A few months ago the Wilson Combat website announced “their new State of the Art Polymer 1911” and launched a naming contest for said pistol. Contestants were allowed to submit one name suggestion per person, the lucky winner would recieve one of these new babies to add to their collection. This week Wilson Combat announced the name of their new pistol, the Wilson Combat Spec-Ops 9.

I don’t know how I feel about the name, but wow, this is a BEAUTIFUL handgun. I’ve always considered 1911’s to be by far the best looking handguns. The Star Burst Profile grips look awesome too. It reminds me of the rising sun Japanese flag. Not to mention it’s a Wilson, anything that company puts out is art. Those guys over there practically shit out gold.

Wilson Combat targed the concealed carry permit holders with this gun. By theory, this would be an ideal concealed carry weapon. It is short and compact, lightweight polymer frame. Not to mention the slim profile of a 1911 is perfect for concealed carry. It’s not fat like a Glock so it doesn’t get tight on the jeans. The 16+1 rounds of 9mm is hard to argue with too. But it does have a few quandaries.

It is a little heavy. Unloaded the Spec-Ops 9 weighs in at 29.6oz. Sure its not as heavy as a brick, but keep in mind this is polmyer framed. A full aluminumn Kimber Pro Carry II (unloaded) is 28oz. And the two are just about the same size. It does defeat the purpose of the whole lightweight polymer. The Glock 19 is 29.98 oz. loaded, and a mere 20.99 oz. Weight of a concealed carry gun is very important to me. You have to remember, you’re wearing this all day, only adding weight to what you’re already carrying.

All in all, it’s still a very nice piece. However $1995 is a pretty high price for a plastic gun. But at Wilson Combat, you get what you pay for. Going plastic definitly a smart move by Wilson though. Polymer is the new wave, and it’s quickly replacing it’s metal predecessors. Hopefully this gun does well, then we’ll be able to see more calibers in the future.

Specifications:
Caliber: 9mm
Magazine Capacity: 16rnd
Barrel Length: 4.5”
Overall Length: 7.9”
Sight Radius: 6.2”
Height: 5.3”
Width:1.3”
Weight Empty: 29.6oz.
Weight Loaded: 36.7oz.
Accuracy Guarantee: 1.5 at 25 yds.