to perform press-check, but the gun still worked flawlessly when firing and cycling for ~100 extra rounds. No problems since repairs.

Armor-tuff wore very badly, had to give Wilson cust service hard time before they authorized refinishing. 2nd finish holding up better.

Very different feel to grip than regular 1911.

This is my primary defensive pistol.
 
The mags are indeed drop free. The mags take a bit more to insert (gotta slam full ones in HAAARD) and seem more difficult to eject because it takes more to press the release, and your thumbs have to reach farther, making it seem more difficult esp if you have small paws. I really like the HK style mag releases as far as doublestack .45s are concerned.
 
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